[Effects of electroacupuncture on in vitro fertilization and embryo transplantation in the patient of infertility with different syndromes].

Researchers in China studied whether electroacupuncture (acupuncture with mild electrical stimulation) could improve fertility outcomes for women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). The study included 126 women diagnosed with infertility who were grouped according to traditional Chinese medicine patterns: kidney deficiency (52 women), liver-qi stagnation (44 women), and phlegm-dampness (30 women). All participants received electroacupuncture treatments before and during their ovarian stimulation process for IVF.

The results showed that electroacupuncture appeared to work better for certain diagnostic patterns than others. Women with kidney deficiency had fertilization rates of 81.3%, implantation rates of 23.5%, and pregnancy rates of 44.1%. Those with liver-qi stagnation showed similar success with 80.5% fertilization, 27.8% implantation, and 46.5% pregnancy rates. However, women with the phlegm-dampness pattern had notably lower outcomes: 71.9% fertilization, 17.1% implantation, and 32.7% pregnancy rates. Additionally, women in the liver-qi stagnation group produced higher quality embryos (70.7%) compared to the phlegm-dampness group (57.9%).

This study suggests that electroacupuncture may be a helpful complementary therapy for women undergoing IVF, particularly those diagnosed with kidney deficiency or liver-qi stagnation patterns according to traditional Chinese medicine. The treatment appeared less effective for the phlegm-dampness pattern. If you're considering acupuncture as part of your fertility treatment, seek a licensed acupuncturist with specialized training in reproductive health.

This prospective study evaluated electroacupuncture (EA) efficacy during IVF-ET in 126 infertility patients stratified by TCM pattern: kidney deficiency (n=52), liver-qi stagnation (n=44), and phlegm-dampness (n=30). EA was administered before and during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Results demonstrated significantly superior outcomes in kidney deficiency and liver-qi stagnation groups versus phlegm-dampness: fertilization rates (81.3%, 80.5% vs 71.9%; P<0.05), implantation rates (23.5%, 27.8% vs 17.1%; P<0.05), and clinical pregnancy rates (44.1%, 46.5% vs 32.7%; P<0.05). The liver-qi stagnation group showed significantly higher good-quality embryo rates compared to phlegm-dampness (70.7% vs 57.9%; P<0.05). Baseline characteristics, gonadotropin dosing, estradiol levels, oocyte yield, and cleavage rates were comparable across groups. Clinical implications suggest TCM pattern differentiation may predict EA responsiveness in fertility treatment, with kidney deficiency and liver-qi stagnation patterns showing optimal therapeutic response.