A case of PCOS related infertility and the application of acupuncture with in vitro fertilization (IVF)
Item
Title
A case of PCOS related infertility and the application of acupuncture with in vitro fertilization (IVF)
Description
International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture (2018), Dougherty, Nicholas.
Abstract
In recent years, acupuncture has become a more common intervention in the realm of infertility. Often fertility clinics refer to and retain acupuncture practioners on site or in their networks to assist in the multitude of procedures that can be offered. Many studies have correlated increased results with procedures such as In vitro fertilization, Intrauterine insemination as well as drug therapies when combined with acupuncture. While many studies favor the inclusion of acupuncture, there remains debate as to the exact mode of action that acupuncture has on the human body. When fertility is complicated by underlying conditions that affect hormone levels, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, clinicians and patients have seen synergistic effects in both approaches. Traditionally the treatment of hormonal conditions such as PCOS include multiple medications. These medications can cause additional unwanted side effects as well as complicating the disease process. The addition of acupuncture treatments to balance hormone levels as well as to treat the disease process. The addition of acupuncture treatments to balance hormone levels as well as to treat mental/emotional aspects of fertility related diseases is imperative to modern clinics. This case discusses one patient over a long period of time struggling with fertility. Initially, conventional pregnancy was the main goal for the patient. However, after multiple attemps the patient selected Assisted Reproductive Therapies (ART), chiefly IVF to become pregnant. The main use of acupuncture and herbal therapies overall was to combat the severe side effects from the medications and hormone therapy the patient experienced during the course of IVF.
Alternative Title
International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture
Creator
Date
Date Created
5/1/2019
Language
English
Type
Journal Article
doi
10.3103/S1047197918020059
issn
1074-1979
issue
2
page end
140
page start
139
volume
27