The effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on pregnancy rates in women undergoing in vitro fertilization: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

This study is testing whether a needle-free form of acupuncture called transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) can improve pregnancy rates for women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Unlike traditional acupuncture, TEAS uses electrical stimulation applied to the skin surface at acupuncture points, making it painless and non-invasive. The researchers are comparing TEAS to traditional electro-acupuncture (EA) and to IVF alone in women who have had two or more unsuccessful embryo transfers in the past.

This is a large study protocol involving 2,220 women under age 40 across multiple centers. Participants will receive either TEAS, EA, or standard IVF care alone. The treatments begin on day 3 of the menstrual cycle and continue every two to three days until embryo transfer. Both TEAS and EA use similar electrical frequencies (2/100 Hz) but different current strengths appropriate for each method.

The main outcomes being measured are clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates. Researchers will also track the number of eggs retrieved and the amount of hormone medications needed during the stimulation cycle. Previous research has shown that acupuncture may improve IVF success rates, and this study aims to determine if TEAS—which is easier to administer and more comfortable for patients—works as well or better than traditional needle acupuncture.

This research is important because it could provide women undergoing IVF with an effective, non-invasive complementary treatment option that may improve their chances of achieving pregnancy and live birth, particularly for those who have experienced previous IVF failures. If you're considering acupuncture or TEAS as part of your fertility treatment, consult with a licensed acupuncturist experienced in reproductive health.

This multicenter randomized controlled trial protocol examines the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) versus electro-acupuncture (EA) and controls on clinical pregnancy rates (CPR) and live birth rates (LBR) in women undergoing IVF. The study targets 2,220 infertile women under 40 years with two or more previous unsuccessful embryo transfers, randomized into three arms: TEAS+IVF, EA+IVF, or IVF alone.

Treatment protocols involve sessions every 2-3 days from day 3 of ovarian stimulation through embryo transfer. TEAS parameters: 2/100 Hz frequency, 3-5 mA current; EA parameters: 2/100 Hz frequency, 0.8-1.0 mA current. Primary outcome is CPR; secondary outcomes include LBR, oocyte yield, and gonadotropin dosage.

This trial addresses existing meta-analytic evidence suggesting acupuncture improves IVF outcomes, testing whether surface stimulation provides comparable or superior benefits. The large sample size and rigorous methodology should provide definitive evidence for integrating TEAS into assisted reproductive technology protocols, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional needle acupuncture.