A recent pilot randomized controlled trial conducted at Sichuan Jinxin Xi’nan Women and Children Hospital has shed light on the potential benefits of electro-acupuncture (EA) as an adjunct therapy for women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). The study explored whether EA could improve clinical pregnancy rates (CPR) compared to placebo electro-acupuncture (pEA) or IVF alone. Preliminary findings suggest that EA enhances reproductive function and improves uterine receptivity, ultimately increasing pregnancy success rates.
Study Design and Methodology
The trial involved 118 women diagnosed with infertility, all scheduled for IVF. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups: EA combined with IVF (EA+IVF), placebo electro-acupuncture with IVF (pEA+IVF), and IVF alone. The primary outcome measure was the clinical pregnancy rate, defined as the presence of a gestational sac confirmed by ultrasound 28 days post-embryo transfer.
Electro-Acupuncture Protocol
Women in the EA+IVF group received electro-acupuncture three times per week, starting from the first day of ovarian stimulation until the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger injection. A minimum of five sessions was administered per patient. Acupuncture points were selected based on traditional Chinese medicine principles and their known influence on reproductive function, including:
- CV4 (Guanyuan) – Supports kidney energy and regulates the uterus.
- CV3 (Zhongji) – Enhances ovarian function and menstrual regulation.
- ST29 (Guilai) – Improves uterine blood flow.
- SP10 (Xuehai) – Increases blood circulation in the uterus.
- SP6 (Sanyinjiao) – Regulates menstruation and stimulates ovulation.
- DU20 (Baihui) – Balances endocrine function and calms the nervous system.
- ST36 (Zusanli) – Regulates immune responses and reduces stress.
- PC6 (Neiguan) – Alleviates anxiety and supports cardiovascular function.
Sterile, single-use stainless steel needles (0.25 mm diameter, 40 mm length) were inserted at appropriate depths to elicit the “deqi” sensation, characterized by soreness, numbness, or distension. Electro-acupuncture stimulation was applied using an EA device set to 2/100 Hz frequency, with intensity adjusted for patient comfort. Sessions lasted approximately 30 minutes.
Placebo-Controlled Design
To maintain methodological rigor, participants in the placebo group underwent a similar protocol using non-penetrating needles with no electrical stimulation. This ensured that any observed effects were due to EA itself rather than psychological or placebo responses.
Key Findings
Preliminary results indicate a significantly higher clinical pregnancy rate in the EA+IVF group compared to the control groups:
- EA+IVF group: 56.8% CPR
- pEA+IVF group: 35.2% CPR
- IVF-only group: 32.6% CPR
Additionally, several physiological improvements were observed in the EA group:
- 22.4% increase in endometrial blood flow, as measured by Doppler ultrasound.
- 18.7% higher serum estradiol (E2) levels, optimizing hormonal conditions for implantation.
- 21.3% reduction in inflammatory cytokine TNF-α, which may improve embryo receptivity.
The study suggests that EA enhances fertility through multiple mechanisms:
- Improved Uterine Blood Flow – Enhanced endometrial perfusion supports successful implantation.
- Hormonal Balance – More stable estradiol and progesterone levels create a favorable environment for pregnancy.
- Immune System Regulation – Reduced inflammatory markers help prevent implantation failure.
- Neuroendocrine Modulation – Functional MRI findings suggest EA influences the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, improving ovarian response.
Clinical Implications
This study offers a structured, evidence-based protocol for integrating electro-acupuncture into IVF treatment. With clear specifications on acupoints, treatment frequency, and needle technique, licensed acupuncturists can replicate these findings to potentially improve patient outcomes. Moreover, the placebo-controlled design strengthens the study’s validity, reinforcing the role of EA as a promising complementary therapy in fertility treatment.
While further large-scale trials are necessary to confirm these findings, the initial results highlight electro-acupuncture’s potential to enhance reproductive success and provide new avenues for infertility management.
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