Key Finding
Shen Que moxibustion significantly increased retrieved oocytes (5.8 vs 4.7), mature oocytes (5.0 vs 3.0), and available embryos (4.0 vs 2.0) in poor ovarian responders over age 35 undergoing IVF.
Researchers investigated whether moxibustion, a traditional Chinese medicine technique involving burning herbs near the skin, could improve fertility outcomes in women who previously responded poorly to ovarian stimulation during IVF treatment. The study focused on 100 women aged 44 or younger who had unexpectedly produced fewer than 4 eggs during a previous IVF cycle, despite having normal ovarian reserve markers. Half the participants received 12 moxibustion sessions applied to an acupuncture point near the navel (Shen Que/RN8) before their egg retrieval, while the other half received standard IVF treatment alone.
The results showed promising improvements for women over 35 who received moxibustion. Compared to IVF alone, those who received moxibustion plus IVF had significantly more eggs retrieved (5.8 versus 4.7), more mature eggs (5.0 versus 3.0), and more usable embryos (4.0 versus 2.0). The cumulative live birth rate was also higher in the moxibustion group at 27.3% compared to 13.3% in the control group, though this difference wasn't statistically significant. No adverse effects were reported during the study.
For women over 35 who have experienced unexpectedly poor responses during IVF despite having adequate ovarian reserve, moxibustion may offer a safe complementary treatment option to improve egg and embryo outcomes. These findings suggest that adding moxibustion to standard fertility protocols could enhance reproductive success for this specific patient population. If considering moxibustion for fertility support, seek treatment from a licensed acupuncturist with specialized training in reproductive health.
This randomized controlled trial (n=100) evaluated Shen Que (RN8) moxibustion efficacy in POSEIDON Group 2a patients (AFC ≥5 or AMH ≥1.2ng/ml with previous unexpected POR <4 oocytes). Participants received either 12 moxibustion sessions pre-retrieval plus IVF or IVF alone. Primary outcome was oocyte count at retrieval.
In women >35 years, the moxibustion group demonstrated statistically significant improvements: retrieved oocytes (5.8 vs 4.7, p=0.012), mature oocytes (5.0 vs 3.0, p=0.008), and available embryos (4.0 vs 2.0, p=0.014) compared to controls. Cumulative live birth rate showed clinical improvement (27.3% vs 13.3%) but failed to reach statistical significance (p=0.172). No adverse events were reported.
Clinical implications: Shen Que moxibustion represents a safe adjunctive therapy for unexpected poor responders with adequate ovarian reserve, particularly those over 35. The significant improvements in oocyte and embryo parameters warrant integration into treatment protocols for this challenging patient population. Study conducted at academic fertility center, January 2022-December 2023.
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