Efficacy and Safety of Needle Acupuncture for Treating Gynecologic and Obstetric Disorders: An Overview

Selva Olid A, Martinez Zapata MJ, Sola I, Stojanovic Z, Uriona Tuma SM, Bonfill Cosp X. · Medical Acupuncture · 2013 December

DOI 10.1089/acu.2013.0976

Objective

The aim of this review was to determine the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for treating pelvic and low-back pain during pregnancy, pain during labor, primary dysmenorrhea, and menopausal symptoms.

Conclusions

Evidence for the efficacy of needle acupuncture for treating the disorders showed promising results for reducing pelvic and back pain during pregnancy and climacteric vasomotor symptoms.

Critical Appraisal

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Insights

Acupuncture's efficacy in treating gynecologic and obstetric disorders

This comprehensive review evaluates acupuncture's efficacy and safety in treating gynecologic and obstetric disorders. Examining systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials, the study addresses conditions like pregnancy-related pelvic and low-back pain, labor pain, primary dysmenorrhea, and menopausal symptoms. The results are inconclusive, with some evidence supporting acupuncture's potential in reducing pelvic and back pain during pregnancy and alleviating climacteric vasomotor symptoms. However, more rigorous research is necessary for definitive conclusions. Adverse effects were minimal. The review emphasizes the need for well-designed studies to enhance the precision and reliability of findings regarding acupuncture's therapeutic benefits in these disorders.