These findings suggest that acupuncture may be a useful compliment to gonadotropin therapy among women undergoing ICSI. In this study, acupuncture increased the number of follicles produced as well as estradiol levels.
Acupuncture Treatment For Infertile Women Undergoing Intracytoplasmic Sperm injection – Sandra L. Emmons, MD, Phillip Patton, MD
Two hundred twenty-eight women were divided into either an acupuncture group or a control group. The acupuncture group received treatment three times around embryo transfer during in vitro fertilization. The control group received sham acupuncture with placebo needles. The pregnancy rate was 31% in the acupuncture group and 23% in the control group. This is [...]
Effect of acupuncture on the outcome of in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection: a randomized, prospective, controlled clinical study – Stefan Dieterle, M.D., Gao Ying, M.D., Wolfgang Hatzmann, M.D., and Andreas Neuer, M.D.
The researchers reviewed the existing scientific rationale and clinical data on acupunctures influence on the outcome of female fertility. They concluded that because acupuncture is nontoxic and relatively affordable, its indications as an adjunct to IUI or IVF treatments or as an alternative to conventional hormone induction of ovulation deserves serious consideration.
Role of acupucture in [...]
This study shows that in women who do not ovulate or ovulate irregularly (especially those with polycystic ovaries) Electro-Acupuncture can help by depressing sympathetic activity. This was observed as an increase of hand skin temperature along with a lowering of the level of blood Beta Endorphines in the women where ovulation was achieved.
Relationship Between Blood [...]
This study demonstrated that acupuncture is an effective method for ovulation induction as well as the remission of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) which is caused by ovulation induction drugs. OHSS is at least uncomfortable and at worst life threatening.
Substitution of Acupuncture for HCG in Ovulation Induction – Cai Xuefen, Obstetrical & Gynecological Hospital, [...]
This study finds that repeated Electro-Acupuncture treatments in rats reduced ovarian nerve growth factor concentrations to within normal ranges. This suggests that Electro-Acupuncture may be a safe and effective treatment to regulate hormone production and assisting with ovulation in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Effects of Electro-Acupuncture on Nerve Growth Factor and Ovarian Morphology in Rats [...]
This study shows that the use of acupuncture reduces uterine artery impedance. In other words acupuncture helps build a good uterine lining for the embryo to implant and grow.
Reduction of blood flow impedance in the uterine arteries of infertile women with electro-acupuncture – Elisabet Stener-Victorin, Urban Waldenstrom, Sven A. Andersson and Matts Wikland