Acupuncture-assisted embryo transfer techniques: Research frontiers and future directions

BACKGROUND

Acupuncture, an ancient practice, is gaining recognition as a complementary and alternative medicine, especially in assisted reproductive technology. It plays a crucial role in enhancing embryo transfer success rates. Research indicates that acupuncture can improve blood flow, increase endometrial receptivity regulate pressure, and affect neuroendocrine activities in the ovaries and uterus during embryo implantation, therefore improving pregnancy outcomes.

AIM

To highlight recent developments related to acupuncture's influence on embryo transfer and elucidating the precise mechanisms by which acupuncture influences embryo transfer.

METHODS

We searched database including PubMed, Cochrane Library up to September 2024 for relevant studies and patents to evaluate the effects of acupuncture on women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). The experimental design included an intervention group using needling, and a control group consisting of no needling or sham needling. The main outcome is clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), while secondary includes live birth rate (LBR) and biochemical pregnancy rate (BPR). We examined the influence of adjunctive needling on pregnancy outcomes by analyzing variations in the main outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 145 randomized controlled trials involving 27748 participants were analyzed. Data revealed that the overall CPR was significantly elevated in all acupuncture cohorts compared to the control group [relative risk (RR): 1.21, 95%CI: 1.07-1.38, P = 0.01]. In contrast, the aggregated LBR did not exhibit a corresponding increase, and notable statistical heterogeneity was observed among the studies. Acupuncture-assisted frozen-thawed embryo transfer enhanced the BPR (RR: 1.51, 95%CI: 1.21-1.89, P = 0.03) and improved endometrial morphology (RR: 1.41, 95%CI: 1.13-1.75, P = 0.01). Furthermore, IVF outcomes were significantly superior in the acupuncture group when acupuncture was administered during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (RR: 1.71, 95%CI: 1.08-2.13, 95%CI: 1.08-4.21, P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

We find that acupuncture positively influences pregnancy rates in women receiving IVF treatment. Nonetheless, there are no established guidelines for optimal acupuncture protocols. Considering the methodological limitations identified in current research, there is a need for larger, methodologically rigorous studies.