Women looking for a little help with conception will be happy to hear the results of recent research involving acupuncture and In vitro fertilization (IVF).

In a recent Yahoo article (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080208/ap_on_he_me/acupuncture_fertility;_y...), the grouping of 3 separate, smaller studies, showed that acupuncture used right after IVF can help improve the chances of pregnancy. Researchers state that currently, the success rate of IVF alone is 35%, the addition of acupuncture may raise those chances to 45%.

Although some physicians agree there is no real proof that acupuncture can be helpful to women trying to conceive, they do state that there is no harm in trying! Acupuncture is used to try to control pain and reduce stress. In fertility treatment, it is thought to increase blood flow to the uterus, relax the cervix and inhibit "fight or flight" stress hormones that can make it tougher for an embryo to implant.

For women who have tried everything, this research presents a new hope.

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