This study by Beijing Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology has shown acupuncture to be superior to clomophene on ovulation and pregnancy rates in treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome.
Other studies have shown that unlike Clomophene, acupuncture can have long term effect on PCOS by reducing the sympathetic nervous tonus. Apart from study methodology issues, another limitation of this study is that it only looked into the short term effect, but didn’t evaluate the effectiveness over a longer term. However, this is another study adding to the body of evidence. The study was published in the journal of Zhongguo Zhen jiu (Chinese Journal of Acupuncture & Moxibustion [2013, 33(11):961-964]).
Efficacy and safety evaluation of acupuncture combined with auricular acupoint therapy in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome
Department of Acupuncture and Physical Therapy, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100026, China. geyongchun1981@sina.com
Zhongguo Zhen jiu = Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion [2013, 33(11):961-964]
Type: Journal Article, English Abstract (lang: chi)
OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy differences between acupuncture combined with auricular acupoint therapy and clomiphene oral administration in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
METHODS: One hundred cases of PCOS were randomized into two groups, 50 cases in each one. Acupuncture combined with auricular acupuncture group (group A): acupuncture was applied at Guanyuan (CV 4), Zhongji (CV 3) and Zigong (EX-CA 1), once daily; auricular point sticking was applied at Spleen (pi, CO13), Endocrine (neifenmi, CO18), Uterus and Kidney (shen, CO10), the plaster was changed once a week. Clomiphene group (group B): oral clomiphene was prescribed at the 5th day of the menstrual, for 5 consecutive days, totally 3 menstrual cycles was needed. The ovulation induction, pregnancy and menstruation resuming of patients in the two ‘ , The totally effective rate was 90.00% (45/50) in group A, which was group were observed and compared.
RESULTS: The totally effective rate was 90.0% (45/50) in group A, which was superior to 86.0% (43/50) in group B (P<0.05); the ovulation rate and pregnancy rate were 68.0% (34/50)and 64. 0% (32/50) in group A, which were superior to that of group B (all P<0. 05); the menstruation resuming rate was 94.00 (47/50) in group A, which was superior to 88.00 (44/50) in group B (P<0.05). No adverse effect was observed in group A, while in group B, varying degrees of nausea, vomiting, headache and dermatitis were observed in 29 cases, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) like polycystic ovary was observed in 14 cases under the B ultrasound.
CONCLUSION: Acupuncture combined with auricular acupoint therapy has a better effect than clomiphene in the treatment of PCOS without any adverse effects.
Comprehensive Traditional Chinese medicine approach improves IVF outcomes
acupunctureImpact of whole systems traditional Chinese medicine on in-vitro fertilization outcomes.
Hullender Rubin LE, Opsahl MS, Wiemer KE, Mist SD, Caughey AB.
Abstract
Patients undergoing IVF may receive either acupuncture or whole-systems traditional Chinese medicine (WS-TCM) as an adjuvant IVF treatment.
WS-TCM is a complex intervention that can include acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, dietary, lifestyle recommendations.
n this retrospective cohort study, 1231 IVF patient records were reviewed to assess the effect of adjuvant WS-TCM on IVF outcomes compared among three groups: IVF with no additional treatment; IVF and elective acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer; or IVF and elective WS-TCM. The primary outcome was live birth.
Of 1069 non-donor cycles, WS-TCM was associated with greater odds of live birth compared with IVF alone (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.09; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36 to 3.21), or embryo transfer with acupuncture only (AOR 1.62; 95% CI 1.04 to 2.52).
Of 162 donor cycles, WS-TCM was associated with increased live births compared with all groups (odds ratio [OR] 3.72; 95% CI 1.05 to 13.24, unadjusted) or embryo transfer with acupuncture only (OR 4.09; 95% CI: 1.02 to 16.38, unadjusted).
Overall, IVF with adjuvant WS-TCM was associated with greater odds of live birth in donor and non-donor cycles. These results should be taken cautiously as more rigorous research is needed.
Can acupuncture help 35+ year old pregnant women reduce pregnancy risks
acupuncture, advanced maternal ageCan acupuncture help 35+ year old pregnant women reduce pregnancy risks?
Women of this age, are a high risk for developing stillbirth and fetal growth restriction among other complications.
This study, published in Journal of Physiology, researchers from the University of Manchester, UK concluded that the blood flow to placenta may be the reason for increased risks. Acupuncture increases the blood flow to uterus. Use acupuncture in pregnancy as a preventative measure to reduce the risks for the developing baby.
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PCOS: acupuncture normalises ovarian volume and AMH
acupuncture, female infertility, polycystic ovariesAcupuncture helps to normalise both ovarian volume and AMH in PCOS patients. These changes are beneficial for fertility.
Both acupuncture and exercise help to normalise overactive sympathetic nervous system in PCOS patients. Acupuncture, however, is much more effective. Furthermore, as shown by this study, exercise has no effect on AMH nor ovarian volume.
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PCOS insulin resistance – Acupuncture can help
acupuncture, polycystic ovariesPCOS can improve with acupuncture treatment. More research looks into the mechanism of it. One of the lead researchers in PCOS and acupuncture Dr Elisabet Stener-Victorin from Sweden has long suspected that acupuncture may play a role in regulating blood glucose levels and helping with insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is one of the features of PCOS. This study put the theory to test.
The study revealed acupuncture increases whole-body glucose uptake during and after stimulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. See the abstract and a full text of the study below.
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Chinese medicine for uterine fibroids
Chinese herbs, Chinese medicine, uterine-fibroidsWhat if I told you that there was an ancient Chinese secret that could potentially aid in the battle against uterine fibroids? For many women who have experienced fibroids, a common solution is often the surgical removal of these benign growths, particularly if they obstruct the chances of embryo implantation. But what if surgery is not the desired option? Enter the intriguing world of Chinese fertility herbs.
The Guizhi Fuling Formula, a renowned herbal concoction from China, has recently garnered the attention of researchers for its potential benefits in treating uterine fibroids.
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Electro acupuncture decreases risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation in IVF patients
acupuncture, IVFThis recent study highlights how acupuncture, specifically electro-acupuncture (EA), can reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation in IVF patients. Despite some limitations, the findings are crucial for tailoring acupuncture protocols to each IVF patient’s needs.
Published in the Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, the research by Hong YL and colleagues from the Department of Gynecology at Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine examined the effects of EA on clinical outcomes and the occurrence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in in vitro fertilization and embryo transplantation.
The study involved 109 patients at a Reproductive Center, divided into a control group and an EA group based on their appointment dates. While the control group underwent standard ovarian stimulation protocols, the EA group received additional electro-acupuncture from the start of their Gn injection until the day of embryo transfer.
Key findings from the study include:
These results suggest that electro-acupuncture could be a valuable adjunct therapy in IVF treatments, potentially reducing the risk of OHSS. This study underscores the importance of integrating traditional techniques like acupuncture with modern reproductive technologies, offering a holistic approach to fertility treatments.
[Effect of electro-acupuncture on clinical outcomes and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in in vitro fertilization and embryo transplantation].
(PMID:25566616)
Hong YL, Tan Y, Yin YY, Zou YJ, Guo YH, Nie XW
Department of Gynecology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, China.
Zhongguo Zhong xi yi jie he za zhi Zhongguo Zhongxiyi Jiehe Zazhi = Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine / Zhongguo Zhong xi yi jie he xue Hui, Zhongguo Zhong yi yan jiu Yuan zhu ban [2014, 34(11):1292-1296]
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) on clinical outcomes and the occurrence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in in vitro fertilization and embryo transplantation.
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Acupuncture improves receptivity of endometrial lining in IVF Frozen Embryo Transfer
acupuncture, endometriosis, hydrosalpinx, infertility, IVF, polycystic ovariesIVF Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) patients benefit from Acupuncture. This helps us understand how Acupuncture benefits fertility.
Electro stimulation on acupuncture points leading to the IVF transfer improves the quality/receptivity of the uterine lining. A study published in the latest issue of peer-reviewed British Medical Journal (Acupuncture in Medicine) found the rates of embryo implantation, clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were higher in patients who received acupuncture leading to the transfer. They also found significant measurable changes in the endometrium (uterine lining):
How much acupuncture should you have to see those enhancements to your fertility? Women in this study had six acupuncture sessions per cycle for three menstrual cycles.
See the abstract of the study below. Read more
Stress reduces sperm quality, is acupuncture the answer?
acupuncture, male fertilityAcupuncture has been shown to improve sperm quality, it has also been shown to help with stress. Researchers at the Georgetown University Medical Center have shown that acupuncture interferes with the very mechanism of stress.
Effects of work and life stress on semen quality
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Stress doubles the chance of infertility
stress/anxietyToo much stress is a serious factor affecting your fertility. The study, published in the Journal of Human Reproduction found that stress can lead to a two-fold increase in infertility among women trying to conceive for one year. Are you trying to conceive and are stressed? Perhaps it’s a good idea to consider acupuncture. It interferes with the very mechanism of stress.
Preconception stress increases the risk of infertility: results from a couple-based prospective cohort study—the LIFE study
C.D. Lynch1,*, R. Sundaram2, J.M. Maisog2, A.M. Sweeney3 and G.M. Buck Louis2
+ Author Affiliations Read more
Low uterine blood flow = no pregnancy
acupuncture, IVFAcupuncture has been shown to increase the uterine blood flow (decreasing uterine blood impedance). But does this boost to blood flow really matter when you’re having an IVF? This study below provides the answer. The researchers utilised specialised ultrasound method to assess uterine blood flow. They discovered that it had an immense effect on both pregnancy and implantation rates. IVF with women, who had the lowest blood flow below a certain level on the day of transfer, unfortunately didn’t result in any pregnancies.
In this study the blood flow is referred to as uterine blood flow impedance and pulsatility index(PI). The higher the impedance and PI, the lower the blood flow. None of the women who had PI value above 3 conceived.
Fertil Steril. 1992 Feb;57(2):372-6. Read more
Acupuncture – effective treatment for CPID Chronic Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
acupuncture, chronic pelvic inflammationYet another study shows that acupuncture does quite a bit more in the abdominal cavity than just increasing the blood flow to ovaries and uterus. Obviously, the study doesn’t directly link with treatment of infertility, but the promise is there.
Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 2014 Apr;39(2):156-63.
[A meta-analysis on effectiveness of acupuncture and moxibustion for chronic pelvic inflammatory disease].
Fan LL, Yu WH, Liu XQ, Cui Z, Ma J, Li CP.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the clinical effect of acupuncture and moxibustion therapies for chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (CPID) by Meta-analysis.
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Embryo implantation failure – acupuncture increases number of implanted embryos
acupuncture, infertilityThe researchers of this study have discovered acupuncture can optimise this subtle uterine environment by modulating cytokines, and therefore it can increase the implantation rate.
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Acupuncture more effective than clomophene in treatment of pcos
acupuncture, polycystic ovariesOther studies have shown that unlike Clomophene, acupuncture can have long term effect on PCOS by reducing the sympathetic nervous tonus. Apart from study methodology issues, another limitation of this study is that it only looked into the short term effect, but didn’t evaluate the effectiveness over a longer term. However, this is another study adding to the body of evidence. The study was published in the journal of Zhongguo Zhen jiu (Chinese Journal of Acupuncture & Moxibustion [2013, 33(11):961-964]).
Efficacy and safety evaluation of acupuncture combined with auricular acupoint therapy in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome
Department of Acupuncture and Physical Therapy, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100026, China. geyongchun1981@sina.com
Zhongguo Zhen jiu = Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion [2013, 33(11):961-964]
Type: Journal Article, English Abstract (lang: chi)
OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy differences between acupuncture combined with auricular acupoint therapy and clomiphene oral administration in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
METHODS: One hundred cases of PCOS were randomized into two groups, 50 cases in each one. Acupuncture combined with auricular acupuncture group (group A): acupuncture was applied at Guanyuan (CV 4), Zhongji (CV 3) and Zigong (EX-CA 1), once daily; auricular point sticking was applied at Spleen (pi, CO13), Endocrine (neifenmi, CO18), Uterus and Kidney (shen, CO10), the plaster was changed once a week. Clomiphene group (group B): oral clomiphene was prescribed at the 5th day of the menstrual, for 5 consecutive days, totally 3 menstrual cycles was needed. The ovulation induction, pregnancy and menstruation resuming of patients in the two ‘ , The totally effective rate was 90.00% (45/50) in group A, which was group were observed and compared.
RESULTS: The totally effective rate was 90.0% (45/50) in group A, which was superior to 86.0% (43/50) in group B (P<0.05); the ovulation rate and pregnancy rate were 68.0% (34/50)and 64. 0% (32/50) in group A, which were superior to that of group B (all P<0. 05); the menstruation resuming rate was 94.00 (47/50) in group A, which was superior to 88.00 (44/50) in group B (P<0.05). No adverse effect was observed in group A, while in group B, varying degrees of nausea, vomiting, headache and dermatitis were observed in 29 cases, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) like polycystic ovary was observed in 14 cases under the B ultrasound. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture combined with auricular acupoint therapy has a better effect than clomiphene in the treatment of PCOS without any adverse effects.
PCOS Acupuncture: the most comprehensive paper to date?
acupuncture, polycystic ovariesPolycystic Ovary Syndrome: Effect and Mechanisms of Acupuncture for Ovulation Induction
Julia Johansson and Elisabet Stener-Victorin
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age, is characterized by the coexistence of hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovaries (PCO). PCOS also represents the largest part of female oligoovulatory infertility, and the management of ovulatory and menstrual dysfunction comprises a third of the high costs of PCOS treatment. Current pharmacological and surgical treatments for reproductive symptoms are effective, however, associated with negative side effects, such as cardiovascular complications and multiple pregnancies. For menstrual irregularities and ovulation induction in women with PCOS, acupuncture has indicated beneficial effects. This review will focus on the results from randomized controlled acupuncture trials for the regulation of menstrual dysfunction and for inducing ovulation in women with PCOS although there are uncontrolled trials with nonetheless interesting results. Animal experimental studies will be further discussed when they can provide a more mechanistic explanatory view.
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Boost embryo quality with acupuncture
acupuncture, ICSI, polycystic ovariesCan acupuncture improve embryo quality?
The short answer is yes, acupuncture can improve embryo quality. Now let’s have a look into study details.
Dr Rashidi and his team explored if acupuncture can improve pregnancy rates for PCOS patients undergoing IVF and ICSI. As a result, they found that acupuncture can improve embryo quality.
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Acupuncture superior to Metformin for PCOS
acupuncture, polycystic ovariesEffectiveness of Abdominal Acupuncture for Patients with Obesity-Type Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
To cite this article:
Yan-Hua Zheng, Xin-Hua Wang, Mao-Hua Lai, Hong Yao, Hua Liu, and Hong-Xia Ma. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. -Not available-, ahead of print. doi:10.1089/acm.2012.0429.
Online Ahead of Print: May 15, 2013 Read more
Acupuncture plus IVF = 5-fold increase in pregnancy rates (after two or more failed IVF cycles)
acupuncture, IVFThis study shows that there is a significant benefit to integrate acupuncture with IVF treatment for patients with two or more failed IVF cycles. It is one of the few studies using sham acupuncture to ensure that the effect of acupuncture is real, not just a placebo. The study was published in a reputable, pier-reviewed journal Acupuncture in Medicine, BMJ journals.
Influence of acupuncture on the outcomes of in vitro fertilisation when embryo implantation has failed: a prospective randomised controlled clinical trial.
Isoyama Manca di Villahermosa D, Dos Santos LG, Nogueira MB, Vilarino FL, Barbosa CP.
Source
Faculty of Medicine of ABC, Clinic for Human Reproduction, , Santo André, São Paulo, Brazil.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture and moxibustion as an adjuvant treatment in women undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) when embryo implantation has failed.
METHODS:
A prospective, randomised controlled clinical trial was conducted with 84 infertile patients who had had at least two unsuccessful attempts of IVF. The patients were randomised in three groups: control (n=28), sham (n=28) and acupuncture (n=28). The sample size was calculated by assuming a pregnancy rate of 10% when embryo implantation had failed. The pregnancy rates of the current IVF cycle were evaluated by measurement of blood beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (beta hCG) and subsequent transvaginal ultrasound. Acupuncture was performed on the first and seventh day of ovulation induction, on the day before ovarian puncture and on the day after embryo transfer. In the acupuncture group, patients were treated with moxibustion at nine acupuncture points (BL18, BL22, BL23, BL52, CV3, CV4, CV5, CV7, GV4) and needling at 12 points. In the sham group needles were inserted in eight areas that did not correspond to known acupuncture points.
RESULTS:
The clinical pregnancy rate in the acupuncture group was significantly higher than that in the control and sham groups (35.7% vs 7.1% vs 10.7%; p=0.0169).
CONCLUSIONS:
In this study, acupuncture and moxibustion increased pregnancy rates when used as an adjuvant treatment in women undergoing IVF, when embryo implantation had failed.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in treatment of Endometriosis
acupuncture, endometriosis, female infertilityThis study demonstrates that acupuncture has a synergystic effect with Chinese Herbal medicine in treatment of Endometriosis. Furthermore the effect of acupuncture and herbal medicine was found to be superior to a pharmaceutical medicine Danazol. The abstract of the study is below.
Acupuncture enhances the effects of Chinese herbal Medicine in treatment of Endometriosis
J. Shi, Z. B. Z. Ge*
, Y. Jin,Y. D. Li and J. Zhou** The 1st Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
*Sir Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
**College of Food Science and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310012, China. Corresponding Author Email: juezhou2006@yahoo.com.cn
ABSTRACT
The present study was aimed to investigate whether acupuncture could significantly enhance the efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) in treating endometriosis model rats. A total of 40 female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with body weight of 200 ±20 g were included. Operational transplantation was used with animal models. The rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: sham-operation control group (Group A), model group (Group B), CHM combined with acupuncture group (Group C), CHM group (Group D), Danazol group (Group E) with 8 rats in each group. During the treatment, two rats in Group B and one rat in Group E passed away. When the treatment ended, all the left rats were sacrificed. The samples of peritoneal fluids, serum and the ectopic endometrium were taken. The serum levels of cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) and interleukin 18(IL-18) in the peritoneal fluids were detected using enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay. The cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA expression levels in the ectopic endometrium were measured by Real-time PCR. The results showed that in the rats from Groups A, C, D and E, the serum CA-125 levels, COX-2 mRNA expression in the ectopic endometrium and the IL-18 levels in the peritoneal fluids were significantly lower than those of Group B (P<0.05). The serum CA-125 levels and COX-2 mRNA expression in the ectopic endometrium of the rats in Group C were significantly lower than those of Group D (P<0.05), while there was no significant difference between Group C and E (P>0.05). The levels of IL-18 in the peritoneal fluids of the rats in Group C were markedly lower than those of Group D and E (P<0.05). It is then concluded that acupuncture treatment can improve the effects of CHM in treating endometriosis model rats. Key words: Chinese herbal medicine acupuncture; endometriosis Reference: The Journal of Animal & Plant Sciences, 23(1): 2013, Page: 298-303 ISSN: 1018-7081
You can find a copy of the study here.
Study: Herbal formula helps oligoasthenospermia
Chinese herbs, male fertilityIn a world that is increasingly reliant on scientific innovation, there remains a treasure trove of wisdom in ancient practices that continues to surprise and delight us. It’s not often that these two realms join forces, but when they do, the results can be groundbreaking. Today, we delve into a remarkable study that combined ancient Chinese medicine with modern knowledge of vitamin E to tackle a sensitive issue – male fertility.
The Challenge: Idiopathic Oligoasthenospermia
Male infertility can be a complex and often stigmatised topic, and a common cause is a condition called idiopathic oligoasthenospermia. In plain language, this essentially means that sperm quality is low, and the exact cause remains a mystery. But hope is on the horizon, thanks to the innovative work of researchers Song, He, Jiang, Peng, Wu, and Cao.
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Acupuncture during ovarian stimulation improves pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing IVF
acupuncture, female infertility, infertility, IVFThe role of acupuncture in assisted reproductive technology.
Zheng CH, Zhang MM, Huang GY, Wang W.
Abstract
The aim of this paper was to provide reliable evidence by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis for evaluating the role of acupuncture in assisted reproductive technology. All randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of acupuncture, including manual, electrical, and laser acupuncture (LA) techniques, on the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR) of in vitro fertilization (IVF) or artificial insemination were included. The controlled groups consisted of no acupuncture and sham acupuncture groups. The sham acupuncture included sham acupuncture at acupoints, sham acupuncture at non- or inappropriate points, sham LA, and adhesive tapes. Twenty-three trials (a total of 5598 participants) were included in this paper. The pooled CPR from all acupuncture groups was significantly higher than that from all controlled groups, whereas the LBR was not significantly different between the two groups. However, the results were quite distinct when the type of control and/or different acupuncture times were examined in a sensitivity analysis. The results mainly indicate that acupuncture, especially around the time of the controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, improves pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing IVF. More positive effects from acupuncture in IVF can be expected if a more individualized acupuncture programs are used.
Full text of the study can be found here.