Electroacupuncture for diminished ovarian reserve-associated infertility with a live birth: A case report.

Abstract

<p>INTRODUCTION: Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) refers to a decrease in the quantity and/or quality of oocytes in the ovaries, resulting in decreased fertility. DOR is one of the primary causes of infertility in women. Electroacupuncture therapy has been widely used in gynecological diseases. To our knowledge, there are currently no published case reports of electroacupuncture for two intermittent treatments of DOR-associated infertility. We present a case of electroacupuncture in two separate treatment sessions for DOR-associated infertility, resulting in a successful live birth following an initial miscarriage. RATIONALE: Infertility affects reproductive-aged couples and significantly impacts demographics trends. Electroacupuncture may be effective for DOR-associated infertility. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 30-year-old woman presented with DOR-associated infertility and expressed concern about the substantial costs associated with assisted reproductive technology. DIAGNOSES: The patient was diagnosed with DOR-associated infertility and early threatened abortion. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, the diagnosis was infertility (a deficiency in both the spleen qi and kidney qi, accompanied by blood stasis). INTERVENTIONS: Based on the patient's condition, we employed electroacupuncture to tonify qi and blood, and to invigorate blood circulation. OUTCOMES: After the first treatment, anti-müllerian hormone levels and antral follicle count increased, whereas baseline follicle-stimulating hormone levels decreased. The patient conceived but experienced a miscarriage due to embryonic chromosomal abnormalities despite normal parental karyotypes. Following the second treatment, the patient achieved a spontaneous pregnancy and delivered a healthy baby. LESSONS: Electroacupuncture may improve pregnancy outcomes in DOR-associated infertility, and prolonging the treatment course could be beneficial for achieving a live birth.</p>