Invitation to an international multicenter study of the

effect of acupuncture on the outcome of in vitro

fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection
Stefan Dieterle, M.D.
Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of
Witten/Herdecke, Dortmund, Germany

Acupuncture might have a positive effect on the outcome of IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Further
evidence is required before acupuncture can be recommended as a routine method. (Fertil Steril威 2006;85:1370.
©2006 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)

We appreciate the comments of Drs. Collins, Myers, and
Domar. Our study was intended to contribute to the ongoing
debate about the effect of acupuncture on the outcome of
IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. As all authors
agree, more evidence has to be accumulated before the
efficacy and effectiveness of acupuncture can be evaluated.
The validity, importance, and relevance of a study
depend on its design. Randomization and allocation con-
cealment are crucial. In our study, there were no restric-
Received January 10, 2006; revised and accepted January 10, 2006.
Reprint requests: Stefan Dieterle, M.D., University of Witten/Herdecke,
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive
Endocrinology and Infertility, Olpe 19, Dortmund D-44135, Germany
(FAX: 49-231-55754598; E-mail: Dieterle@IVF-Dortmund.de).
tions, such as blocking or stratification. The allocation
was concealed from all clinical and trial personnel and
was blind to the patient.
All comments encourage further trials to contribute to the
body of evidence. Therefore, we suggest the establishment
of an international multicenter study group to evaluate acu-
puncture in the early luteal phase, using standardized acu-
puncture points, placebo needles, live births as the primary
outcome, and an a priori hypothesis for the number of study
groups, as suggested by Dr. Myers. According to Dr. Collins,
a suitable quality score has to be applied, and as Dr. Domar
states, good science is always needed. We would like to
invite all interested researchers to participate and to contact
the author for further details.

1370 Fertility and Sterility姞 Vol. 85, No. 5, May 2006 0015-0282/06/$32.00
Copyright ©2006 American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Published by Elsevier Inc. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.01.008