Acupuncture Versus Clomiphene for Ovulation Induction in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Randomized Clinical Trial
Hafizi L, Azizi H, Mahmoudinia M, Jafari M, Taghanaki HB, Esmaili H, Golmohammadzadeh S, Azizi H · Health Science Reports · 2026 June
DOI 10.1002/hsr2.72673
Objective
To investigate the effectiveness of acupuncture compared with clomiphene for inducing ovulation in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Conclusions
Acupuncture can be as effective as clomiphene for inducing ovulation in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome and may be a safe treatment option because of its few side effects.
Critical Appraisal
Published research can offer valuable insights, but a paper’s conclusions may go beyond what its results support. Critical appraisal examines the methods, findings and limitations to clarify what can reasonably be concluded—and what remains uncertain.
This article has not yet been critically appraised by the Research Hub.
Learn more about Critical Appraisal
Insights
Acupuncture achieved ovulation outcomes comparable to clomiphene for infertility associated with polycystic ovary syndrome, despite less follicular growth and more headaches.
Infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome attending two Iranian fertility clinics were randomly assigned to receive either genuine acupuncture with inactive clomiphene tablets or clomiphene with simulated acupuncture. Researchers assessed follicular growth, signs of ovulation, and treatment side effects across treatment cycles.
Ovulation did not differ meaningfully between acupuncture and clomiphene treatment groups, suggesting similar effectiveness for inducing ovulation. Clomiphene produced greater follicular growth during the first and third cycles, while most side effects were comparable; headaches occurred more often with acupuncture.
