Since this preliminary study, a number of studies e.g. 2-7 have attempted to replicate their findings using the same or similar acupuncture around embryo transfer protocols (German Acupuncture Protocol), however, the results were equivocal. A systematic review published in 2008,8 reported a non-significant impact of German acupuncture protocol, based on the meta-analysis of 8 trials on acupuncture during IVF. An updated meta-analysis of 9 trials by the same research group further confirmed their original finding.9 (about Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis)
Despite the less than impressive follow-up data since the highly publicized initial study by Paulus, et al.,1 the German protocol has been widely used among acupuncturists. In fact, it quickly became a “gold standard” acupuncture protocol during IVF cycle.
In my view however, the German acupuncture protocol is a typical example of the standardized, compromised acupuncture used in many acupuncture trials, which does not reflect the practice of classical acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine.
Update November 2018: A systematic review study on the German acupuncture protocol has been published in October 2018. Based on the results of meta-analysis of previous clinical trials using the German method, the authors do not recommend using this protocol with IVF procedure as this particular acupuncture protocol might negatively impact the pregnancy rate.
Schwarze JE et al.: Does acupuncture the day of embryo transfer affect the clinical pregnancy rate? Systematic review and meta-analysis. JBRA Assist Reprod. 2018 Nov 1;22(4):363-368