In a meta-analysis of seven randomized trials, acupuncture was associated with higher rates of pregnancy
In vitro fertilization is a stressful and expensive procedure with pregnancy success rates rarely reaching 40% per cycle. Given these drawbacks, adjuvant therapies that increase the proportion of pregnancies are advantageous. Investigators reviewed the published medical literature and conducted a meta-analysis of seven randomized clinical trials comparing adjuvant acupuncture (performed on the day of embryo transfer) to increase pregnancy rates with sham acupuncture or no adjuvant treatment in 1366 women. The trials were conducted between 2002 and 2006 in four Western countries.
Acupuncture was associated significantly with improved clinical pregnancy rates compared with sham or no intervention (odds ratio, 1.65), with a number needed to treat (NNT) of 10. Likewise, acupuncture was associated with higher rates of ongoing pregnancy (OR, 1.87; NNT, 9) and live birth (OR, 1.91; NNT, 9) in the studies that evaluated these outcomes. No adverse effects of acupuncture were identified in the two trials that reported this outcome.
Comment: The authors are careful to point out that the odds ratio overestimates the benefit of acupuncture in this analysis (because pregnancy was a relatively common outcome of IVF); they go on to suggest that the number needed to treat is the more appropriate measure of clinical benefit. Nonetheless, the effect of acupuncture was consistent across the trials, and the procedure is benign and relatively inexpensive, especially compared with the cost of IVF procedures. Thus, even if we don’t understand the mechanism behind its benefit, clinicians can be comfortable recommending acupuncture to women undergoing IVF — while also emphasizing the importance of finding an appropriately credentialed and skilled acupuncturist.
— Anna Wald, MD, MPH
Published in Journal Watch Women's Health March 27, 2008
Citation(s):
Manheimer E et al. Effects of acupuncture on rates of pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing in vitro fertilisation: Systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ 2008 Mar 8; 336:545.
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Acupuncture Offers Benefits in Alleviating Breast Cancer Treatment Side-Effects
by: Dave Gabriele, citizen journalist
(NaturalNews) A 2008 American study, which appeared in the September issue of The International Journal of Radiation Oncology, examined the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating women coping with the side effects of conventional breast cancer medicine. Eleanor Walker, M.D., a radiation oncologist at the Henry Ford Hospital Department of Radiation Oncology in Detroit, led a team of researchers to compare acupuncture treatment with the common anti-estrogen treatment used to control breast cancer therapy side effects. The side effects, such as hot flashes and depression, affect about 80% of women treated for breast cancer and are usually treated by the pharmaceutical anti-depressant venlafaxine (Effexor). Many breast cancer patients refuse venlafaxine because of its own set of negative side effects.
A combination of Chinese herbal medicine and laparoscopy is the most effective way to treat endometrial ovarian cysts and increase reproductive function.
A study was carried out in Beijing to compare 3 different treatment methods for endometriosis. A group of 152 women with endometrial cysts, were divided into 3 groups: a combined Chinese herbal medicine and laparoscopy group (combination group), a Chinese herbal medicine only group, and a Danazol group. The clinical effectiveness, side effects and reproductive hormones were then compared. The shrinkage and disappearance rate of the cysts, as well as the pregnancy rate were highest in the combination group, and there were few side effects noted. The study concluded that way to treat endometrial ovarian cysts, increasing reproductive function a combination of laparoscopy and Chinese herbal medicine is an effective and causing very few side effects.
Wu Y Hua L (Clinical study on endometrial ovarian cysts treated by integrated laparoscopy and Chinese herbal medicine) Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi, 2000 March, 20 (3): 183-6.
