Key Finding
This protocol establishes a multicenter randomized controlled trial to evaluate whether electro-acupuncture can improve clinical pregnancy rates and ovarian function in women with diminished ovarian reserve undergoing IVF treatment.
Women experiencing diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) face challenges with fertility and often have poor outcomes with in vitro fertilization (IVF). DOR occurs when the ovaries contain fewer viable eggs than expected for a woman's age, making conception more difficult. While previous research has suggested acupuncture might improve ovarian function, strong evidence has been lacking. This new multicenter study aims to determine whether electro-acupuncture—a technique combining traditional acupuncture with mild electrical stimulation—can improve fertility outcomes in women with DOR.
Researchers are enrolling over 338 women with DOR who plan to undergo IVF treatment. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either electro-acupuncture or standard care before their IVF cycle. The study will track multiple outcomes, including clinical pregnancy rates, ovarian function markers, embryo quality, anxiety and depression levels, and overall quality of life. Safety will also be carefully monitored throughout the trial.
This research is significant because it could provide women with DOR a new treatment option to improve their chances of successful pregnancy through IVF. If electro-acupuncture proves effective, it may help increase the number and quality of eggs retrieved during IVF, improve embryo development, and ultimately boost pregnancy rates. The comprehensive design of this study—examining not just pregnancy outcomes but also emotional wellbeing and quality of life—makes it particularly valuable for understanding the full potential benefits of this treatment approach. Women interested in acupuncture for fertility support should seek treatment from licensed acupuncturists with specialized training in reproductive health.
This multicenter randomized controlled trial investigates electro-acupuncture's efficacy for ovarian function restoration in women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) undergoing IVF-ET. The study will enroll 338+ participants randomized 1:1 to electro-acupuncture versus control groups prior to IVF cycles. The primary endpoint is clinical pregnancy rate per IVF-ET cycle. Secondary outcomes include ovarian reserve function biomarkers, IVF-ET parameters (oocyte quality, embryo quality), biochemical indices, MASS scores, anxiety/depression scales, quality of life measures, and pregnancy outcomes. Safety monitoring is incorporated throughout. This protocol addresses a significant gap in evidence regarding acupuncture for DOR, a condition associated with poor IVF outcomes including reduced oocyte yield, diminished embryo quality, and lower pregnancy rates. Previous studies suggested acupuncture's potential to modulate ovarian function, but rigorous evidence has been limited. Results may establish electro-acupuncture as an evidence-based adjunctive therapy for improving reproductive outcomes in DOR patients.
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