Prior to conception : the role of an acupuncture protocol in improving women’s reproductive functioning assessed by a pilot pragmatic randomised controlled trial

Abstract EN

The global average of couples with fertility problems is 9%.

Assisted reproductive technologies are often inaccessible.

Evidence points to acupuncture offering an opportunity to promote natural fertility.

This study asked whether providing a multiphasic fertility acupuncture protocol to women with sub/infertility would increase their awareness of fertility and achieve normalisation of their menstrual cycle compared with a lifestyle control.

In a pragmatic randomised controlled trial sub/infertile women were offered an intervention of acupuncture and lifestyle modification or lifestyle modification only.

There was a statistically significant increase in fertility awareness in the acupuncture group (86.4%, 19) compared to 40% (n=8) of the lifestyle only participants (Relative Risk (RR) 2.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.25, 4.50), with an adjusted p value of 0.011.

Changes in menstrual regularity were not statistically significant.

There was no statistical difference in the pregnancy rate with seven women (adjusted p=0.992) achieving pregnancy during the course of the study intervention.

Those receiving the acupuncture conceived within an average of 5.5 weeks compared to 10.67 weeks for the lifestyle only group (p=0.422).

The acupuncture protocol tested influenced women who received it compared to women who used lifestyle modification alone: their fertility awareness and wellbeing increased, and those who conceived did so in half the time.