Effect of Electro-acupuncture on Women With Diminished Ovarian Reserve

Effect of Electro-acupuncture on Ovarian Function and Outcome of IVF-ET of Women With Diminished Ovarian Reserve：a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is the precursor state of ovarian failure, and can cause the decline of women's reproductive function. Some studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can improve ovarian function. In this trial, we hypothesize that electro-acupuncture is efficient for the ovarian function and the following outcome of IVF-ET in DOR patients.

First, patients will be recruited according to the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria.

Second, baseline measurements (including ovarian reserve function, blood biochemical index, scores from the self-rating anxiety and depression scale, quality of life) will be taken.

Third, each patient will receive 24 sessions of acupuncture in 2-3 months, twice or three times a week.

Last, the above baseline measurements will be taken again as soon as the treatment is finished and outcome measures will be recorded after the treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age < 40, will undergo IVF-ET;
2. Low ovarian reserve: Antral follicle count (AFC)<7, or AMH<1.1ng/ml; or has a history of poor ovarian response: in the last hyper stimulation cycle, the number of retrieved oocytes<3;
3. Spouse' semen examination is normal, or after semen prewash can reach the standard of common IVF or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection(ICSI).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Male with azoospermia;
2. Male/female's chromosome is abnormal;
3. Adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, endometrial polyps, scar uterine, reproductive system tuberculosis, oviduct effusion, pelvic lesions such as ovarian endometriosis cyst or tumor;
4. Female has other endocrine disease: thyroid diseases, hyperprolactinemia, insulin resistance, diabetes, adrenal diseases, etc.
5. Definitively diagnosed autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, antiphospholipid syndrome;
6. Other pathogenesis that leads to recurrent miscarriage or agnogenic recurrent miscarriage;
7. A history of cancer and has received radiotherapy and chemotherapy;
8. Had acupuncture treatment in recent 3 months;
9. Unwilling to sign the informed consent of this study.