Research

Complementary therapies for labour and birth study: a randomised controlled trial of antenatal integrative medicine for pain management in labour.
Levett, K. M., Smith, C. A., Bensoussan, A., & Dahlen, H. G. (2016). Complementary therapies for labour and birth study: a randomised controlled trial of antenatal integrative medicine for pain management in labour. BMJ open, 6(7), e010691. Conclusions: The Complementary Therapies for Labour and Birth study protocol significantly reduced epidural use and caesarean section. This study provides evidence for integrative medicine as an effective adjunct to antenatal education, and contributes to the body of best practice evidence.
Published on Jul 12, 2016

Current evidence of acupuncture on polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Lim CE, Wong WS., Gynecol Endocrinol. 2010 Jun;26(6):473-8. doi: 10.3109/09513591003686304. Source: Faculty of Medicine, South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. celim@unswalumni.com CONCLUSION: Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment to PCOS as the adverse effects of pharmacologic interventions are not expected by women with PCOS. Acupuncture therapy may have a role in PCOS by: increasing of blood flow to the ovaries, reducing of ovarian volume and the number of ovarian cysts, controlling hyperglycaemia through increasing insulin sensitivity and decreasing blood glucose and insulin levels, reducing cortisol levels and assisting in weight loss and anorexia. However, well-designed, randomised controlled trials are needed to elucidate the true effect of acupuncture on PCOS.
Published on Jun 26, 2010

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation improves in vitro fertilization outcomes of poor ovarian responders, especially in women with low serum concentration of DHEA-S: a retrospective cohort study
Chern, CU., Tsui, KH., Vitale, S.G. et al. 2018. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation improves in vitro fertilization outcomes of poor ovarian responders, especially in women with low serum concentration of DHEA-S: a retrospective cohort study. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 16, 90.
Published on Sep 17, 2018

Dehydroepiandrosterone treatment in women with poor ovarian response undergoing IVF or ICSI: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Zhang M, Niu W, Wang Y, et al. 2016. Dehydroepiandrosterone treatment in women with poor ovarian response undergoing IVF or ICSI: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Assist Reprod Genet. 33(8):981-991.
Published on Aug 1, 2016

DHEA use to improve likelihood of IVF/ICSI success in patients with diminished ovarian reserve: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Schwarze JE, Canales J, Crosby J, Ortega-Hrepich C, Villa S, Pommer R. 2018. DHEA use to improve likelihood of IVF/ICSI success in patients with diminished ovarian reserve: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JBRA Assist Reprod. 22(4):369-374.
Published on Oct 1, 2018

Does acupuncture treatment affect sperm density in males with very low sperm count? A pilot study.
Siterman S, Eltes F, Wolfson V, Lederman H, Bartoov B., Andrologia. 2000 Jan;32(1):31-9. Source: Institute of Chinese Medicine, Tel Aviv, Israel. CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture may be a useful, non-traumatic treatment for males with very poor sperm density, especially those with a history of genital tract inflammation.
Published on Jan 1, 2000

Does dehydroepiandrosterone improve pregnancy rate in women undergoing IVF/ICSI with expected poor ovarian response according to the Bologna criteria? A randomized controlled trial
Kotb MM, Hassan AM, AwadAllah AM. 2016. Does dehydroepiandrosterone improve pregnancy rate in women undergoing IVF/ICSI with expected poor ovarian response according to the Bologna criteria? A randomized controlled trial. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 200:11-5.
Published on May 1, 2016

Does the Use of Mobile Phone Affect Male Fertility? A Mini-Review
Okechukwu CE. 2020. Does the Use of Mobile Phone Affect Male Fertility? A Mini-Review. J Hum Reprod Sci. 13(3):174-183.
Published on Jul 1, 2020

Effect of a 6-week "Mediterranean" dietary intervention on in vitro human embryo development
Kermack AJ, Lowen P, Wellstead SJ, Fisk HL, Montag M, Cheong Y, Osmond C, Houghton FD, Calder PC, Macklon NS. 2020. Effect of a 6-week "Mediterranean" dietary intervention on in vitro human embryo development: the Preconception Dietary Supplements in Assisted Reproduction double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Fertil Steril. 113(2):260-269.
Published on Feb 14, 2020

Effect of Acupressure, Acupuncture and Moxibustion in Women With Pregnancy-Related Anxiety and Previous Depression: A Preliminary Study
Suzuki S, Tobe C. Effect of Acupressure, Acupuncture and Moxibustion in Women With Pregnancy-Related Anxiety and Previous Depression: A Preliminary Study. J Clin Med Res. 2017 Jun;9(6):525-527. METHODS AND RESULTS: Between 2014 and 2016, there were 48 women with pregnancy-related anxiety and previous depression who had delivery at '22 weeks' gestation in our institute. Of these, oriental treatments were performed in eight and two women (totally 10, 21%) during pregnancy and postpartum, respectively. One of the 10 (10%) who received oriental treatments admitted depressive symptoms during pregnancy or postpartum, while 18 of the rest 38 who did not receive oriental treatments admitted depressive symptoms (47%, P = 0.065). CONCLUSION: The oriental treatments may be useful for pregnant women who need perinatal mental health care.
Published on Jul 9, 2017

Effect of acupuncture on sperm parameters of males suffering from subfertility related to low sperm quality.
Siterman S, Eltes F, Wolfson V, Zabludovsky N, Bartoov B. Arch Androl. 1997 Sep-Oct;39(2):155-61. Source: Institute of Chinese Medicine, Tel Aviv, Israel. CONCLUSIONS: Patients exhibiting a low fertility potential due to reduced sperm activity may benefit from acupuncture treatment.
Published on Oct 1, 1997

Effect of acupuncture on the outcome of in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection: a randomized, prospective, controlled clinical study.
Dieterle S, et al. Fertil Steril. 2006 May;85(5):1347-51. INTERVENTION(S): In group I, 116 patients received luteal-phase acupuncture according to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine. In group II, 109 patients received placebo acupuncture. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates. RESULT(S): In group I, the clinical pregnancy rate and ongoing pregnancy rate (33.6% and 28.4%, respectively) were significantly higher than in group II (15.6% and 13.8%). CONCLUSION(S): Luteal-phase acupuncture has a positive effect on the outcome of IVF/ICSI.
Published on May 1, 2006

Effect of alpha-lipoic acid on endometrial implants in an experimental rat model
Pınar N, Soylu Karapınar O, Özcan O, Özgür T, Bayraktar S. 2017. Effect of alpha-lipoic acid on endometrial implants in an experimental rat model. Fundam Clin Pharmacol. 31(5):506-512.
Published on Oct 1, 2017

Effect of Melatonin on the Outcome of Assisted Reproductive Technique Cycles in Women with Diminished Ovarian Reserve: A Double-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial
Jahromi BN, Sadeghi S, Alipour S, Parsanezhad ME, Alamdarloo SM. 2017. Effect of Melatonin on the Outcome of Assisted Reproductive Technique Cycles in Women with Diminished Ovarian Reserve: A Double-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial. Iran J Med Sci. 42(1):73-78.
Published on Jan 1, 2017

Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Treating Sciatica: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
We found that the use of acupuncture may be more effective than drugs and may enhance the effect of drugs for patients with sciatica, but because of the insufficient number of relevant and rigorous studies, the evidence is limited. Qin, Z., Liu, X., Wu, J., Zhai, Y., & Liu, Z. (2015). Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Treating Sciatica: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2015, 425108. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/425108
Published on Oct 21, 2015

Effectiveness of Moxibustion for Breech Presentation: A Prospective Study
Moxibustion application increased the rate of vertex presentation at birth and also vaginal delivery rate compared with expectant management. Offering moxibustion between the 32nd and 36th week of gestation may provide women with a singleton fetus in breech presentation an opportunity for a vaginal birth.
Published on Sep 15, 2021

Effects and mechanisms of acupuncture in the reproductive system.
Stener-Victorin E, Wu X., Auton Neurosci. 2010 Oct 28;157(1-2):46-51. doi: 10.1016/j.autneu.2010.03.006. Epub 2010 Mar 29. Source: Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, Göteborg University, Sweden. elisabet.stener-victorin@neuro.gu.se ABSTRACT: The use of acupuncture to treat reproductive dysfunction has not been well investigated. Only a few clinical studies have been reported, most of which are flawed by poor design and a lack of valid outcome measures and diagnostic criteria, making the results difficult to interpret. Experimental studies, however, show that acupuncture has substantial effects on reproductive function. Here we review the possible mechanisms of action of acupuncture on the reproductive system and its effects on reproductive dysfunction, focusing in particular on polycystic ovary syndrome, the most common endocrine and metabolic disorder in women. Clinical and experimental evidence demonstrates that acupuncture is a suitable alternative or complement to pharmacological induction of ovulation, without adverse side effects. Clearly, acupuncture modulates endogenous regulatory systems, including the sympathetic nervous system, the endocrine system, and the neuroendocrine system. Randomized clinical trials are warranted to further evaluate the clinical effects of acupuncture in reproductive disorders.
Published on Oct 28, 2010

Effects of acupuncture and moxa treatment in patients with semen abnormalities.
Edson Gurfinkel, Agnaldo P. Cedenho, Ysao Yamamura, Miguel Srougi Human Reproduction Division, Discipline of Urology, Paulo Federal University, Paulista School of Medicine, Paulo, Brazil Asian J Androl 2003 Dec; 5: 345-348 CONCLUSION(S): The Chinese Traditional Medicine acupuncture and moxa techniques significantly increase the percentage of normal-form sperm in patients with oligoastenoteratozoospermia without apparent cause.
Published on Dec 1, 2003

Effects of acupuncture and stabilising exercises as adjunct to standard treatment in pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain: randomised single blind controlled trial.
lden H, Ladfors L, Olsen MF, Ostgaard HC, Hagberg H., BMJ. 2005 Apr 2;330(7494):761. Epub 2005 Mar 18. Source: Perinatal Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute for the Health of Women and Children, Sahlgrenska Academy, East Hospital, 41685 Gothenburg, Sweden. helen.elden@vgregion.se CONCLUSION: Acupuncture and stabilising exercises constitute efficient complements to standard treatment for the management of pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy. Acupuncture was superior to stabilising exercises in this study.
Published on Apr 2, 2005

Effects of Acupuncture on Endometrium and Pregnancy Outcomes in Patients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Wu, Jm., Ning, Y., Ye, Yy. et al. Effects of Acupuncture on Endometrium and Pregnancy Outcomes in Patients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Chin. J. Integr. Med. (2022). Objective To observe the effect of acupuncture on endometrium and pregnancy outcomes in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) infertility undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Methods Eighty-three patients were randomly assigned to observation group (40 cases) and control group (43 cases) according to the random numbers generated by SPSS software. The patients of the two groups received GnRH agonist long protocol as a routine treatment. In the observation group, acupuncture was given at two acupoint groups for 30 min once every other day. Group 1 included Guanyuan (CV 4), Qihai (CV 6), Zhongji (CV 3), bilateral acupoints Zigong (EX-CA1). Group 2 included Mingmen (GV 4), Yaoyangguan (GV 3), bilateral Shenshu (BL 23) and Ciliao (BL 32). The two groups of acupoints were used alternately. The whole needling process was performed at the time of ovulation induction until the transplantation day and consisted of 3 courses, while the control group did not receive acupuncture interventions. The Gn dosage and Gn stimulation time, endometrial thickness and type (A, B, and C), serum oestradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) levels on the day of injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), clinical pregnancy rate, as well as live birth rate were observed. Adverse reactions were also be recorded. All patients were followed up for the pregnant rate 14 days after IVF-ET and live birth rate after pregnancy. All adverse reactions (AEs) of acupuncture were recorded during the trial. Results The Gn dosage and Gn stimulation time in the observation group were lower in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.01). The proportion of type A endometrium in the observation group were higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). The serum E2 and P levels on the day of hCG injection was lower and the clinical pregnancy rate was higher in the observation group compared to those in the control group (P<0.05). There was no serious AEs during this trial. Conclusion Acupuncture can improve the proportion of type A endometrium, regulate the levels of serum E2 and P on the day of hCG injection, and improve the pregnancy rate in patients with PCOS infertility undergoing IVF-ET.
Published on Apr 13, 2022