An exploratory study of the effect of acupuncture on self-efficacy for women seeking fertility support.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of acupuncture on self-efficacy for women receiving acupuncture for fertility support.

Design: Pretest and posttest measurement of infertility self-efficacy was conducted in this prospective observational study.

Setting: Subjects were recruited from three acupuncture practices in South Eastern Australia.

Participants: Women aged 18 to 45 years presenting for acupuncture treatment for natural conception or as an adjunct to assisted reproductive technology participated in this study. Consecutive new patients were invited to take part if they were planning a minimum of four acupuncture treatments as part of a current episode of care.

Outcome Measures: Measurement at baseline and post-acupuncture treatment was performed with the infertility self-efficacy (ISE) scale.

Results: Seventeen women met the entry criteria for the study, 15 (88%) entered the study, 13 (76%) completed both questionnaires. We found a significant increase in total ISE scores from baseline and after four acupuncture treatments (N = 13; t [12] = 3.15, P = .008). Four women showed clinically significant improvement on ISE total scores using the significant change index.

Conclusions: We have preliminary data suggesting that acupuncture improves self-efficacy and psychological coping for women experiencing delays with falling pregnant. Further rigorous research is needed to examine the overall therapeutic effect from acupuncture to support women while undergoing the stressful repetitive process of assisted reproductive technology or natural fertility, and to examine the role of outcome and self-efficacy expectations.