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Review
. 2019 Dec 1;31(6):361-365.
doi: 10.1089/acu.2019.1394. Epub 2019 Dec 13.

Management of Acupuncture as Adjuvant Therapy for In Vitro Fertilization

Wahyuningsih Djaali  1   2 , Kemas Abdurrohim  2 , Dwi Rachma Helianthi  2
Affiliations
Review

Management of Acupuncture as Adjuvant Therapy for In Vitro Fertilization

Wahyuningsih Djaali et al. Med Acupunct. .

Abstract

One treatment option for couples with infertility that enables the highest success rate is in vitro fertilization (IVF). With this technique, various causes of infertility can be overcome, whether they are caused by anatomical abnormalities in women or abnormalities of sexual dysfunction in men. Acupuncture, a nonpharmacologic therapy with minimal side-effects, according to various studies is be beneficial for increasing the success of IVF. There are several mechanisms of acupuncture related to this, such as: (1) modulating neuroendocrine factors; (2) increasing blood flow to the uterus and ovaries; (3) modulating immune factors; and (4) reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Because acupuncture does not have bad side-effects, it is an adjuvant therapy that can be performed at each stage of the IVF procedure to increase the chances of successful IVF.

Keywords: acupuncture; in vitro fertilization; infertility.

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Conflict of interest statement

No financial conflicts exist.

Figures

FIG. 1.
FIG. 1.
Acupuncture points used for in vitro fertilization.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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