Integrating Acupuncture Throughout IVF and Pregnancy in a Patient with Polycystic Metabolic Syndrome: A Case Report
Presented by Dr. Claire Rowat, DOAM, LicAc., FABORM at the 2nd Global Summit on Gynecology and Women’s Health 2026 in Paris!
Polycystic metabolic syndrome (PMOS) may contribute to infertility despite normal endocrine laboratory findings. This case describes the integration of acupuncture throughout infertility treatment, IVF, and pregnancy in a patient with PMOS who conceived on her first frozen embryo transfer. After one year of infertility, ovulation induction and IUIs were unsuccessful despite normal hemoglobin A1c, prolactin, testosterone, estrogen levels, an anti-Müllerian hormone level of 4.5 ng/mL, and normal semen parameters. Weekly acupuncture was provided to regulate her menstrual cycle, reduce stress, improve sleep and digestion, and support reproductive health alongside conventional fertility care.
The patient underwent IVF, producing 30 oocytes, 20 fertilized embryos, 9 blastocysts, and 6 chromosomally normal embryos. Following egg retrieval, she developed severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome complicated by intra-abdominal hemorrhage requiring hospitalization and blood transfusion. Acupuncture continued during recovery to address pelvic discomfort, constipation, and fatigue while preparing for embryo transfer.
A modified natural frozen embryo transfer using a single high-quality embryo resulted in a clinical pregnancy on the first transfer attempt. Acupuncture was continued throughout pregnancy to manage nausea, constipation, fatigue, dehydration, sciatica, low back pain, hip pain, and insomnia. The pregnancy progressed without major obstetric complications, and fetal growth remained appropriate through the third trimester with cephalic presentation.
This case highlights acupuncture as a potential integrative adjunct to IVF, supporting recovery from treatment-related complications, symptom management, maternal well-being, and a successful pregnancy following the first embryo transfer.
