The effect of acupuncture on female reproductive system

Background: Acupuncture is a component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that established in medicine over the last decade. Acupuncture modulates sympathetic nervous system, the endocrine system and neuroendocrine system. Acupuncture can enhance patient’s response to medication, treat any adverse effects, and support the patient emotionally. There are some studies about the role of acupuncture in reproductive system especially in female.Methods: We reviewed published articles from 2002 to 2016 about the effects of acupuncture on reproductive system from reputable sites.Result: Collected data showed that acupuncture appears to improve the recovery of menstrual cycle and decrease the levels of BMI and LH in women with PCOS. Also data supports a role for acupuncture as therapeutic option for women with sexual dysfunction, particularly low desire. Acupuncture was found to be beneficial for reducing chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and dyspareunia and increasing quality life in women with endometriosis. On the other hand acupuncture administered in relation to embryo transfer has no effects on the outcome in assisted reproductive techniques and was not associated with increase in pregnancy rates but the patients were more relaxed and more optimistic.Conclusion: In conclusion, acupuncture shows promising success in treating female infertility, however further studies should be carried out taking into account patient age, severity of disease and time of intervention.

کلیدواژه ها:

Infertility ، Reproductive system ، Acupuncture