OBJECTIVETo observe the impact of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) before and after embryo transfer for the pregnancy of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) patients.

METHODSA total of 1761 IVF-ET patients of natural cycle or hormone replacement cycle were randomly assigned into an observation group (735 cases) and a control group (1026 cases). IVF-ET was applied in the two groups. TEAS was used for 30 min separately in the observation group on 24 h before transfer and within 2 h after transfer. The acupoints were Zigong (EX-CA 1), Xuehai (SP 10) and Diji (SP 8); Zhongwan (CV 12), Guanyuan (CV 4), Zusanli (ST 36) and Taixi (KI 3). TEAS was not used in the control group. Biochemical pregnancy rate and clinical pregnancy rate were observed 14 d and 4-5 weeks after transfer in the two groups.

RESULTSThe biochemical pregnancy rate in the observation group was 62.0% (456/735), which was better than 57.3% (588/1026) in the control group (<0.05). The clinical pregnancy rate in the observation group was 51.2% (376/735), and it was better than 44.9% (461/1026) in the control group (<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSTEAS could improve the pregnancy rate of IVF-ET patients, and it may be a safe and new assisted method for reproduction without pain.