High expectancy of acupuncture is linked to a shorter time to ovulation and more chances of ovulation in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
This study is a secondary analysis of the PolyCystic Ovary Syndrome Acupuncture plus Clomiphene Trial, a randomized controlled trial that included 1000 infertile patients suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The participants were randomly assigned to receive either active acupuncture or control acupuncture, which was given with or without clomiphene. The expectation of acupuncture in these women, measured on a scale ranging from 4 to 20 points, was assessed. The analysis was made possible as data were available for 827 women who were classified into groups of high expectancy (scores equal to or over 16 points) and low expectancy (scores under 16 points) post their third session of either active or control acupuncture treatment. The comparison was made on the basis of anthropometric measurements, endocrine factors, and fertility outcomes, adjusted by body mass index and treatment group allocation.
Results showed that 373 and 454 patients were identified as having a low and high expectation of acupuncture, respectively. The high expectancy group had been attempting to conceive for a shorter period and were more likely to have a history of acupuncture treatment. This group also had an earlier onset of menstruation, a higher body mass index, and a lower estradiol level. The study found no interaction between acupuncture treatment and expectations in terms of fertility outcomes. However, compared to the low expectancy group, the high expectancy group showed a significantly shorter time to ovulation and had higher chances of ovulation during the study period. Even after adjusting for confounding factors, there were no significant differences between the groups in other outcomes, including conception, pregnancy, and live birth.
