Can tiny electric acupuncture needles help women with low egg reserve conceive?
NCT ID NCT07769684
First seen Aug 18, 2026 · Last updated Aug 18, 2026
Summary
This trial tests whether electro-thumbtack needle (ETN) therapy, a form of acupuncture with mild electrical stimulation, can improve the live birth rate in women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). About 406 women with DOR will be randomly assigned to receive either real ETN or a placebo version, starting 1-3 menstrual cycles before IVF and continuing until the trigger shot. Researchers will compare pregnancy outcomes, egg quality, and emotional well-being between the two groups to see if ETN makes a meaningful difference.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- electro-thumbtack needle (ETN) therapy, a form of acupuncture with electrical stimulation
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this could offer a drug-free way to improve IVF success in women with diminished ovarian reserve, potentially increasing their chances of having a baby.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage trial, and results may not confirm benefit. The therapy is generally safe, but individual responses can vary, and it may not improve outcomes for everyone.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Shiyan People's Hospital
Shiyan, Hubei, 442000, China
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Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
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Wuhan Jinxin Gynecology and Obstetrics Hospital of Integrative Medicine
Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Xiangyang Central Hospital
Xiangyang, Hubei, China
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- A pill instead of a needle? new IVF trial tests drospirenone for women with low ovarian reserve
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- Gentler embryo test could replace risky biopsy in IVF
- Ancient herbal recipe put to the test for waning fertility