Acupuncture ivf research, Fertility, Men's health
He Y, Chen CT, Qian LH, Xia CL, Li J, Li SQ, Liu BP.
Objective
To systematically evaluate acupuncture as a treatment for male infertility.
Methods
We searched Chi na Biology Medical Database (CBM), Wan Fang Medical Information System, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP Information Resource System (VIP), and PubMed for published literature on acupuncture as a treatment for male infertility on May 1 2014. Based on the Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA), we evaluated the quality of the reports, conducted meta-analysis on the identified studies via RevMan5.2, and assessed the quality of the evidence in the literature by Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE).
Results
A total of 12 studies involving 2,177 patients were included, the quality of which was evaluated as mediocre. With regard to the cure rate, acupuncture was comparable to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) (P > 0.05) but better than Western medicine (RR = 4.00, 95% CI 1.63 to 9.82, P < 0.01) while acupuncture + TCM was better than either TCM (RR = 1.77, 95% CI 1.20 to 2.60, P < 0.01) or Western medicine used alone (RR = 2.73, 95% CI 1.51 to 4.93, P < 0.01), and acupuncture + Western medicine was better than Western medicine alone (RR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.17 to 3.02, P = 0.01). The combined use of acupuncture, ear pressure, TCM, and Western medicine showed a higher cure rate than the combination of TCM and Western medicine (RR = 3.45, 95% CI 2.90 to 4.11, P < 0.01). In therapeutic effectiveness, acupuncture was comparable to TCM (P > 0.05) but superior to Western medicine (RR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.71, P < 0.01), acupuncture + TCM was superior to either TCM (RR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.23, P < 0.01) or Western medicine alone (RR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.67, P < 0.01), and acupuncture + Western medicine was superior to Western medicine alone (RR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.49, P = 0.01). In improving sperm concentration, acupuncture was as effective as TCM (P > 0.05) and sham acupuncture (P > 0.05) but outdid Western medicine (RR = 27.00, 95% CI 24.27 to 29.73, P < 0.01) and acupuncture + TCM outdid either TCM (RR = 14.65, 95% CI 7.58 to 21.72, P < 0.01) or Western medicine alone (RR = 1.04, 95% CI–1.43 to 3.51, P > 0.05). In improving grade a sperm, acupuncture exhibited a similar effect to TCM (P > 0.05) and sham acupuncture (P > 0.05), and acupuncture + TCM was more effective than TCM alone (RR = 7.78, 95% CI 3.51 to 12.23, P < 0.01) but equally effective as Western medicine (P > 0.05). In elevating the level of grade a + b sperm, acupuncture + TCM excelled either TCM (RR = 11.00, 95%, CI 3.17 to 18.82, P < 0.01) or Western medicine alone (RR = 12.22, 95% CI 6.87 to 17.57, P < 0. 01), while acupuncture produced a comparable effect with sham acupuncture (P > 0.05). As for the quality of the included studies, only 3 conclusions of the 23 meta-analyses were assessed to be of average quality, while the others of poor or extremely poor quality. Therefore, the recommendation grade of the conclusions was low.
Conclusion
For the treatment of male infertility, acupuncture is reported to be equally effective as TMC and more effective than Western medicine, and its effectiveness is enhanced when applied in combination with either TCM or Western medicine. Acupuncture is distinctively efficacious in improving sperm quality. Nevertheless, the overall quality of the included studies is low.
Acupuncture Research, Acupuncture ivf research, Men's health
Influence of acupuncture on idiopathic male infertility in assisted reproductive technology
J Huazhong Univ Sci Technolog Med Sci. 2002;22(3):228
Zhang M, Huang G, Lu F, Paulus WE, Sterzik K.
Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030.
The clinical effects of acupuncture on idiopathic male infertility in sperm parameter and on therapeutic results in assisted reproductive technology were investigated. 22 patients failed in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with idiopathic male infertility were treated with acupuncture twice weekly for 8 weeks, followed by ICSI treatment again. The sperm concentration, motility, morphology, fertilization rates and embryo quality were observed. Quick sperm motility after acupuncture (18.3% +/- 9.6%) was significantly improved as compared with that before treatment (11.0% +/- 7.5%, P < 0.01). The normal sperm ratio was increased after acupuncture (21.1% +/- 10.4% vs 16.2% +/- 8.2%,P < 0.05). The fertilization rates after acupuncture (66.2%) were obviously higher than that before treatment (40.2%, P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in sperm concentration and general sperm motility between before and afteracupuncture. The embryo quality after acupuncture was improved, but the difference between them was not significant (P > 0.05). Acupuncture can improve sperm quality and fertilization rates in assisted reproductive technology.
PMID: 12658811 [PubMed-indexed for MEDLINE]
Does acupuncture treatment affect sperm density in males with very low sperm count? A pilot study
Andrologia Volume 32 Issue 1 Page 31 January 2000
S. Siterman, F. Eltes, V. Wolfson, H. Lederman & B. Bartoov
Classic therapies are usually ineffective in the treatment of patients with very poor sperm density. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of acupuncture on these males. Semen samples of 20 patients with a history of azoospermia were examined by light microscope (LM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), with which a microsearch for spermatozoa was carried out. These examinations were performed before and 1 month after acupuncture treatment and revealed that the study group originally contained three severely oligoteratoasthenozoospermic (OTA), two pseudoazoospermic and 15 azoospermic patients. The control group was comprised of 20 untreated males who underwent two semen examinations within a period of 24 months and had initial andrological profiles similar to those of the experimental group. No changes in any of the parameters examined were observed in the control group. There was a marked but not significant improvement in the sperm counts of severely OTA males following acupuncture treatment (average=0.7±1.1 10 6 spermatozoa per ejaculate before treatment vs. 4.3±3.2 10 6 spermatozoa per ejaculate after treatment). A definite increase in sperm count was detected in the ejaculates of 10 (67%) of the 15 azoospermic patients. Seven of these males exhibited post-treatment spermatozoa that were detected even by LM. The sperm production of these seven males increased significantly, from 0 to an average of 1.5±2.4 10 6 spermatozoa per ejaculate (Z= 2.8, P <0.01). Males with genital tract inflammationexhibited the most remarkable improvement in sperm density (on average from 0.3±0.6 106 spermatozoa per ejaculate to 3.3±3.2 10 6spermatozoa per ejaculate; Z=2.4, P 0.02). Two pregnancies were achieved by the IVF-ICSI procedure.It is concluded thatacupuncture may be a useful, nontraumatic treatment for males with very poor spermdensity, especially those with a history of genital tract inflammation.
Modification of semen quality by acupuncture in subfertile males
[Article in German]
Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd. 1984 Aug;44(8):510
Fischl F, Riegler R, Bieglmayer C, Nasr F, Neumark J.
Our first attempt in treating subfertility by acupuncture was carried out on 28 males. The results obtained from the experiences in veterinary medicine encouraged us to attempt this type of therapy. Each patient received a total of 10 treatments for a period of three weeks. Several spermiograms were made afterdiagnosis subfertility. We checked spermiograms and hormone levels before and after acupuncture. Total count, concentration and motility were evaluated. In all cases we observed a statistically significant improvement of sperm quality. Having obtained these good results in our first studies, we now intend to continue acupuncture therapy in subfertile males for insemination or intercourse at the time of the ovulation of their female partners.
PMID: 6566639 [PubMed-indexed for MEDLINE]
Acupuncture Research, Fertility
Ovarian deficiency, including primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) and premature ovarian failure, can significantly impact fertility and overall hormonal health. A recent study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine has provided promising evidence that electroacupuncture (EA) may help regulate reproductive hormone levels in women with ovarian deficiency.
Key Findings of the Study
Researchers investigated how electroacupuncture influences hormone levels in women with POI. The study included 11 participants who underwent EA treatment following this regimen:
- Five sessions per week for the first four weeks
- Three sessions per week for the next two months
- A three-month follow-up period
Hormonal Changes Observed:
- Increased estrogen (E2) levels – Essential for menstrual cycle regulation and fertility
- Decreased follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels – High FSH often indicates ovarian insufficiency
- Decreased luteinizing hormone (LH) levels – Important for ovulation and hormonal balance
These hormonal improvements persisted even after the treatment ended, suggesting long-term benefits of acupuncture for ovarian function.
Menstrual Cycle Restoration
One of the most remarkable outcomes was that 10 out of 11 women (90.91%) resumed menstruation after acupuncture treatment. This suggests that acupuncture may help restore natural ovarian activity in women with POI.
Safety and Side Effects
Acupuncture was well-tolerated, with only mild temporary pain reported in some cases. No serious adverse effects were observed, making it a safe option for women seeking natural approaches to ovarian health.
What This Means for Women with Ovarian Deficiency
This study supports the growing body of evidence that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), including acupuncture, may offer a natural and effective approach to managing POI. While more extensive research is needed, acupuncture has already shown promising results in reducing FSH and LH levels while improving estrogen levels.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23533511
Acupuncture Research
Levett KM, et al., Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 06/17/2014
Results
The RCTs included in these systematic reviews differed in terms of study designs, research questions, treatment protocols and outcome measures, and yielded some conflicting results. It may be inappropriate to include these together in a systematic review, or pooled analysis, of acupuncture for labour with an expectation of an overall conclusion for efficacy. Trials of acupuncture and acupressure in labour show promise, but further studies are required.The aim of this study is to examine current evidence from systematic reviews on the topic of acupuncture and acupressure for pain management in labour and birth, and to evaluate the methodological and treatment frameworks applied to this evidence. The use of current systematic reviews of the evidence for acupuncture and acupressure for labour and birth may be misleading. Appropriate methods and outcome measures for investigation of acupuncture and acupressure treatment should more carefully reflect the research question being asked, the use of pragmatic trials designs with woman–centred outcomes may be appropriate for evaluating the effectiveness of these therapies.
Methods
A search limited to systematic reviews of the MEDLINE, CINAHL, PUBMED, EMBASE and Cochrane databases was performed in December 2013 using the keywords ‘CAM’, ‘alternative medicine’, ‘complementary medicine’, ‘complementary therapies’, ‘traditional medicine’, ‘Chinese Medicine’, ‘Traditional Chinese Medicine’, ‘acupuncture’, ‘acupressure’, cross–referenced with ‘childbirth’, ‘birth’, labo*r’, and ‘delivery’.The quality of the evidence is also evaluated in the context of study design.
Acupuncture Research
A recent study, “Acupuncture Relieves the Excessive Excitation of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Cortex Axis Function and Correlates with the Regulatory Mechanism of GR, CRH, and ACTHR,” has revealed promising findings about how acupuncture can help manage stress.
Led by Dr. S.J. Wang, this research, published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (Volume 2014, Article ID 495379), explores how acupuncture affects the body’s stress response.
Understanding Stress
Stress is a common issue that affects both physical and mental health. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal cortex axis (HPAA) is crucial in how our body responds to stress. While previous research suggested acupuncture could calm the overactive HPAA, the specific effects on glucocorticoid receptors (GR) were unclear until now.
Study Goals
The main goal of this study was to see how acupuncture changes the protein levels of key stress-related components in the HPAA, including corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone receptor (ACTHR), and GR, both in normal and stressed conditions.
Key Findings
The study found some fascinating ways acupuncture affects stress:
Under Stress:
- Acupuncture increased GR protein in the brain’s hippocampus and hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), and in the pituitary gland.
- It reduced GR protein in the adrenal cortex, leading to lower glucocorticoid (GC) production, a major stress hormone.
- Acupuncture decreased CRH and ACTHR protein levels, reducing the stress response.
Under Normal Conditions:
- Acupuncture boosted GR protein in the hippocampus and CRH in the hippocampus and PVN.
Conclusion
The study suggests acupuncture helps manage stress by improving the interaction between GCs and GR, which affects GR protein levels. This interaction creates a feedback loop that reduces CRH and ACTHR over-expression, lowering GC levels and GR protein in the adrenal cortex.
These groundbreaking findings bring us closer to understanding how acupuncture can be a powerful tool for stress relief. For a deeper dive into the study, check out the full article in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Acupuncture Research, Fertility, Men's health
The Therapeutic Effects of a Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Wuzi Yanzong Pill for the Treatment of Oligoasthenozoospermia: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
In this 2018 study of a traditional Chinese herbal formula and its effects for men with low sperm count and sperm with poor motility “…the WZYZ pill improved sperm quality by improving several semen parameters and decreasing DNA damage in oligoasthenozoospermia patients.”
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Volume 2018 (2018), Article ID 2968025, 10 pages
https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/2968025
Ming Peng Zhao, Xiao Shi, Grace Wing Shan Kong, Chi Chiu Wang, Justin Che Yuen Wu, Zhi Xiu Lin, Tin Chiu Li, and David Yiu Leung Chan
Published 17 January 2018
Oligoasthenozoospermia is a crucial factor in male infertility. Wuzi Yanzong (WZYZ) pill is a popular traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula which has been used for male infertility treatment for years. However, its effects on semen quality remain controversial. We conducted a preregistered meta-analysis to assess the effect of WZYZ pill for the therapeutic effects on oligoasthenozoospermia. Five randomized controlled trials including 960 participants were selected from databases of domains in North-East Asian regions, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library.
WZYZ pill group yielded a greater mean increment on sperm concentration (5 trials: MD 5.99, 95% CI 2.12–9.85, ), sperm motility (5 trials: MD 4.57, 95% CI 0.47–8.68, ), sperm morphology (2 trials: MD −1.93, 95% CI −4.87–1.01, ), activity of acrosomal enzyme (2 trials: MD 28.27, 95% CI 12.41–44.14, ), volume of semen (2 trials: MD 0.56, 95% CI 0.21–0.91, ), and a decrement of sperm DNA fragmentation index (2 trials: MD −3.82, 95% CI −6.45–−1.19, ). However, qualities of selected studies were generally unsatisfactory, and there was inherent heterogeneity among some of the outcomes.
Despite these limitations, the WZYZ pill improved sperm quality by improving several semen parameters and decreasing DNA damage in oligoasthenozoospermia patients.
Effect of Chinese Herbal Medicine on Male Infertility
“Chinese Herbal Medicine improved sperm motility and quality, increased sperm count and rebalanced inadequate hormone levels, and adjusted immune functions leading to the increased number of fertility. Further, CHM in combination with conventional therapies improved efficacy of conventional treatments.”
International Review of Neurobiology, Volume 135, 2017, Pages 297-311 : Chapter Thirteen – Effect of Chinese Herbal Medicine on Male Infertility
DanJiang*AlbertoCoscione†LilyLi‡Bai-YunZeng§
https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.irn.2017.02.014
Abstract
Male infertility normally refers a male’s inability to cause pregnancy in a fertile female partner after 1 year of unprotected intercourse. Male infertility in recent years has been attracting increasing interest from public due to the evidence in decline in semen quality. There are many factors contributing to the male infertility including abnormal spermatogenesis; reproductive tract anomalies or obstruction; inadequate sexual and ejaculatory functions; and impaired sperm motility, imbalance in hormone levels, and immune system dysfunction. Although conventional treatments such as medication, surgical operation, and advanced techniques have helped many male with infertility cause pregnancy in their female partners, effectiveness is not satisfactory and associated with adverse effects.
Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has been used to improve male infertility in China for a very long time and has now been increasingly popular in Western countries for treating infertility. In this chapter we summarized recent development in basic research and clinical studies of CHM in treating male infertility.
It has showed that CHM improved sperm motility and quality, increased sperm count and rebalanced inadequate hormone levels, and adjusted immune functions leading to the increased number of fertility. Further, CHM in combination with conventional therapies improved efficacy of conventional treatments. More studies are needed to identify the new drugs from CHM and ensure safety, efficacy, and consistency of CHM.
Randomised clinical trial of comparing effects of acupuncture and varicocelectomy on sperm parameters in infertile varicocele patients
A 2016 study comparing acupuncture vs surgery for men with varicocele found “acupuncture treatment in primary infertile varicocele patients with semen abnormalities seems to be effective and has comparable results with the varicocelectomy treatment.”
Eyup Veli Kucuk, MD, Umraniye Education & Research Hospital, Adem Yavuz Cad. No:1, Elmalikent Mah., 34760 Umraniye, İstanbul, Turkey.
Andrologia. First published: 21 January 2016
Summary
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the acupuncture treatment on sperm parameters and pregnancy rates in patients with primary infertility. Between January 2008 and May 2010, 30 men with the primary infertility (one year of unprotected intercourse, healthy wife) and varicocele with normal hormone levels and abnormal semen analysis were randomised into two groups. Group 1 underwent subinguinal microscopic varicocelectomy, and Group 2 underwent acupuncture treatment twice a week for 2 months. Both groups were evaluated with semen analysis at 6 months after the treatment. Patients in both groups evaluated with telephone calls and e-mail in terms of pregnancy. The mean age of the patients was 27.2, and groups were comparable regarding the age (P = 0.542). The pre-treatment sperm concentration, motility and morphological characteristics were similar in both groups. Sperm concentration and motility improved significantly in both groups after the treatment. Increase in sperm concentration was higher in the acupuncture group compared to the varicocelectomy group (P = 0.039). The average follow-up was 42 months, and pregnancy rates were emphasised 33% in both groups. Acupuncture treatment in primary infertile varicocele patients with semen abnormalities seems to be effective and has comparable results with the varicocelectomy treatment.
Fertility, Research
Int Rev Neurobiol. 2017;135:233-247. doi: 10.1016/bs.irn.2017.02.011. Epub 2017 Apr 12.
Jiang D1, Li L2, Zeng BY3
1 Hallam Institution of TCM in Sheffield UK, Sheffield, United Kingdom. Electronic address: [email protected].
2 St. Mary’s Hospital Paddington, London, United Kingdom.
3 Neurodegenerative Disease Research Group, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King’s College, London, United Kingdom.
Abstract
Female infertility is when a woman of reproductive age and sexual active, without contraception, cannot get pregnant after a year and more or keeps having miscarriages. Although conventional treatments for infertility such as hormone therapy, in vitro fertilization and many more, helped many female patients with infertility get pregnant during past a few decades, it is far from satisfactory with prolonging treatment time frames and emotional and financial burden. In recent years, more patients with infertile problems are seeking to alternative and complementary medicines to achieve a better outcome. In particular, Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is increasingly popular for treating infertility due to its effectiveness and complimentary with conventional treatments. However, the mechanisms of action of CHM in treating female infertility are not well understood. In this chapter authors reviewed research development of CHM applied in many infertile models and CHM clinical studies in many conditions associated with female infertility, published in past 15 years.
The data of review showed that CHM has either specific target mechanisms of action or multitarget mechanisms of action, via regulating relevant hormone levels in female reproductive system, improving ovary function, enhancing uterine receptivity. More studies are warranted to explore the new drugs from CHM and ensure safety, efficacy, and consistency of CHM.
Fertility, Research
Jiang D1, Coscione A2, Li L3, Zeng BY4
1 Hallam Institution of TCM in Sheffield UK, Sheffield, United Kingdom. Email: [email protected].
2 The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, Harlow, United Kingdom.
3 St Mary’s Hospital Paddington, London, United Kingdom.
4 Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King’s College, London, United Kingdom.
Int Rev Neurobiol. 2017;135:297-311. doi: 10.1016/bs.irn.2017.02.014. Epub 2017 Apr 12.
Abstract
Male infertility normally refers a male’s inability to cause pregnancy in a fertile female partner after 1 year of unprotected intercourse. Male infertility in recent years has been attracting increasing interest from public due to the evidence in decline in semen quality. There are many factors contributing to the male infertility including abnormal spermatogenesis; reproductive tract anomalies or obstruction; inadequate sexual and ejaculatory functions; and impaired sperm motility, imbalance in hormone levels, and immune system dysfunction. Although conventional treatments such as medication, surgical operation, and advanced techniques have helped many male with infertility cause pregnancy in their female partners, effectiveness is not satisfactory and associated with adverse effects. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has been used to improve male infertility in China for a very long time and has now been increasingly popular in Western countries for treating infertility. In this chapter we summarized recent development in basic research and clinical studies of CHM in treating male infertility.
It has showed that CHM improved sperm motility and quality, increased sperm count and rebalanced inadequate hormone levels, and adjusted immune functions leading to the increased number of fertility.
Further, CHM in combination with conventional therapies improved efficacy of conventional treatments. More studies are needed to indentify the new drugs from CHM and ensure safety, efficacy, and consistency of CHM.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28807164
