Clinical efficacy of acupuncture for women with PCOS undergoing IVF/ICSI: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
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By
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Shanshan Guo
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Hong Xia
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Weihong Yang
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Guangyao Lin
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Qianjue Tang
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Lianwei Xu
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May 29, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: Effectiveness of Acupuncture in Women with PCOS Receiving IVF/ICSI: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and infertility |
| Key Mechanisms | Acupuncture may improve reproductive outcomes in women with PCOS undergoing IVF/ICSI. |
| Target Population | Infertile women with PCOS |
| Care Setting | Assisted reproductive technology (ART) clinics |
Key Highlights
- Acupuncture associated with a 13% increase in clinical pregnancy rate (CPR).
- 15% increase in live birth rate with acupuncture.
- Acupuncture group showed reduced total gonadotropin dose and shorter duration of use.
- Manual acupuncture had a higher CPR compared to electroacupuncture.
- No increased incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome with acupuncture.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Identify PCOS in women experiencing infertility.
Management
- Consider acupuncture as a complementary treatment during IVF/ICSI.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Assess clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates in women receiving acupuncture.
Risks
- Monitor for potential ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, though not increased with acupuncture.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Women with PCOS undergoing IVF/ICSI.
Acupuncture may enhance reproductive outcomes without increasing risks.
Clinical Best Practices
- Utilize acupuncture alongside standard IVF/ICSI protocols.
- Conduct further multicenter studies to confirm efficacy and standardize treatment protocols.
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