Acupuncture and herbs increased IUI success rate from 39.4% to 65.5% in this study. The difference in the success rates is even more interesting, considering that the control group, who didn’t receive acupuncture was on average 2.3 years younger. The control group was 37.1 years old and the treatment group was 39.4. Normally, you’d expect much lower pregnancy rates in 39 year olds.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal treatment for women undergoing intrauterine insemination
Keren Sela, Ofer Lehavi, Amnon Buchan, Karin Kedar-Shalema, Haim Yavetz, Shahar Lev-ari
Unit of Complementary Medicine, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine,
Tel Aviv University, 6 Weizmann St., Tel Aviv 64239, Israel
Fertility Research Institute, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
Aim: To assess the effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM, acupuncture and medicinal herbs) as a therapeutic adjuvant to ovulation induction with intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedures and evaluate its contribution to pregnancy and “take-home baby” rates.
Materials and methods: A comparative retrospective study was carried out in a university – affiliated municipal hospital. All women undergoing artificial insemination by donor spermatozoa (AID) and concomitantly treated with TCM were invited to participate. The enrolled women underwent weekly TCM in parallel with medical therapy. The treatment lasted between 2 and 36 cycles (equivalent to a time period ranging from one month to one year). The control group was comprised of women who underwent AID without TCM and whose data were retrospectively retrieved from hospital files. Pregnancy was assessed by human chorionic gonadotropin findings in blood 12–14 days after IUI. The birth rate was calculated during follow-up.
Results: A total of 29 women aged 30–45 years were enrolled in the study. The historical control group included 94 women aged 28–46 years.
Results over an average 4-5 months cumulative period:
1. Acupuncture and herbs plus IUI; average age 39.43 years
2. Control group – IUI (DI) only; average age 37.12 years
Women who combined TCM with the procedures for undergoing IUI had significantly higher pregnancy (OR = 4.403, 95% CI 1.51–12.835,
p = 0.007) and birth rates (OR = 3.905, 95% CI 1.321–11.549, p = 0.014) than the control group.
Conclusions: TCM appears to be beneficial as an adjunctive treatment in IUI procedures. Randomized controlled trials are needed to further assess the role of acupuncture and herbs in this setting.
What is semen liquefaction? Immediately after ejaculation semen coagulates and then liquefies again within 15 to 20 minutes. Unfortunately, for about 11.8 per cent of men, diagnosed with infertility, semen does not liquefy.
One of the main causes, why sperm doesn’t liquefy, is inflammation. To be precise, the inflammation of the prostate and seminal vesicles. As a result, because of the impaired function, these glands may secrete less of the sperm fluid. Therefore, lead to lower semen quality and trouble with liquefaction.
This study shows that Chinese herbs can reduce semen liquefaction time. As a result, sperm motility and concentration improved as well.
Shengjing Tablets used in this study include nine TCM/herbal ingredients. The key to success here is not prescribing just any herbs. The most important is the combination and dose of each ingredient that makes the formula successful.
Shengjing tablets for semen non-liquefaction: a clinical study of 100 cases.
[Article in Chinese]
Yang XF, Guo LH, An LH, Pan ZH, Sun L, Ma K
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the efficacy and action mechanism of Shengjing Tablets in the treatment liquefaction.
METHODS:
We randomly assigned 150 patients with semen non-liquefaction to receive Shengjing Tablets group, n = 100) and vitamin E capsules (control group, n = 50) for 2 courses of 45 days each, followed by observation liquefaction time and other semen parameters.
RESULTS:
After the first course, 68 of the patients in the treatment group 20 responded and 12 failed to respond; and after the second course, 84 were cured, 9 responded and 7 failed to respond, the effective rate of 93.0%. In comparison, only 8 of the controls were cured, 8 responded and 34 failed to respond after medication. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, the treatment showed obvious improvement in sperm motility and concentration.
CONCLUSION:
Shengjing Tablets may shorten the time liquefaction and can be used as a safe and effective therapy for semen non-liquefaction.
A comprehensive article explaining how acupuncture may help prevent miscarriages.
BMC Complement Altern Med. 2012 Mar 22;12(1):20. [Epub ahead of print]
Acupuncture as a therapeutic treatment option for threatened miscarriage.
Betts D, Smith CA, Hannah DG.
Abstract
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND:
Threatened miscarriage involves vaginal bleeding in a pregnancy that remains viable. This is a common early pregnancy complication with increased risk factors for early pregnancy loss, preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), preterm delivery, low birth weight babies and maternal antepartum haemorrhage. Currently there are no recommended medical treatment options, rather women receive advice that centres on a ‘wait and see’ approach. For women with a history of unexplained recurrent miscarriage providing supportive care in a subsequent pregnancy improves live birthing outcomes, but the provision of supportive care to women experiencing threatened miscarriage has to date not been examined.
DISCUSSION:
While it is known that 50-70 % of miscarriages occur due to chromosomal abnormalities, the potential for therapeutic intervention amongst the remaining percentage of women remains unknown. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies have the potential to provide supportive care for women presenting with threatened miscarriage. Within fertility research, acupuncture demonstrates beneficial hormonal responses with decreased miscarriage rates, raising the possibility acupuncture may promote specific beneficial effects in early pregnancy. With the lack of current medical options for women presenting with threatened miscarriage it is timely to examine the possible treatment benefits of providing CAM therapies such as acupuncture.
SUMMARY:
Despite vaginal bleeding being a common complication of early pregnancy there is often reluctance from practitioners to discuss with women and medical personal how and why CAM may be beneficial. In this debate article, the physiological processes of early pregnancy together with the concept of providing supportive care and acupuncture are examined. The aim is to raise awareness and promote discussion as to the beneficial role CAM may have for women presenting with threatened miscarriage
This study published in journal of Spermatogenesis contributes to understanding of how acupuncture improves sperm parameters. The researchers found that acupuncture improved Sertoli cell functions. This has enhanced germ cell proliferation. The result is improved motile sperm count. The study design could not evaluate other sperm parameters.
Spermatogenesis. 2012 Jan 1;2(1):53-62.
Electroacupuncture enhances spermatogenesis in rats after scrotal heat treatment.
Gao J, Zuo Y, So KH, Yeung WS, Ng EH, Lee KF.
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is regulated by a cascade of steroid regulated genes in the testis. Recent studies suggested that acupuncture may improve fertility in men with abnormal semen parameters. Yet, the underlying mechanisms in which acupuncture enhances spermatogenesis remain largely unknown. Here we used a scrotal heat-treated rat model to study the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on recovery of spermatogenesis. In this model, spermatogenesis was disrupted by 30 min scrotal heat treatment at 43°C. Ten sessions of EA were given at Baihui (GV20), Guanyuan (CV4), Zusanli (ST36) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) from day 9 to day 36 post-treatment. Sperm motility and production, morphology of the germinal epithelium by Johnsen’s scoring, germ cell apoptosis by TUNEL staining, proliferation by proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) staining, as well as serum testosterone and inhibin B levels by immunoassays were evaluated on day 0, 1, 9, 25, 37, 46, 56 and 79. When compared with the heat-treated (H) group, the heat-treated plus EA (H(+)EA) group showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in PCNA-positive cells and inhibin B levels on days 37 and 46, and a higher Johnsen's score till day 56. On day 79, motile spermatozoa could be found in the vas deferens of H(+)EA group only. Consistently, there was a trend of improved motility and increased number of motile epididymal spermatozoa in the H(+)EA group than the H group; while apoptosis of germ cells and serum testosterone levels were similar between the two groups. Taken together, EA enhanced germ cell proliferation through improvement of Sertoli cell functions. This may facilitate the recovery of spermatogenesis and may restore normal semen parameters in subfertile patients.
Electrical and manual acupuncture stimulation affects estrous cyclicity and neuroendocrine function in a DHT-induced rat polycystic ovary syndrome model
Yi Feng, Julia Johansson, Ruijin Shao, Louise Mannerås Holm, Håkan Billig, Elisabet Stener-Victorin
Abstract
Both low-frequency electro-acupuncture (EA) and manual acupuncture improve menstrual frequency and decrease circulating androgens in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We sought to determine whether low-frequency EA is more effective than manual stimulation in regulating disturbed estrous cyclicity in rats with PCOS induced by 5?-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). To identify the central mechanisms of the effects of stimulation, we assessed hypothalamic mRNA expression of molecules that regulate reproductive and neuroendocrine function.
From age 70 days, rats received 2-Hz EA or manual stimulation of the needles five times/week for 4–5 weeks; untreated rats served as controls. Specific hypothalamic nuclei were obtained by laser microdissection, and mRNA expression was measured with TaqMan low-density arrays. Untreated rats were acyclic. During the last 2 weeks of treatment, seven of eight (88%) rats in the EA group had epithelial keratinocytes, demonstrating estrous cycle change (p= 0.034 vs. controls). In the manual group, five of eight (62%) rats had estrous cycle changes (ns vs. controls). mRNA expression of the opioid receptors Oprk1 and Oprm1 in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus was lower in the EA group than in untreated controls. mRNA expression of the steroid hormone receptors Esr2, Pgr, and Kiss1r was lower in the manual group than in the controls.
In rats with DHT-induced PCOS, low-frequency EA restored disturbed estrous cyclicity but did not differ from manual stimulation group, although electrical stimulation lowered serum testosterone in responders, those with restored estrus cyclicity, and differed from both controls and the manual stimulation group. Thus, EA cannot in all aspects be considered superior to manual stimulation.
The effects of low-frequency EA may be mediated by central opioid receptors, while manual stimulation may involve regulation of steroid hormone/peptide receptors.
https://infertility-acupuncture.info/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Infertility-acupuncture-logo-300x152.png00Vitalis Skiauterishttps://infertility-acupuncture.info/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Infertility-acupuncture-logo-300x152.pngVitalis Skiauteris2012-02-08 15:58:582021-09-26 12:32:03Acupuncture improves menstrual frequency and decreases androgens in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the effect of acupuncture on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes.
DESIGN:
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
PATIENT(S):
Women undergoing IVF in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) who were evaluated for the effects of acupuncture on IVF outcomes.
INTERVENTION(S):
The intervention groups used manual, electrical, and laser acupuncture techniques. The control groups consisted of no, sham, and placebo acupuncture.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S):
The major outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR). Heterogeneity of the therapeutic effect was evaluated with a forest plot analysis. Publication bias was assessed by a funnel plot analysis.
RESULT(S):
Twenty-four trials (a total of 5,807 participants) were included in this review. There were no significant publication biases for most of the comparisons among these studies. The pooled CPR (23 studies) from all of the acupuncture groups was significantly greater than that from all of the control groups, whereas the LBR (6 studies) was not significantly different between the two groups. The results were different when the type of control was examined in a sensitivity analysis. The CPR and LBR differences between the acupuncture and control groups were more obvious when the studies using the Streitberger control were ignored. Similarly, if the underlying effects of the Streitberger control were excluded, the LBR results tended to be significant when the acupuncture was performed around the time of oocyte aspiration or controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.
CONCLUSION(S):
Acupuncture improves CPR and LBR among women undergoing IVF based on the results of studies that do not include the Streitberger control. The Streitberger control may not be an inactive control. More positive effects of using acupuncture in IVF can be expected if an appropriate control and more reasonable acupuncture programs are used.
Acupuncture improves clinical pregnancy, implantation rate and live birth rate of IVF embryo transfer. The researchers used Transcutaneous electro acupuncture in this study. Transcutaneous electrostimulation is another way to stimulate acupuncture points. And needles are not necessary!
As you can see from the abstract below, clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, and live birth rate all improved in the acupuncture group. With pregnancy rate improving from 29.3% to 50%, implantation rate increasing from 15.0% to 25.9% and live birth dramatically increasing from 21.2% to 42.0%.
The study was published in Fertility and Sterility in 2011.
Fertil Steril. 2011 Oct;96(4):912-6. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.07.1093. Epub 2011 Sep 8. Increase of success rate for women undergoing embryo transfer by transcutaneous electrical acupuncture point stimulation: a prospective randomized placebo-controlled study.
Author information
Zhang R1, Feng XJ, Guan Q, Cui W, Zheng Y, Sun W, Han JS.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupuncture point stimulation (TEAS) on pregnancy rates (PR) in women undergoing ET.
PATIENT(S):
A total of 309 patients, less than 45 years old, undergoing cryopreservation embryos transplant or fresh cycle IVF with or without intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
INTERVENTION(S):
The subjects were randomly allocated to three groups: mock TEAS treatment: 30 minutes after ET (group I, n = 99); single TEAS treatment: 30 minutes after ET (group II, n = 110); and double TEAS treatments: 24 hours before ET and 30 minutes after ET (group III, n = 100).
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S):
Clinical PR, embryos implantation rate, live birth rate.
RESULT(S):
The clinical PR, embryos implantation rate, and live birth rate of group I (29.3%, 15.0%, and 21.2%, respectively) were significantly lower than those in group II (42.7%, 25.7%, and 37.3%, respectively) and group III (50.0%, 25.9%, and 42.0%, respectively).
CONCLUSION(S):
Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation, especially double TEAS, significantly improved the clinical outcome of ET.
The Effect of Acupuncture on Psychosocial Outcomes for Women Experiencing Infertility: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Caroline A. Smith, PhD, Jane M. Ussher, PhD, Janette Perz, PhD, Bridget Carmady, and Sheryl de Lacey, PhD
Abstract
Objectives:
The study objectives were to examine the effectiveness of acupuncture for reducing infertility-related stress.
Design:
The study design was a randomized controlled trial of acupuncture compared with a wait-list control.
Setting:
The study was conducted at The University of Western Sydney.
Subjects:
Thirty-two (32) women aged 20–45 years, with a diagnosis of infertility, or a history of unsuccessfully trying to conceive for 12 months or more, were the subjects of the study.
Interventions:
Women received six sessions of acupuncture for over 8 weeks.
Outcome measures:
The primary outcomes were infertility self-efficacy, anxiety, and infertility-related stress. The women’s experience of infertility and acupuncture is also reported.
Results:
At the end of the 8-week intervention, women in the acupuncture group reported significant changes on two domains on the Fertility Problem Inventory with less social concern (mean difference [MD] ?3.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] ?7.58 to 0.84, p=0.05), and less relationship concern (MD ?3.66, 95% CI ?6.80 to ?0.052, p=0.02). There were also trends toward a reduction of infertility stress on other domains, and a trend toward improved self-efficacy (MD 11.9, 95% CI ? 2.20 to 26.0, p=0.09) and less anxiety (MD ? 2.54, 95% CI ? 5.95 to 0.86, p=0.08) in the acupuncture group compared with the wait-list control. Women described the experience and impact of acupuncture as positive relating to a sense of relaxation and time out, the engagement with the practitioner, and intervention that had very few negative side-effects. Changes were also perceived after treatment with women describing a physical and psychologic sense of relaxation and calmness, and a changed perspective in relation to coping.
Conclusions:
Acupuncture may be a useful intervention to assist with the reduction of infertility-related stress. Further research is justified.
https://infertility-acupuncture.info/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Infertility-acupuncture-logo-300x152.png00Vitalis Skiauterishttps://infertility-acupuncture.info/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Infertility-acupuncture-logo-300x152.pngVitalis Skiauteris2011-10-11 16:47:462020-05-09 15:02:28Acupuncture for reduction of infertility related stress
Increase of success rate for women undergoing embryo transfer by transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation: a prospective randomized placebo-controlled study
Objective
To evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on pregnancy rates (PR) in women undergoing ET.
Design
A total of 309 patients, less than 45 years old, undergoing cryopreservation embryos transplant or fresh cycle IVF with or without intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Intervention(s)
The subjects were randomly allocated to three groups: mock TEAS treatment: 30 minutes after ET (group I, n = 99); single TEAS treatment: 30 minutes after ET (group II, n = 110); and double TEAS treatments: 24 hours before ET and 30 minutes after ET (group III, n = 100).
Main Outcome Measure(s)
Clinical PR, embryos implantation rate, live birth rate.
Result(s)
The clinical PR, embryos implantation rate, and live birth rate of group I (29.3%, 15.0%, and 21.2%, respectively) were significantly lower than those in group II (42.7%, 25.7%, and 37.3%, respectively) and group III (50.0%, 25.9%, and 42.0%, respectively).
Conclusion(s)
Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation, especially double TEAS, significantly improved the clinical outcome of ET.
Effect of acupuncture-moxibustion therapy on sperm quality in infertility patients with sperm abnormality
Objective
Working on seminal plasma acid phosphatase, to explore the mechanism by which acupuncture improves sperm quality (concentration, viability and motility) in infertility patients.
Methods
A total of 118 patients received acupuncture-moxibustion treatment. Before and 3, and 6 months after the treatment were detected their seminal plasma acid phosphatase, sperm concentration, sperm viability and sperm motility were measured.
Results
The differences between before and after treatments in sperm motility and seminal plasma acid phosphatase levels were statistically significant (P<0.01).
Conclusion
Acupuncture-moxibustion can improve seminal plasma acid phosphatase levels in infertility patients.
Authors: An Chen, Aiming Shen, Renhua Li and Zhiping Xia
Key Words Acupuncture Therapy – Infertility, Male – Acid Phosphatase – Spermatozoa
Abstract
Objective
To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture-moxibustion therapy for infertility due to sperm abnormality (SAI).
Methods
We treated a series of 35 cases of SAI with electroacupuncture combined with herb cake-partitioned moxibustion, observing the variation before and after treatment in symptom integral, sperm status, sex hormone and prostate function.
Results
After treatment, the patients were remarkably improved in symptom integral, sperm status, sex hormone and prostate function as compared with those prior to treatment.
Conclusion
Acupuncture is an effective therapy for SAI.
Key Words Acupuncture-moxibustion Therapy – Infertility, Male – Spermatozoa – Azoospermia – Oligospermia
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Title: Effect of electro-acupuncture on ovarian expression of ? (1)- and ? (2)-adrenoceptors, and p75 neurotrophin receptors in rats with steroid-induced polycystic ovaries
Author: Manni Luigi ; Lundeberg Thomas ; Holmäng Agneta ; Aloe Luigi ; Stener-Victorin Elisabet
Abstract:
Abstract
Background
Estradiol valerate (EV)-induced polycystic ovaries (PCO) in rats is associated with an increase in ovarian sympathetic outflow. Low-frequency (2 Hz) electro-acupuncture (EA) has been shown to modulate sympathetic markers as well as ovarian blood flow as a reflex response via the ovarian sympathetic nerves, in rats with EV-induced PCO.
Methods
In the present study, we further tested the hypothesis that repeated 2 Hz EA treatments modulate ovarian sympathetic outflow in rats with PCO, induced by a single i.m. injection of EV, by investigating the mRNA expression, the amount and distribution of proteins of ?1a-, ?1b-, ?1d-, and ?2-adrenoceptors (ARs), as well as the low-affinity neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR).
Results
It was found that EV injection results in significantly higher mRNA expression of ovarian ?1b- and ?1d-AR in PCO rats compared to control rats. The p75NTR and ?2-ARs mRNA expression were unchanged in the PCO ovary. Low-frequency EA resulted in a significantly lower expression of ?2-ARs mRNA expression in PCO rats. The p75NTR mRNA was unaffected in both PCO and control rats. PCO ovaries displayed significantly higher amount of protein of ?1a-, ?1b- and ?1d-ARs, and of p75NTR, compared to control rats, that were all counteracted by repeated low-frequency EA treatments, except for ?1b-AR.
Conclusion
The present study shows that EA normalizes most of the EV-induced changes in ovarian ARs. Furthermore, EA was able to prevent the EV-induced up regulation of p75NTR, probably by normalizing the sympathetic ovarian response to NGF action. Our data indicate a possible role of EA in the regulation of ovarian responsiveness to sympathetic inputs and depict a possible complementary therapeutic approach to overcoming sympathetic-related anovulation in women with PCOS.
Journal: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology
Issn: 14777827
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Selecting a control for in vitro fertilization and acupuncture randomized controlled trials (RCTs): how sham controls may unnecessarily complicate the RCT evidence base
Eric Manheimer M.S.Corresponding Author Contact Information, a, E-mail The Corresponding Author
a Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
Available online 13 May 2011.
Objective
To examine the theoretical and methodologic rationales for the use of sham acupuncture controls in trials of adjuvant acupuncture for in vitro fertilization (IVF), and to identify the drawbacks of using a sham acupuncture control that may have its own effects on the pregnancy outcome. Read more
Title: Effect of electro-acupuncture stimulation of different frequencies and intensities on ovarian blood flow in anaesthetized rats with steroid-induced polycystic ovaries
Author: Stener-Victorin Elisabet ; Kobayashi Rie ; Watanabe Orie ; Lundeberg Thomas ; Kurosawa Mieko
Abstract:
Abstract
Background
Maintenance of ovarian blood flow (OBF) is suggested to be important for regular ovulation in women with polycystic ovaries (PCO). Read more
Current evidence of acupuncture on polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Lim CE, Wong WS.
Faculty of Medicine, South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. celim@unswalumni.com Gynecol Endocrinol. 2010 Jun;26(6):473-8.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to provide a literature review on evaluating the efficacy of acupuncture therapy in the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) by reviewing clinical trials; randomised and non-randomised and observational studies on PCOS. The paper will also determine the possible mechanism of acupuncture treatment in PCOS, limitations of recruited studies and suggest further improvements in future studies. Read more
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Impact of electro-acupuncture and physical exercise on hyperandrogenism and oligo/amenorrhea in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled trial
Elizabeth Jedel1, Fernand Labrie2, Anders Odén3, Göran Holm4, Lars Nilsson5, Per Olof Janson5, Anna-Karin Lind5, Claes Ohlsson6, and Elisabet Stener-Victorin7,8 Read more
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Role of acupuncture in the treatment of female infertility
Fertility and Sterility, Volume 78, Issue 6, Pages 1149-1153 (December 2002)
Raymond Chang M.D.a,b, Pak H. Chung M.D. b* and Zev Rosenwaks M.D.c
Received 24 June 2002; revised 19 July 2002; accepted 19 July 2002.
Abstract
Objective: To review existing scientific rationale and clinical data in the utilization of acupuncture in the treatment of female infertility. Read more
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AIM: We aim to determine the safety and effectiveness of a standard therapeutic package of Korean medicine for the treatment of unexplained infertility in a cross-section of women who sought treatment at an integrative hospital in Seoul, Korea. Read more
Effects of electro-acupuncture on in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) of patients with poor ovarian response
[Article in Chinese]
Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2009 Oct;29(10):775-9.
Chen J, Liu LL, Cui W, Sun W.
Department of Reproduction, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of TCM, Jinan 250001, China. fusantai@126.com
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electro-acupuncture therapy on oocyte quality and pregnancy outcome of patients with the poor ovarian response or decreased reserve in the course of in vitro fertilization (IVF).
METHODS: Sixty cases accepting IVF-ET were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. The two groups were both treated with antagonist scheme for ovulation induction, and the electro-acupuncture intervention was also added in the observation group, Guanyuan (CV 4), Taixi (KI 3), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) etc. were selected. The therapeutic effects in the two groups were compared after treatment.
RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups before treatment. The symptoms of kidney deficiency in the observation group were significantly improved after treatment, and the levels of serum estradiol (E2), fertilization rate, oocyte maturation rate, good quality embryos rate, and implantation rate in the observation group were superior to those in the control group on human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) injection day (all P<0.05); the levels of stem cell factor (SCF) in follicular fluid and serum in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (both P<0.05). The pregnancy rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group, and the abortion rate in the observation group was lower than that in the control group, but there was no significant difference between the two groups (both P>0.05).
CONCLUSION: Electro-acupuncture therapy has a good clinical effect for IVF patients with poor ovarian reserve, and can improve oocyte (egg) quality and pregnancy outcome.
Fertil Steril. 2008 Nov;90(5):1732-8. Epub 2008 Feb 20.
Point- and frequency-specific response of the testicular artery to abdominal electroacupuncture in humans.
Cakmak YO, Akpinar IN, Ekinci G, Bekiroglu N.
Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Marmara, Istanbul, Turkey. ycakmak@marmara.edu.tr
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To clarify the role of the abdominal acupuncture points and the frequency of short-term electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation on testicular blood flow (TBF) in humans.
DESIGN: A prospective, randomized study.
SETTING: University hospital, Department of Radiology, ultrasound unit.
PATIENT(S): Eighty healthy male volunteers were randomly allocated to three groups in stage one and to a single group in stage two. In the first stage of the study, the abdominal acupuncture points ST-29 (guilai) were stimulated using simple needle insertion, 2 Hz burst EA or 10 Hz EA, in three different groups. In the second stage of the study, abdominal acupuncture points ST-25 (tianshu) were stimulated with the frequency found to be more effective in stage one. Stimulation was for 5 minutes in each group.
INTERVENTION(S): Electroacupuncture and Doppler flowmeter.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Four groups were compared for volume flow and other related parameters of TBF.
RESULT(S): The 10-Hz EAcupuncture stimulation of ST-29 (guilai) increased TBF, but simple needle insertion and 2-Hz burst stimulation did not. The 10-Hz EA stimulation of ST-25 (tianshu) did not result in significant changes in TBF.
CONCLUSION(S): For the first time point- and frequency-specific effects of abdominal E Acupuncture on testiclar blood flow are shown in humans. Further investigation is required to ascertain whether these findings may be helpful in the clinical treatment of infertile men.
IUI plus Acupuncture = higher success rate
acupuncture, advanced maternal age, iuiAcupuncture and herbs increased IUI success rate from 39.4% to 65.5% in this study. The difference in the success rates is even more interesting, considering that the control group, who didn’t receive acupuncture was on average 2.3 years younger. The control group was 37.1 years old and the treatment group was 39.4. Normally, you’d expect much lower pregnancy rates in 39 year olds.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal treatment for women undergoing intrauterine insemination
Keren Sela, Ofer Lehavi, Amnon Buchan, Karin Kedar-Shalema, Haim Yavetz, Shahar Lev-ari
Unit of Complementary Medicine, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine,
Tel Aviv University, 6 Weizmann St., Tel Aviv 64239, Israel
Fertility Research Institute, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
Aim: To assess the effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM, acupuncture and medicinal herbs) as a therapeutic adjuvant to ovulation induction with intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedures and evaluate its contribution to pregnancy and “take-home baby” rates.
Materials and methods: A comparative retrospective study was carried out in a university – affiliated municipal hospital. All women undergoing artificial insemination by donor spermatozoa (AID) and concomitantly treated with TCM were invited to participate. The enrolled women underwent weekly TCM in parallel with medical therapy. The treatment lasted between 2 and 36 cycles (equivalent to a time period ranging from one month to one year). The control group was comprised of women who underwent AID without TCM and whose data were retrospectively retrieved from hospital files. Pregnancy was assessed by human chorionic gonadotropin findings in blood 12–14 days after IUI. The birth rate was calculated during follow-up.
Results: A total of 29 women aged 30–45 years were enrolled in the study. The historical control group included 94 women aged 28–46 years.
Results over an average 4-5 months cumulative period:
1. Acupuncture and herbs plus IUI; average age 39.43 years
2. Control group – IUI (DI) only; average age 37.12 years
Women who combined TCM with the procedures for undergoing IUI had significantly higher pregnancy (OR = 4.403, 95% CI 1.51–12.835,
p = 0.007) and birth rates (OR = 3.905, 95% CI 1.321–11.549, p = 0.014) than the control group.
Conclusions: TCM appears to be beneficial as an adjunctive treatment in IUI procedures. Randomized controlled trials are needed to further assess the role of acupuncture and herbs in this setting.
Full text of the study here: Acupuncture and Chinese herbal treatment for IUI
Herbs for semen non-liquefaction
Chinese herbs, male fertilityWhat is semen liquefaction? Immediately after ejaculation semen coagulates and then liquefies again within 15 to 20 minutes. Unfortunately, for about 11.8 per cent of men, diagnosed with infertility, semen does not liquefy.
One of the main causes, why sperm doesn’t liquefy, is inflammation. To be precise, the inflammation of the prostate and seminal vesicles. As a result, because of the impaired function, these glands may secrete less of the sperm fluid. Therefore, lead to lower semen quality and trouble with liquefaction.
This study shows that Chinese herbs can reduce semen liquefaction time. As a result, sperm motility and concentration improved as well.
Shengjing Tablets used in this study include nine TCM/herbal ingredients. The key to success here is not prescribing just any herbs. The most important is the combination and dose of each ingredient that makes the formula successful.
Shengjing tablets for semen non-liquefaction: a clinical study of 100 cases.
[Article in Chinese]
Yang XF, Guo LH, An LH, Pan ZH, Sun L, Ma K
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the efficacy and action mechanism of Shengjing Tablets in the treatment liquefaction.
METHODS:
We randomly assigned 150 patients with semen non-liquefaction to receive Shengjing Tablets group, n = 100) and vitamin E capsules (control group, n = 50) for 2 courses of 45 days each, followed by observation liquefaction time and other semen parameters.
RESULTS:
After the first course, 68 of the patients in the treatment group 20 responded and 12 failed to respond; and after the second course, 84 were cured, 9 responded and 7 failed to respond, the effective rate of 93.0%. In comparison, only 8 of the controls were cured, 8 responded and 34 failed to respond after medication. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, the treatment showed obvious improvement in sperm motility and concentration.
CONCLUSION:
Shengjing Tablets may shorten the time liquefaction and can be used as a safe and effective therapy for semen non-liquefaction.
Acupuncture for threatened miscarriage
acupuncture, miscarriageA comprehensive article explaining how acupuncture may help prevent miscarriages.
BMC Complement Altern Med. 2012 Mar 22;12(1):20. [Epub ahead of print]
Acupuncture as a therapeutic treatment option for threatened miscarriage.
Betts D, Smith CA, Hannah DG.
Abstract
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND:
Threatened miscarriage involves vaginal bleeding in a pregnancy that remains viable. This is a common early pregnancy complication with increased risk factors for early pregnancy loss, preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), preterm delivery, low birth weight babies and maternal antepartum haemorrhage. Currently there are no recommended medical treatment options, rather women receive advice that centres on a ‘wait and see’ approach. For women with a history of unexplained recurrent miscarriage providing supportive care in a subsequent pregnancy improves live birthing outcomes, but the provision of supportive care to women experiencing threatened miscarriage has to date not been examined.
DISCUSSION:
While it is known that 50-70 % of miscarriages occur due to chromosomal abnormalities, the potential for therapeutic intervention amongst the remaining percentage of women remains unknown. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies have the potential to provide supportive care for women presenting with threatened miscarriage. Within fertility research, acupuncture demonstrates beneficial hormonal responses with decreased miscarriage rates, raising the possibility acupuncture may promote specific beneficial effects in early pregnancy. With the lack of current medical options for women presenting with threatened miscarriage it is timely to examine the possible treatment benefits of providing CAM therapies such as acupuncture.
SUMMARY:
Despite vaginal bleeding being a common complication of early pregnancy there is often reluctance from practitioners to discuss with women and medical personal how and why CAM may be beneficial. In this debate article, the physiological processes of early pregnancy together with the concept of providing supportive care and acupuncture are examined. The aim is to raise awareness and promote discussion as to the beneficial role CAM may have for women presenting with threatened miscarriage
Electro-acupuncture enhances sperm motility in rats
male fertilityThis study published in journal of Spermatogenesis contributes to understanding of how acupuncture improves sperm parameters. The researchers found that acupuncture improved Sertoli cell functions. This has enhanced germ cell proliferation. The result is improved motile sperm count. The study design could not evaluate other sperm parameters.
Spermatogenesis. 2012 Jan 1;2(1):53-62.
Electroacupuncture enhances spermatogenesis in rats after scrotal heat treatment.
Gao J, Zuo Y, So KH, Yeung WS, Ng EH, Lee KF.
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is regulated by a cascade of steroid regulated genes in the testis. Recent studies suggested that acupuncture may improve fertility in men with abnormal semen parameters. Yet, the underlying mechanisms in which acupuncture enhances spermatogenesis remain largely unknown. Here we used a scrotal heat-treated rat model to study the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on recovery of spermatogenesis. In this model, spermatogenesis was disrupted by 30 min scrotal heat treatment at 43°C. Ten sessions of EA were given at Baihui (GV20), Guanyuan (CV4), Zusanli (ST36) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) from day 9 to day 36 post-treatment. Sperm motility and production, morphology of the germinal epithelium by Johnsen’s scoring, germ cell apoptosis by TUNEL staining, proliferation by proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) staining, as well as serum testosterone and inhibin B levels by immunoassays were evaluated on day 0, 1, 9, 25, 37, 46, 56 and 79. When compared with the heat-treated (H) group, the heat-treated plus EA (H(+)EA) group showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in PCNA-positive cells and inhibin B levels on days 37 and 46, and a higher Johnsen's score till day 56. On day 79, motile spermatozoa could be found in the vas deferens of H(+)EA group only. Consistently, there was a trend of improved motility and increased number of motile epididymal spermatozoa in the H(+)EA group than the H group; while apoptosis of germ cells and serum testosterone levels were similar between the two groups. Taken together, EA enhanced germ cell proliferation through improvement of Sertoli cell functions. This may facilitate the recovery of spermatogenesis and may restore normal semen parameters in subfertile patients.
Acupuncture improves menstrual frequency and decreases androgens in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
acupuncture, infertility, polycystic ovariesYi Feng, Julia Johansson, Ruijin Shao, Louise Mannerås Holm, Håkan Billig, Elisabet Stener-Victorin
Abstract
Both low-frequency electro-acupuncture (EA) and manual acupuncture improve menstrual frequency and decrease circulating androgens in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We sought to determine whether low-frequency EA is more effective than manual stimulation in regulating disturbed estrous cyclicity in rats with PCOS induced by 5?-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). To identify the central mechanisms of the effects of stimulation, we assessed hypothalamic mRNA expression of molecules that regulate reproductive and neuroendocrine function.
From age 70 days, rats received 2-Hz EA or manual stimulation of the needles five times/week for 4–5 weeks; untreated rats served as controls. Specific hypothalamic nuclei were obtained by laser microdissection, and mRNA expression was measured with TaqMan low-density arrays. Untreated rats were acyclic. During the last 2 weeks of treatment, seven of eight (88%) rats in the EA group had epithelial keratinocytes, demonstrating estrous cycle change (p= 0.034 vs. controls). In the manual group, five of eight (62%) rats had estrous cycle changes (ns vs. controls). mRNA expression of the opioid receptors Oprk1 and Oprm1 in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus was lower in the EA group than in untreated controls. mRNA expression of the steroid hormone receptors Esr2, Pgr, and Kiss1r was lower in the manual group than in the controls.
In rats with DHT-induced PCOS, low-frequency EA restored disturbed estrous cyclicity but did not differ from manual stimulation group, although electrical stimulation lowered serum testosterone in responders, those with restored estrus cyclicity, and differed from both controls and the manual stimulation group. Thus, EA cannot in all aspects be considered superior to manual stimulation.
The effects of low-frequency EA may be mediated by central opioid receptors, while manual stimulation may involve regulation of steroid hormone/peptide receptors.
New systematic review: Acupuncture increases IVF pregnancies and live birth rates
acupuncture, female infertility, infertility, IVFZheng CH, Huang GY, Zhang MM, Wang W.
Abstract
You can read the full paper here.
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the effect of acupuncture on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes.
DESIGN:
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
PATIENT(S):
Women undergoing IVF in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) who were evaluated for the effects of acupuncture on IVF outcomes.
INTERVENTION(S):
The intervention groups used manual, electrical, and laser acupuncture techniques. The control groups consisted of no, sham, and placebo acupuncture.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S):
The major outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR). Heterogeneity of the therapeutic effect was evaluated with a forest plot analysis. Publication bias was assessed by a funnel plot analysis.
RESULT(S):
Twenty-four trials (a total of 5,807 participants) were included in this review. There were no significant publication biases for most of the comparisons among these studies. The pooled CPR (23 studies) from all of the acupuncture groups was significantly greater than that from all of the control groups, whereas the LBR (6 studies) was not significantly different between the two groups. The results were different when the type of control was examined in a sensitivity analysis. The CPR and LBR differences between the acupuncture and control groups were more obvious when the studies using the Streitberger control were ignored. Similarly, if the underlying effects of the Streitberger control were excluded, the LBR results tended to be significant when the acupuncture was performed around the time of oocyte aspiration or controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.
CONCLUSION(S):
Acupuncture improves CPR and LBR among women undergoing IVF based on the results of studies that do not include the Streitberger control. The Streitberger control may not be an inactive control. More positive effects of using acupuncture in IVF can be expected if an appropriate control and more reasonable acupuncture programs are used.
Electro acupuncture improves IVF success rate
acupunctureAs you can see from the abstract below, clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, and live birth rate all improved in the acupuncture group. With pregnancy rate improving from 29.3% to 50%, implantation rate increasing from 15.0% to 25.9% and live birth dramatically increasing from 21.2% to 42.0%.
The study was published in Fertility and Sterility in 2011.
Fertil Steril. 2011 Oct;96(4):912-6. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.07.1093. Epub 2011 Sep 8.
Increase of success rate for women undergoing embryo transfer by transcutaneous electrical acupuncture point stimulation: a prospective randomized placebo-controlled study.
Author information
Zhang R1, Feng XJ, Guan Q, Cui W, Zheng Y, Sun W, Han JS.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupuncture point stimulation (TEAS) on pregnancy rates (PR) in women undergoing ET.
DESIGN:
Prospective, randomized, single-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial.
SETTING:
Research and laboratory facilities.
PATIENT(S):
A total of 309 patients, less than 45 years old, undergoing cryopreservation embryos transplant or fresh cycle IVF with or without intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
INTERVENTION(S):
The subjects were randomly allocated to three groups: mock TEAS treatment: 30 minutes after ET (group I, n = 99); single TEAS treatment: 30 minutes after ET (group II, n = 110); and double TEAS treatments: 24 hours before ET and 30 minutes after ET (group III, n = 100).
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S):
Clinical PR, embryos implantation rate, live birth rate.
RESULT(S):
The clinical PR, embryos implantation rate, and live birth rate of group I (29.3%, 15.0%, and 21.2%, respectively) were significantly lower than those in group II (42.7%, 25.7%, and 37.3%, respectively) and group III (50.0%, 25.9%, and 42.0%, respectively).
CONCLUSION(S):
Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation, especially double TEAS, significantly improved the clinical outcome of ET.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21862001
Acupuncture for reduction of infertility related stress
acupuncture, infertility, stress/anxietyThe Effect of Acupuncture on Psychosocial Outcomes for Women Experiencing Infertility: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Caroline A. Smith, PhD, Jane M. Ussher, PhD, Janette Perz, PhD, Bridget Carmady, and Sheryl de Lacey, PhD
Abstract
Objectives:
The study objectives were to examine the effectiveness of acupuncture for reducing infertility-related stress.
Design:
The study design was a randomized controlled trial of acupuncture compared with a wait-list control.
Setting:
The study was conducted at The University of Western Sydney.
Subjects:
Thirty-two (32) women aged 20–45 years, with a diagnosis of infertility, or a history of unsuccessfully trying to conceive for 12 months or more, were the subjects of the study.
Interventions:
Women received six sessions of acupuncture for over 8 weeks.
Outcome measures:
The primary outcomes were infertility self-efficacy, anxiety, and infertility-related stress. The women’s experience of infertility and acupuncture is also reported.
Results:
At the end of the 8-week intervention, women in the acupuncture group reported significant changes on two domains on the Fertility Problem Inventory with less social concern (mean difference [MD] ?3.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] ?7.58 to 0.84, p=0.05), and less relationship concern (MD ?3.66, 95% CI ?6.80 to ?0.052, p=0.02). There were also trends toward a reduction of infertility stress on other domains, and a trend toward improved self-efficacy (MD 11.9, 95% CI ? 2.20 to 26.0, p=0.09) and less anxiety (MD ? 2.54, 95% CI ? 5.95 to 0.86, p=0.08) in the acupuncture group compared with the wait-list control. Women described the experience and impact of acupuncture as positive relating to a sense of relaxation and time out, the engagement with the practitioner, and intervention that had very few negative side-effects. Changes were also perceived after treatment with women describing a physical and psychologic sense of relaxation and calmness, and a changed perspective in relation to coping.
Conclusions:
Acupuncture may be a useful intervention to assist with the reduction of infertility-related stress. Further research is justified.
New Study: Electro-acupuncture increases IVF success rate
acupuncture, infertility, IVFObjective
To evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on pregnancy rates (PR) in women undergoing ET.
Design
Prospective, randomized, single-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Setting
Research and laboratory facilities.
Patient(s)
A total of 309 patients, less than 45 years old, undergoing cryopreservation embryos transplant or fresh cycle IVF with or without intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Intervention(s)
The subjects were randomly allocated to three groups: mock TEAS treatment: 30 minutes after ET (group I, n = 99); single TEAS treatment: 30 minutes after ET (group II, n = 110); and double TEAS treatments: 24 hours before ET and 30 minutes after ET (group III, n = 100).
Main Outcome Measure(s)
Clinical PR, embryos implantation rate, live birth rate.
Result(s)
The clinical PR, embryos implantation rate, and live birth rate of group I (29.3%, 15.0%, and 21.2%, respectively) were significantly lower than those in group II (42.7%, 25.7%, and 37.3%, respectively) and group III (50.0%, 25.9%, and 42.0%, respectively).
Conclusion(s)
Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation, especially double TEAS, significantly improved the clinical outcome of ET.
Key Words: Acupuncture, transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS), pregnancy rate (PR), in vitro fertilization (IVF), embryo transfer (ET), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
Acupuncture improves seminal plasma acid phosphatase levels in infertility patients
acupunctureObjective
Working on seminal plasma acid phosphatase, to explore the mechanism by which acupuncture improves sperm quality (concentration, viability and motility) in infertility patients.
Methods
A total of 118 patients received acupuncture-moxibustion treatment. Before and 3, and 6 months after the treatment were detected their seminal plasma acid phosphatase, sperm concentration, sperm viability and sperm motility were measured.
Results
The differences between before and after treatments in sperm motility and seminal plasma acid phosphatase levels were statistically significant (P<0.01). Conclusion Acupuncture-moxibustion can improve seminal plasma acid phosphatase levels in infertility patients. Authors: An Chen, Aiming Shen, Renhua Li and Zhiping Xia Key Words Acupuncture Therapy – Infertility, Male – Acid Phosphatase – Spermatozoa
Acupuncture is an effective therapy for Sperm Abnormality
acupuncture, male fertilityAbstract
Objective
To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture-moxibustion therapy for infertility due to sperm abnormality (SAI).
Methods
We treated a series of 35 cases of SAI with electroacupuncture combined with herb cake-partitioned moxibustion, observing the variation before and after treatment in symptom integral, sperm status, sex hormone and prostate function.
Results
After treatment, the patients were remarkably improved in symptom integral, sperm status, sex hormone and prostate function as compared with those prior to treatment.
Conclusion
Acupuncture is an effective therapy for SAI.
Key Words Acupuncture-moxibustion Therapy – Infertility, Male – Spermatozoa – Azoospermia – Oligospermia
Author: He Jinsen, doctor of medicine, professor
Acupuncture normalizes most of the Estradiol Valerate induced changes in ovarian adresnoceptors
acupuncture, polycystic ovariesTitle: Effect of electro-acupuncture on ovarian expression of ? (1)- and ? (2)-adrenoceptors, and p75 neurotrophin receptors in rats with steroid-induced polycystic ovaries
Author: Manni Luigi ; Lundeberg Thomas ; Holmäng Agneta ; Aloe Luigi ; Stener-Victorin Elisabet
Abstract:
Abstract
Background
Estradiol valerate (EV)-induced polycystic ovaries (PCO) in rats is associated with an increase in ovarian sympathetic outflow. Low-frequency (2 Hz) electro-acupuncture (EA) has been shown to modulate sympathetic markers as well as ovarian blood flow as a reflex response via the ovarian sympathetic nerves, in rats with EV-induced PCO.
Methods
In the present study, we further tested the hypothesis that repeated 2 Hz EA treatments modulate ovarian sympathetic outflow in rats with PCO, induced by a single i.m. injection of EV, by investigating the mRNA expression, the amount and distribution of proteins of ?1a-, ?1b-, ?1d-, and ?2-adrenoceptors (ARs), as well as the low-affinity neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR).
Results
It was found that EV injection results in significantly higher mRNA expression of ovarian ?1b- and ?1d-AR in PCO rats compared to control rats. The p75NTR and ?2-ARs mRNA expression were unchanged in the PCO ovary. Low-frequency EA resulted in a significantly lower expression of ?2-ARs mRNA expression in PCO rats. The p75NTR mRNA was unaffected in both PCO and control rats. PCO ovaries displayed significantly higher amount of protein of ?1a-, ?1b- and ?1d-ARs, and of p75NTR, compared to control rats, that were all counteracted by repeated low-frequency EA treatments, except for ?1b-AR.
Conclusion
The present study shows that EA normalizes most of the EV-induced changes in ovarian ARs. Furthermore, EA was able to prevent the EV-induced up regulation of p75NTR, probably by normalizing the sympathetic ovarian response to NGF action. Our data indicate a possible role of EA in the regulation of ovarian responsiveness to sympathetic inputs and depict a possible complementary therapeutic approach to overcoming sympathetic-related anovulation in women with PCOS.
Journal: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology
Issn: 14777827
In IVF acupuncture studies, the outcome is pregnancy, unlikely affected by expectations
acupuncture, IVFEric Manheimer M.S.Corresponding Author Contact Information, a, E-mail The Corresponding Author
a Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
Available online 13 May 2011.
Objective
To examine the theoretical and methodologic rationales for the use of sham acupuncture controls in trials of adjuvant acupuncture for in vitro fertilization (IVF), and to identify the drawbacks of using a sham acupuncture control that may have its own effects on the pregnancy outcome. Read more
Acupuncture regulates ovarian blood flow (PCOS)
acupuncture, infertility, polycystic ovariesAuthor: Stener-Victorin Elisabet ; Kobayashi Rie ; Watanabe Orie ; Lundeberg Thomas ; Kurosawa Mieko
Abstract:
Abstract
Background
Maintenance of ovarian blood flow (OBF) is suggested to be important for regular ovulation in women with polycystic ovaries (PCO). Read more
Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
acupuncture, polycystic ovariesCurrent evidence of acupuncture on polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Lim CE, Wong WS.
Faculty of Medicine, South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. celim@unswalumni.com Gynecol Endocrinol. 2010 Jun;26(6):473-8.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to provide a literature review on evaluating the efficacy of acupuncture therapy in the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) by reviewing clinical trials; randomised and non-randomised and observational studies on PCOS. The paper will also determine the possible mechanism of acupuncture treatment in PCOS, limitations of recruited studies and suggest further improvements in future studies.
Read more
Acupuncture improves hyperandrogenism and menstrual frequency in women with PCOS
acupuncture, polycystic ovariesElizabeth Jedel1, Fernand Labrie2, Anders Odén3, Göran Holm4, Lars Nilsson5, Per Olof Janson5, Anna-Karin Lind5, Claes Ohlsson6, and Elisabet Stener-Victorin7,8
Read more
Role of acupuncture in the treatment of female infertility
acupuncture, infertilityFertility and Sterility, Volume 78, Issue 6, Pages 1149-1153 (December 2002)
Raymond Chang M.D.a,b, Pak H. Chung M.D. b* and Zev Rosenwaks M.D.c
Received 24 June 2002; revised 19 July 2002; accepted 19 July 2002.
Abstract
Objective: To review existing scientific rationale and clinical data in the utilization of acupuncture in the treatment of female infertility.
Read more
Unexplained infertility plus acupuncture: pregnancy rate of 60.9%
acupuncture, Chinese herbs, female infertility, unexplained infertilityJ Altern Complement Med. 2010 Feb;16(2):193-8.
Unexplained infertility treated with acupuncture and herbal medicine
Park JJ, Kang M, Shin S, Choi E, Kwon S, Wee H, Nam B, Kaptchuk TJ.
Asian Medicine & Acupuncture Research, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Erratum in:
J Altern Complement Med. 2010 Jul;16(7):817.
Abstract
AIM: We aim to determine the safety and effectiveness of a standard therapeutic package of Korean medicine for the treatment of unexplained infertility in a cross-section of women who sought treatment at an integrative hospital in Seoul, Korea.
Read more
Poor ovarian reserve and acupuncture
acupuncture, female infertility, IVFEffects of electro-acupuncture on in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) of patients with poor ovarian response
[Article in Chinese]
Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2009 Oct;29(10):775-9.
Chen J, Liu LL, Cui W, Sun W.
Department of Reproduction, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of TCM, Jinan 250001, China. fusantai@126.com
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electro-acupuncture therapy on oocyte quality and pregnancy outcome of patients with the poor ovarian response or decreased reserve in the course of in vitro fertilization (IVF).
METHODS: Sixty cases accepting IVF-ET were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. The two groups were both treated with antagonist scheme for ovulation induction, and the electro-acupuncture intervention was also added in the observation group, Guanyuan (CV 4), Taixi (KI 3), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) etc. were selected. The therapeutic effects in the two groups were compared after treatment.
RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups before treatment. The symptoms of kidney deficiency in the observation group were significantly improved after treatment, and the levels of serum estradiol (E2), fertilization rate, oocyte maturation rate, good quality embryos rate, and implantation rate in the observation group were superior to those in the control group on human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) injection day (all P<0.05); the levels of stem cell factor (SCF) in follicular fluid and serum in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (both P<0.05). The pregnancy rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group, and the abortion rate in the observation group was lower than that in the control group, but there was no significant difference between the two groups (both P>0.05).
CONCLUSION: Electro-acupuncture therapy has a good clinical effect for IVF patients with poor ovarian reserve, and can improve oocyte (egg) quality and pregnancy outcome.
PMID: 19873910 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]
E-acupuncture improves testicular blood flow
infertility, male fertilityPoint- and frequency-specific response of the testicular artery to abdominal electroacupuncture in humans.
Cakmak YO, Akpinar IN, Ekinci G, Bekiroglu N.
Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Marmara, Istanbul, Turkey. ycakmak@marmara.edu.tr
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To clarify the role of the abdominal acupuncture points and the frequency of short-term electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation on testicular blood flow (TBF) in humans.
DESIGN: A prospective, randomized study.
SETTING: University hospital, Department of Radiology, ultrasound unit.
PATIENT(S): Eighty healthy male volunteers were randomly allocated to three groups in stage one and to a single group in stage two. In the first stage of the study, the abdominal acupuncture points ST-29 (guilai) were stimulated using simple needle insertion, 2 Hz burst EA or 10 Hz EA, in three different groups. In the second stage of the study, abdominal acupuncture points ST-25 (tianshu) were stimulated with the frequency found to be more effective in stage one. Stimulation was for 5 minutes in each group.
INTERVENTION(S): Electroacupuncture and Doppler flowmeter.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Four groups were compared for volume flow and other related parameters of TBF.
RESULT(S): The 10-Hz EAcupuncture stimulation of ST-29 (guilai) increased TBF, but simple needle insertion and 2-Hz burst stimulation did not. The 10-Hz EA stimulation of ST-25 (tianshu) did not result in significant changes in TBF.
CONCLUSION(S): For the first time point- and frequency-specific effects of abdominal E Acupuncture on testiclar blood flow are shown in humans. Further investigation is required to ascertain whether these findings may be helpful in the clinical treatment of infertile men.
PMID: 18076881 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]