Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment for Female infertility: A critical Review

By

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Initially I would like to articulate gratitude for my dissertation proposal supervisor, classmates, and my friends whose constant and immense support has been a foundation of continuous inspiration and guidance. I would also like to thank my parents whose guidance and love was with me in whatever I have pursued so far. Furthermore, this dissertation reflects my opinion and it does not symbolize the University opinion.

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DECLARATION

I, (), would like to declare that all contents included in this study stand for my individual work without any aid, and this proposal has not been submitted for any examination at academic as well as professional level, previously. It represents my very own views and not essentially those associated with other university.

Signed __________________ Date _________________

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study is to review the current, scientific, clinical data related to the acupuncture and TCM utilization in treating the infertility among females.

Methods: For the purpose of identifying relevant articles a MEDLINE computer search was performed. Main purpose is to locate information on a topic to identify areas for future study and develop guidelines for clinical practice. Six articles were selected for critical appraisal based on the primary data. Most of the articles were randomized controlled trials.

Findings: The articles including sample size, adequate design, and suitable control on the use of acupuncture during induction of ovulation are lacking. The current studies give summaries that evaluate the acupuncture effects after and before the transfer of embryo on the outcomes of the pregnancy. Out of six published randomized controlled trials, four of the studies significantly revealed the rates of pregnancy in the groups of acupuncture in comparison to the control groups. However; the usage of diverse protocols for the study makes it hard to draw definitive conclusions. Hence, it is assumed that acupuncture has no adverse effects on the outcomes of pregnancy.

Conclusion: The definite acupuncture role in treating the infertility in females is yet to be established, however, it specifically impacts the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis peripherally and centrally on the uterus needed to be examined systematically. Further studies are needed to evaluate the acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicines efficacy in the treatment of female infertility.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSi

DECLARATIONii

Abstractiii

INTRODUCTION1

Problem Statement1

Background of the Study2

Significance4

Purpose, Aims and Objectives5

Question of the Research6

Reason for Choosing the Topic6

Organization of the study7

Definition of Key Term8

Embryo8

Embryo Transfer8

Infertility8

Sub-Fertility8

Gonadotrophins8

Egg Aspiration/ Retrieval9

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)9

Clinical Pregnancy9

LITERATURE REVIEW10

Infertility10

Risk factors and Causes of Infertility11

Age and Infertility11

Reporting of Infertility Treatment Outcomes12

Traditional Chinese Medicines and Acupuncture14

Philosophical foundation of Theory related to Traditional Chinese Medicine15

Infertility from the viewpoint of Traditional Chinese Medicine17

Kidney17

Heart18

Uterus18

Spleen and Liver19

Other organs19

Mechanism of Acupuncture19

The theoretical dissimilarity in the infertility treatment between Western Medicine and TCM20

Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncture efficacy Studies related to Infertility in Females23

Gaps in Current Literature27

METHOD OF RESEARCH29

Research Design and Critical Literature Review29

Search Strategy29

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria30

Assessment of Quality & Data Abstraction31

Data Analysis32

Limitations33

Ethical Considerations35

ANALYSIS AND RESULT36

Critical Analysis of Selected Primary Research Articles36

Data Extraction39

DISCUSSION42

Improving IVF outcomes42

Management of Anovulatory Subfertility45

Immunological Infertility46

Menopausal Symptom Management47

Treatment from TCM for Stress-Associated Infertility48

CONCLUSION50

Future Research52

Recommendations53

References55

Appendix71

INTRODUCTION

Problem Statement

The female infertility ...