The Effect of Complementary and Alternative Medicine on Subfertile Women with In Vitro Fertilization

Abstract

About 10–15% of couples have difficulty conceiving at some point in their reproductive lives and thus have to seek specialist fertility care. One of the most commonly used treatment options is in vitro fertilization (IVF) and its related expansions. Despite many recent technological advances, the average IVF live birth rate per single initiated cycle is still only 30%. Consequently, there is a need to find new therapies to promote the efficiency of the procedure. Many patients have turned to complementary and alternative medical (CAM) treatments as an adjuvant therapy to improve their chances of success when they undergo IVF treatment. At present, several CAM methods have been used in infertile couples with IVF, which has achieved obvious effects. However, biologically plausible mechanisms of the action of CAM for IVF have not been systematically reviewed. This review briefly summarizes the current progress of the impact of CAM on the outcomes of IVF and introduces the mechanisms.

Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Zishen Yutai Pill, Ameliorates Precocious Endometrial Maturation Induced by Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation and Improves Uterine Receptivity via Upregulation of HOXA10

“…Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), considered gentle and safe, has long been used to treat infertility and miscarriages [ 20 , 21 ]. It has also exhibited effectiveness in improving embryonic implantation rates in IVF [ 22 ].…”

Effects of Acupuncture on the Outcomes of Assisted Reproductive Technology: An Overview of Systematic Reviews

“…Therefore, it is important to maximize the efficiency of the procedure. Many patients have turned to complementary and alternative medical (CAM) treatments such as acupuncture to increase the success rate of assisted reproductive technology (ART) [ 3 ].…”

Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation Improves the Outcomes of In Vitro Fertilization: A Prospective, Randomized and Controlled Study

“…2,3 Many infertile women have now turned to complementary and alternative medicine as an adjuvant therapy to improve the outcomes when they undergo IVF treatment. 4 Acupuncture, as an effective non-pharmacological therapy, has been chosen by many infertile couples undergoing infertility treatment. 3,[5][6][7][8] It is reported that "fertility problems" is the second most common health condition for which people choose acupuncture treatment in the UK.…”