Table 2.
Acupuncture claims related to physiological benefits.
| Claim made | Number of clinic websites (%) n = 16 |
Number of affiliated practitioner websites (%) n = 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Improved blood flow to reproductive organs | 11 (69) | 5 (33) |
| Regulation of reproductive hormones | 9 (56) | 4 (27) |
| Improved endometrial/uterine conditions | 7 (44) | 11 (73) |
| Improved ovarian function/more or better-quality eggs | 6 (34) | 3 (20) |
| Improved sperm parameters | 6 (34) | 3 (20) |
| Help with other gynaecological conditions (e.g. PCOS, endometriosis) | 5 (31) | 4 (27) |
| Regulation of menstrual cycle | 4 (25) | 4 (27) |
| Aid to pregnancy symptoms (nausea, breech, pain) | 4 (25) | 1 (7) |
| Immune system benefits | 4 (25) | 1 (7) |
| Reduced ovarian contractions following embryo transfer | 3 (19) | 0 (0) |
| Reduced chances of ectopic pregnancy | 0 (0) | 1 (7) |
PCOS, polycystic ovary syndrome.