Clinical Report: Effectiveness of Acupuncture in Women with PCOS Receiving IVF/ICSI
Overview
This meta-analysis evaluates the impact of acupuncture on clinical outcomes in infertile women with PCOS undergoing IVF/ICSI. Findings indicate significant improvements in clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates associated with acupuncture, although the overall quality of evidence is low to moderate.
Background
Infertility is a significant global health issue, with PCOS being a leading cause among women. The rising prevalence of infertility necessitates effective treatment options, particularly in assisted reproductive technologies like IVF and ICSI. Acupuncture has been proposed as a complementary therapy, yet its efficacy remains debated in clinical settings.
Data Highlights
Outcome
Effect
95% CI
p-value
Clinical Pregnancy Rate
+13%
0.09 to 0.17
< 0.00001
Live Birth Rate
+15%
0.09 to 0.21
< 0.00001
Optimal Embryos
+0.42
0.17 to 0.66
0.0009
Total Gn Dose
-633.45
-1034.65 to -232.24
0.002
Duration of Gn Use
-0.74
-1.14 to -0.34
0.0003
Key Findings
Acupuncture was associated with a 13% increase in clinical pregnancy rates.
Live birth rates increased by 15% in the acupuncture group.
Acupuncture resulted in a reduction of total gonadotropin dose by an average of 633.45 units.
Shorter duration of gonadotropin use was observed in the acupuncture group.
Manual acupuncture showed a higher clinical pregnancy rate compared to electroacupuncture.
Subgroup analysis indicated better outcomes with GnRH antagonist protocols when combined with acupuncture.
Clinical Implications
The findings suggest that acupuncture may be a beneficial adjunct therapy for improving reproductive outcomes in women with PCOS undergoing IVF/ICSI. However, clinicians should consider the low to moderate quality of evidence and the need for further rigorous studies before integrating acupuncture into standard treatment protocols.
Conclusion
Acupuncture may enhance IVF/ICSI outcomes in women with PCOS, but the evidence is not robust enough to warrant routine clinical application. Further research is essential to validate these findings.
In a nationwide US cohort, parental subfecundity was associated with higher odds of autism spectrum disorder and modest increases in behavioral symptoms, while in vitro fertilization showed no statistically significant associations with neurodevelopmental outcomes.
