Acupuncture, like most other alternative therapies, is particular popular for indications that are:

1. chronic

2. associated with a high burden of suffering,

3. not easily treatable with conventional therapies,

4. are frequently resolved without any intervention.

Infertility or subfertility tick most of these boxes. It is therefore not surprising that acupuncturists the world over claim that acupuncture can cure infertility. But is this claim based on evidence or on wishful thinking?

The objective of this new study was to find out. Specifically, the authors wanted to provide preliminary data to explore whether women with subfertility undergoing a course of acupuncture and lifestyle modification compared with an active control of lifestyle modification alone would demonstrate improved reproductive outcomes, improved menstrual cycles, and increased fertility awareness.

In a pragmatic randomized controlled trial, with the A+B versus B design, sub/infertile women were offered an intervention of acupuncture and lifestyle modification or lifestyle modification only. There was a statistically significant increase in fertility awareness in the acupuncture group (86.4%) compared to 40% of the lifestyle only participants. Changes in menstrual regularity were not statistically significant. There was no statistical difference in the pregnancy rate with seven women achieving pregnancy during the course of the study intervention. Those receiving the acupuncture conceived within an average of 5.5 weeks compared to 10.67 weeks for the lifestyle only group.

The authors concluded that the acupuncture protocol tested influenced women who received it compared to women who used lifestyle modification alone: their fertility awareness and wellbeing increased, and those who conceived did so in half the time.

The first sentences of the authors’ discussion are, I think, revealing: The main findings were that this acupuncture intervention, compared to lifestyle only, resulted in significant increases in fertility awareness and quality of life measures in relation to wellbeing; it increased the ability of the recipients to engage in desired activities, such as exercise or rest, and it shortened the time to conception by half. The findings provide preliminary evidence that the acupuncture intervention is acceptable and is not inert and that acupuncture dose may have a significant influence on outcomes.

In my view, the main findings of this study are entirely different. Let me propose alternatives:

* In alternative medicine, if you did a lousy study, you can just call it a ‘pilot study’ and all is forgiven.

* The infamous A+B vs B design continues to be popular for those who cannot bring themselves to publishing negative findings.

* It works perfectly for subjective parameters but less convincingly for objective ones, such as pregnancy rates.

* Doing such research on infertility is good for the cash flow of acupuncturists.

* Making women aware of fertility increases (surprise, surprise!) fertility awareness.

No need to be so cynical!, some will think. After all, the results showed that women receiving the acupuncture conceived within an average of 5.5 weeks compared to 10.67 weeks for the lifestyle only group. True! But there was no statistically significant difference between these two figures. And that means, the difference was a chance finding (which has no place in an abstract) which probably has no relevance whatsoever.

Or perhaps I am wrong?

I am told to always keep an open mind!

So, let’s keep our minds open to some truly alternative explanations. How about this one: regular acupuncture increases the rate of adultery, which, in turn, decreases the time to conception.

Makes sense, doesn’t it? Has anyone a better idea?

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