Abstract
Acupuncture is an important method of treatment in Chinese medicine. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture as an adjuvant treatment for unexplained infertility. Here we conducted a prospective study, with data consisting of acupuncture group (38 cases) and control group (42 cases). Infertility evaluation workup consisted of semen analysis, ovulation assessment, hysterosalpingogram (HSG) and blood analysis. The patients in acupuncture group received 3 acupuncture sessions, and each at seven acupuncture points (EX-CA1, CV4, CV6, SP10, ST36, SP6, and KI3). The session started 12 days before menstruation and continued for 10 days. The patients in control group did not receive acupuncture. All patients tried 1 - 3 natural cycles 3 months after HSG test, if not pregnant, underwent 1 - 3 cycles of control ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) and timed intercourse. Pregnancy was evaluated by measurement of blood β human chorionic gonadotrophin (β-hCG) and subsequent trans-vaginal ultrasound. No significant difference of clinical pregnancy rate was found between the acupuncture group and the control group, however, numbers of COH cycles were significantly less and more pregnancies occurred in natural cycle in the acupuncture group. We concluded that acupuncture can be used as an adjuvant treatment for unexplained infertility. Although acupuncture did not increase the cumulative pregnancy rate, it decreased the number of COH cycles and more patients got pregnant in natural cycles after receiving acupuncture.
Highlights
Infertility affects 10% - 15% of the reproductive age group
According to The Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), after the standard infertility evaluation workup of semen analysis, assessment of ovulation, hysterosalpingogram (HSG), and, if indicated, tests for ovarian reserve and laparoscopy, approximately 15% to 30% couples were assigned a diagnosis of unexplained infertility due to no abnormality revealed [1] [2]
In this study we prospectively analyzed the data to evaluate the effect of acupuncture in treatment of unexplained infertility
Summary
Infertility affects 10% - 15% of the reproductive age group. According to The Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), after the standard infertility evaluation workup of semen analysis, assessment of ovulation, hysterosalpingogram (HSG), and, if indicated, tests for ovarian reserve and laparoscopy, approximately 15% to 30% couples were assigned a diagnosis of unexplained infertility due to no abnormality revealed [1] [2]. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) can be a good choice, but both lay a heavy economic burden on patients. We have been practicing acupuncture for unexplained infertility treatment for many years. In this study we prospectively analyzed the data to evaluate the effect of acupuncture in treatment of unexplained infertility
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