The effect of auriculotherapy on the stress and the outcomes of assistant reproductive technologies in infertile women

Abstract

Background:Infertility means failure to achieve pregnancy after one year of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Infertile women may experience severe stress and depression. Numerous studies have indicated that auriculotherapy could reduce stress. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the effect of auriculotherapy on the stress and the outcome assisted reproductive technology in infertile women.Materials and Methods:The present study was a clinical trial that was conducted on 56 infertile women aged 20–45, who were assigned into two groups of intervention and control, from November 2014 to November 2015. The control group only received the routine treatments, while the intervention group, in addition to their routine treatment, received auriculotherapy for 8–10 sessions during menstrual cycle. Both groups completed Newton's Fertility Problem Inventory in three stages. The datasets collected for the study were analyzed using independent t-test, repeated-measures analysis of variance, and Chi-square test.Results:The mean score of stress in the intervention group decreased significantly, compared to the control group prior to the embryo transfer and pregnancy test stages. Although insignificant, the rate of pregnancy in the intervention group was higher than the control group. There was a significant increase in the rate of clinical pregnancy in the intervention group, compared to the control.Conclusions:The results indicated that auriculotherapy might be effective in reducing stress and improving the outcome of assisted reproductive treatment.

Auriculoterapia no cuidado da ansiedade e depressão

“…After the evaluation, it was observed that the group whose technique used needles obtained better results in comparison with the other options, nevertheless, the authors recommend the use of seeds to generate less discomfort and to allow the application by trained people, when a protocol is to be used. It is inferred, therefore, that this is the reason for the researchers 21,25 to use seeds in their interventions. Study 1 used both needles and seeds, and the study 3 used only needles.…”

“…Another factor that may interfere with research results and depends on the participants of the sample is the stimulation of auricular points in which seeds were applied, they need to be pressed for better results and the researchers as not able to find out if this action was actually performed by the participants. 22,[24][25] Placebo effect was one aspect that influenced the results. Due to varied situations, this term was frequently cited by the researchers in the study limitations section.…”

“…24 Finally, the absence of a placebo group to assess the effect of auriculotherapy on stress and on the results of assisted reproductive management was also considered a limiting factor. 25 In view of these limitations, it is advisable that future scientific productions stimulate Sham points in order to ascertain their efficacy and use heterogeneous samples composed of a larger number of collaborators, so that protocols can be evaluated. 19,[21][22] The proposed goal of investigating the use of auriculotherapy in the treatment of anxiety and depression in the literature of the last six years was reached and allowed the understanding of some important aspects about the use of this therapy in the mentioned diseases.…”

Effect of Acupressure on Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial

“…Thus, acupressure and improving endocrine function can help regulate hormones and reduce mental disorders in patients with PCOS. Correspondingly, Valiani et al revealed that auriculotherapy reduces stress and improves fertility treatment [ 39 ].…”

The Effect of Auriculotherapy on an Overweight Pregnant Women’s Weight‐Gaining Pattern: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

“…Auriculotherapy (treatment through the ear) is a type of acupuncture that has become a separate and unique alternative treatment method in the last 60 years and was officially recognized by the WHO in 1990 [ 14 , 15 ]. Ear acupuncture can reduce the pleasure of eating and the feeling of hunger [ 16 ] and increase the feeling of satiety [ 17 ].…”