Acupuncture, endometriosis and in vitro fertilization

Author(s): E. A. Duggan - Pages: 45–49

Abstract

This report describes the case of a 37-year-old female with moderate endometriosis and infertility. At the time of presentation for treatment, she had undergone 4 months of a 6-month course of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) that was to be followed by an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. The subject sought treatment for the side effects of the GnRH agonists and to prepare her body for IVF. Acupuncture was used in an attempt to address the menopausal symptoms produced by down-regulation, and improve blood flow to the uterus and ovaries so as to improve the chances of embryo implantation, and reduce the stress and anxiety associated with infertility and IVF treatment. The subject was treated once a week over a 10-week period.

Keywords: acupuncture, endometriosis, in vitro fertilization, traditional Chinese medicine.