Acupuncture in reproductive health: Evaluating its potential as an adjunct therapy

Abstract

Infertility, defined as the inability to achieve conception through natural means, represents a significant global health issue impacting individuals globally. Traditional Chinese Medicine, particularly acupuncture, has gained attention as a potential complementary therapy for infertility. This review examines the efficacy of acupuncture in treating both female and male infertility, analyzing current systematic evidence and underlying mechanisms.

For female infertility, acupuncture has shown promising results in conditions such as anovulatory infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, and improving endometrial receptivity. Evidence suggests that acupuncture alone or in combination with conventional treatments can enhance pregnancy rates, ovulation rates, and endometrial thickness, although findings are sometimes inconclusive due to methodological limitations. Acupuncture appears to modulate reproductive hormones, improve ovarian function, and facilitate embryo implantation, offering a valuable therapeutic option for women.

In male infertility, acupuncture has demonstrated potential benefits in enhancing sperm quality, balancing hormones, and reducing testicular damage caused by abnormal hormone levels. Studies indicate that acupuncture may improve sperm motility, concentration, and overall semen quality by regulating endocrine functions and mitigating apoptosis in germ cells. Despite promising outcomes, the quality of existing studies varies, and further research with robust methodologies is necessary.

This review highlights the potential of acupuncture as a safe, non-invasive, and effective adjunctive therapy for infertility. Integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine principles with modern medical practices could lead to more personalized and comprehensive infertility treatments, enhancing patient well-being and reproductive outcomes. Future research should focus on addressing current study limitations and further elucidating acupuncture's mechanisms in infertility treatment.