Can tiny acupuncture needles boost fertility in women with low egg supply?

NCT ID NCT05277948

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Dongmei Huang Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether thumbtack needle acupuncture can improve ovarian function in 240 women aged 18-40 with diminished ovarian reserve (low egg supply). Participants received acupuncture at specific points for up to 4 weeks. The main goals were to see changes in anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels and antral follicle count (AFC), which are markers of egg reserve. The results could point to a simple, needle-based way to support fertility.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: thumbtack needle acupuncture (with electro-thumbtack needle on some points)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a non-drug option to improve egg quality and fertility chances in women with low ovarian reserve.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial with no phase. The treatment is acupuncture, so any benefit may be due to placebo. Results may not apply to all women.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

ovarian dysfunction

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

DIMINISHED OVARIAN RESERVE

Contacts and locations

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Locations

Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology

Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China

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