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DoctorOHM · 8th July 2008, 08:57 AM

From BBC.co.uk

Quote:

There is no evidence acupuncture improves the success of IVF treatment, scientists say.
The complementary therapy has been used for centuries in China to aid female fertility and it is now available privately via some NHS clinics.
But the London-based researchers told a European fertility conference an analysis of 13 trials covering almost 2,500 women did not show any benefits.

And i like this quote from Paul Robin of the Acupuncture Society...

Quote:

I'm really surprised by these findings

Professor Yaffle · 8th July 2008, 09:13 AM

There was a meta analysis earlier this year that found that it did have an impact. I will have to compare them and see what studies were included and excluded in each, and why.

Deetee · 8th July 2008, 10:15 AM

Originally Posted by Professor Yaffle

There was a meta analysis earlier this year that found that it did have an impact. I will have to compare them and see what studies were included and excluded in each, and why.

Link to BBC news item:
"Acupuncture no help for IVF"

Badscience quote of the day:

Quote:

Paul Robin chairman the Acupuncture Society, said: "I'm really surprised by these findings.
"I've been treating people for twenty years and in my experience treatment does seem to improve their chances of becoming pregnant.
"This study has shown that there's no proof that acupuncture can help - so that suggests that there should be lots more studies to examine the question. "I'm convinced it can help."

Previous BBC stories:
"Acupuncture boosts IVF success"
"Acupuncture boosts IVF chances"

SpaceMonkeyZero · 8th July 2008, 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by Paul Robin chairman the Acupuncture Society

"This study has shown that there's no proof that acupuncture can help - so that suggests that there should be lots more studies to examine the question. "I'm convinced it can help."

Because then he can have at least another 10 years of his business continuing, taking money from gullible upper middle class folks who think it works.

Professor Yaffle · 8th July 2008, 11:12 AM

Now that I've read the story, I see that it is not published yet - just presented at a conference. So I won't be able to get the details to compare with the previous one. I do see though that they included 13 trials, whereas the previous one only found 7 of high enough quality.

MattusMaximus · 8th July 2008, 01:01 PM

Wow, I'm soooo surprised by these results

I wonder how long it'll take until the acupuncturists start mewling about the conspiracy by Big Medicine and Big Pharma to cover up the benefits of acupuncture? Just give it time...

8th July 2008, 08:57 AM	#1
DoctorOHM New Blood Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Sweden Posts: 4	Acupuncture 'no help for IVF' From BBC.co.uk Quote: There is no evidence acupuncture improves the success of IVF treatment, scientists say. The complementary therapy has been used for centuries in China to aid female fertility and it is now available privately via some NHS clinics. But the London-based researchers told a European fertility conference an analysis of 13 trials covering almost 2,500 women did not show any benefits. And i like this quote from Paul Robin of the Acupuncture Society... Quote: I'm really surprised by these findings

8th July 2008, 09:13 AM	#2
Professor Yaffle Butterbeans and Breadcrumbs Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Emily's shop Posts: 15,447	There was a meta analysis earlier this year that found that it did have an impact. I will have to compare them and see what studies were included and excluded in each, and why.
	__________________ I think you'll find it's a little bit more complicated than that. My blog "Well I think I've made it abundantly clear in this thread I have no idea what I'm talking about..." - truethat

8th July 2008, 10:15 AM	#3
Deetee Illuminator Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 3,790	Originally Posted by Professor Yaffle There was a meta analysis earlier this year that found that it did have an impact. I will have to compare them and see what studies were included and excluded in each, and why. Link to BBC news item: "Acupuncture no help for IVF" Badscience quote of the day: Quote: Paul Robin chairman the Acupuncture Society, said: "I'm really surprised by these findings. "I've been treating people for twenty years and in my experience treatment does seem to improve their chances of becoming pregnant. "This study has shown that there's no proof that acupuncture can help - so that suggests that there should be lots more studies to examine the question. "I'm convinced it can help." Previous BBC stories: "Acupuncture boosts IVF success" "Acupuncture boosts IVF chances"
Deetee Illuminator Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 3,790	__________________ "Reci bobu bob a popu pop." - Tanja "Everything is physics. This does not mean that physics is everything." - Cuddles "The entire practice of homeopathy can be substituted with the advice to "take two aspirins and call me in the morning." - Linda "Homeopathy: I never knew there was so little in it." - BSM

8th July 2008, 10:46 AM	#4
SpaceMonkeyZero Graduate Poster Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: hi Barb!!!!! Posts: 1,287	Originally Posted by Paul Robin chairman the Acupuncture Society "This study has shown that there's no proof that acupuncture can help - so that suggests that there should be lots more studies to examine the question. "I'm convinced it can help." Because then he can have at least another 10 years of his business continuing, taking money from gullible upper middle class folks who think it works.
	__________________ "NOBODY expects the Truther Movement! Our chief weapon is speculation, speculation and conjecture, conjecture and speculation. Our two weapons are conjecture and speculation, and youtube videos. Our three weapons are conjecture, speculation, and youtube videos, and an almost fanatical devotion to the "Truth". Our four. No. Amongst our weapons. Amongst our weaponry, are such elements as conjecture, speculation."

8th July 2008, 11:12 AM	#5
Professor Yaffle Butterbeans and Breadcrumbs Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Emily's shop Posts: 15,447	Now that I've read the story, I see that it is not published yet - just presented at a conference. So I won't be able to get the details to compare with the previous one. I do see though that they included 13 trials, whereas the previous one only found 7 of high enough quality.
	__________________ I think you'll find it's a little bit more complicated than that. My blog "Well I think I've made it abundantly clear in this thread I have no idea what I'm talking about..." - truethat Last edited by Professor Yaffle; 8th July 2008 at 11:14 AM.

8th July 2008, 01:01 PM	#6
MattusMaximus Intellectual Gladiator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: In the midst of a vast, beautiful & uncaring universe Posts: 14,204	Wow, I'm soooo surprised by these results I wonder how long it'll take until the acupuncturists start mewling about the conspiracy by Big Medicine and Big Pharma to cover up the benefits of acupuncture? Just give it time...
	__________________ Visit my blog: The Skeptical Teacher The Times They Are A-Changin'