Acupuncture Versus Clomiphene for Ovulation Induction in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background and Aims

There is evidence of the beneficial effects of acupuncture in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study aimed to compare acupuncture with clomiphene in ovulation induction among infertile women with PCOS.

Methods

This randomized clinical trial was conducted on infertile women with PCOS who were referred to the gynecology clinic of Imam Reza Hospital and Milad Infertility Center, Mashhad, Iran, from December 2015 to July 2016. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups; the intervention group (38 patients) received true acupuncture plus placebo clomiphene, whereas the control group (39 patients) received clomiphene plus sham acupuncture. Patients were compared in terms of folliculare growth, evidence of ovulation, and side effects of treatment.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of demographic characteristics and PCOS criteria. The ovulation rates were 31.5% and 41.6% in the intervention and control groups respectively, indicating no statistically significant difference( p  = 0.36). Also, in terms of side effects, the statistical difference between the two groups was not significant, except for headache which was significantly more common in the intervention group ( p  = 0.001). The rate of folliculargrowth was significantly higher in the control group during the first and third cycles ( p  = 0.01), whereas no significant difference was observed in the second cycle ( p  = 0.93).

Conclusion

Acupuncture can be as effective as clomiphene treatment in inducing ovulation in infertile women with PCOS. Moreover, considering the few side effects of acupuncture, its application can be considered a safe option.

Trial Registration: IRCT201512057265N3.