Abstract:

As a core modality of assisted reproductive technology, in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) is limited by low clinical pregnancy rate, high risk of complications, and substantial psychological burden on patients. As a non-invasive and safe adjuvant therapy, acupuncture can be applied throughout the entire IVF-ET cycle, including preoperative preparation, ovulation induction, pre- and post-transfer periods, post-operative miscarriage prevention, and complication intervention. Acupuncture can effectively improve ovarian reserve and poor ovarian response, enhance endometrial receptivity, reduce the risk of complications such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, and alleviate anxiety, depression, and oocyte retrieval pain. The mechanism underlying these effects is closely related to the regulation of the neuro-endocrine-immune network. The multi-target and multi-phase advantages of acupuncture provide a strategy of adjuvant therapy for elevating the clinical pregnancy rate of IVF-ET and optimizing overall treatment outcomes.

Key words: Acupuncture moxibustion therapy, Fertilization in vitro, Embryo transfer, Pregnancy outcome, Ovarian reserve