Stress Relief May Boost IVF Pregnancy Rates

For women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), stress management techniques may boost the odds of conceiving. In a recent study published in Fertility and Sterility, researchers found that certain mind-body therapies helped raise pregnancy rates among women receiving IVF.

The study involved 143 women (ages 40 and younger) who were about to begin their first IVF cycle. For two IVF cycles, the women took part in either a control group or an intervention called the Mind/Body Program for Infertility. Designed to ease stress and alleviate anxiety, the program included cognitive behavior therapy, relaxation training, and a social support component.

Study results revealed that 52 percent of the members of the Mind/Body Program for Infertility became pregnant, compared to just 20 percent of the control group. According to the study's authors, this finding "supports the theory that psychological distress may be an important detriment to IVF outcome."

In past research, acupuncture has also been found to improve pregnancy rates among women undergoing IVF.


Refrence: http://altmedicine.about.com/b/2011/05/31/stress-relief-may-boost-ivf-pregnancy-rates.htm