Acupuncture Treatment of Subfertility and Ovarian Endometrioma

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Ovarian endometriotic cysts, also known as ‘chocolate’ cysts or ovarian endometriomas, appear as endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity which grows inside ovaries. Endometriotic cysts can cause chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, impairment of ovarian function in regards to subfertility, etc. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is effectively treating subfertility associated with endometriosis for years, and the treatment gives positive results in achieving pregnancy. With the acupuncture treatment, blood circulation is promoted, external physical factors - eliminated, the stasis is dissolved, the menstrual cycle is regulated, and inflammation is diminished.

CASE REPORT: Our treated patient is 29-year-old woman diagnosed with ovarian endometrioma, slightly - elevated prolactin levels and inability to get pregnant after trying for two years. 19 acupuncture treatments were done on the meridians of Pericardium, Spleen, Stomach, Liver, Ren Mai, Kidney, Large intestine, Du Mai and Bladder. After the acupuncture treatments, the endometrioma was decreased in size and the patient got pregnant spontaneously in a short period.

CONCLUSION: Acupuncture, as part of the TCM, gives positive results and can successfully add up to variety of non - surgical infertility treatment options in women with endometrioma(s).