Hasil untuk "Gynecology and obstetrics"

Evelyn Yang, Ching-Pei Tsai, Pao-Sheng Shen et al.

Abstract This prospective pilot study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of an innovative laparoscopic pectopexy (LP) technique employing an inverted T-mesh for the concomitant treatment of advanced uterine and anterior vaginal prolapse. 42 patients (62.7%) underwent the innovative LP procedure, while 25 patients (37.3%) with predominant uterine or vaginal vault prolapse underwent conventional laparoscopic sacral hysteropexy or colpopexy (LS). The primary outcome was the anatomic outcomes and functional results. Secondary outcomes included surgical complications and reoperations. At baseline, the demographics of the LP group was younger, with lower body mass index (BMI), and were more sexually active when compared to the LS group (P < 0.05). At one-year follow-up, the anatomic cure rate (POP-Q stage < 2) was significantly lower in the LP group (78.6% [33/42] vs. 92.0% [23/25]; P = 0.0108). Functional outcomes were assessed using the PFDI-20, POPIQ-7 and PISQ-12 questionnaires, and significant improvements were observed in all domains. Multiple logistic regression revealed that the type of surgical procedure was not a significant predictor of outcome. Levator avulsion was the only variable significantly associated with poorer results (P < 0.05). Both groups demonstrated favorable postoperative outcomes, and had no severe surgical complications. Limitations of this study included non-randomization of the sample groups, small sample size and a follow-up time of one year. Despite these limitations, the findings suggest that the innovative LP procedure is a safe and feasible option for the concomitant management of advanced uterine and anterior vaginal prolapse. However, levator ani avulsion markedly increases the risk of anatomic recurrence. This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07411898; 13/02/2026).

Hediye Karakoç, Hava Ozkan

Abstract Background Simulation-based education is widely used to enhance clinical competence and communication skills in health professions. However, limited evidence exists on combined educational models that integrate simulation with structured counseling to strengthen empathy and privacy protection among midwifery students. Methods This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of a two-component educational intervention—wearable birth simulation followed by seven weeks of structured counseling—on students’ empathic tendency and privacy protection competencies. A total of 105 final-year midwifery students were randomly assigned to three groups: normal birth simulation (n = 35), breech birth simulation (n = 35), and control (n = 35). Data were collected at four time points using the Empathic Tendency Scale and the Privacy Protection in Obstetrics and Gynecology Scale. Mixed-model analyses were applied. Results Students in the breech birth simulation group demonstrated significantly higher empathy scores compared with the control group (p = 0.025). Across all groups, empathy and privacy awareness increased significantly over time (p < 0.001). However, the intervention did not produce significant improvements in the frequency of applying privacy-protective behaviors (p > 0.05). Conclusions The combined intervention—simulation followed by structured counseling—enhanced students’ empathy and awareness regarding privacy protection, although behavioral change did not occur to the same extent. Integrating multi-component educational strategies into midwifery curricula may strengthen both emotional and cognitive dimensions of respectful maternity care. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05864859. Registered on 05 May 2023.

N.K. Gupta, Ayesha Ahmad, Uma Gupta

Education is derived 'Educatum' a Latin word, combination of 'e' and 'duco'. 'e' means 'out of' or 'from inside' and 'duco' means 'to lead out' - means to lead out of what is there inside the mind and soul of learner. Medical education has undergone significant changes in the last few decades due to the technological explosion, and medical students need to be exposed in appropriate and calculated manner at that stage of education

Zhan Zhang, Xiaonan Zong, Zhaohui Liu et al.

Abstract Background Tuberculosis remains an infectious disease of global concern, with potential impacts on respiratory and intestinal microbiota owing to prolonged broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy. Despite its potential to cause infertility, the vaginal microbiota of women with genital tuberculosis remains poorly understood. We comprehensively analyzed the vaginal microbiota in Chinese women with genital tuberculosis. Results We recruited women with pelvic (n = 28), endometrial (n = 16), and pulmonary (n = 12) tuberculosis as the research group, and healthy women (n = 11) as the control group. Vaginal discharges were collected for metagenomic analysis of its microbiota. The alpha diversity of the vaginal microbiota in women with genital tuberculosis was slightly higher than that in healthy women, though the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.23). Similarly, no significant differences in alpha diversity were observed between women with genital and pulmonary tuberculosis (P = 0.82) or between those with pelvic and endometrial tuberculosis (P = 0.82). Notably, the lowest alpha diversity was recorded six months to one year after initiating anti-tuberculosis treatment, with this decline being statistically significant (P = 0.023). The dominance of Lactobacillus iners in the vaginal microbiota was more common in women with genital tuberculosis than that of Lactobacillus crispatus. Furthermore, the abundance of short-chain fatty acid -producing anaerobes, such as Actinomycetes, Streptococcus, and Finegoldia, were significantly increased. Short-chain fatty acid precursor pathways, including the ko03010 ribosome pathway, ko00970 aminoacyl-tRNA synthesis, ko00230 purine metabolism, ko00240 pyrimidine metabolism, and ko00010 glycolysis gluconeogenesis pathway, were significantly upregulated in women with endometrial tuberculosis. Conclusions Extrapulmonary tuberculosis, particularly genital tuberculosis and its associated vaginal dysbiosis impacts female fecundity. Vaginal dysbiosis is more pronounced when M. tuberculosis invades the endometrium. Given the effect of antibiotics on vaginal flora, probiotic combined interventions could be used as a future research direction. Clinical trial number Not applicable.

Jiang-Nan Wu, Faustino R. Pérez-López, Ignacio Rodríguez et al.

Abstract Introduction To clarify the uncertain association between maternal total triiodothyronine (TT3) levels and preeclampsia risk. Methods In a hospital-based cohort of pregnant women with universal thyroid testing, we assessed the association between TT3 and preeclampsia using directed acyclic graphs (DAG) to control confounders. Results Maternal TT3 levels were associated with preeclampsia risk, with an adjusted odd ratio (OR) of 2.32 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.02–2.68) in women with the highest TT3 quartile comparing to those in the lowest quartile. A J-shaped association was identified for early onset preeclampsia, with particularly strong association when thyroid-stimulating hormone exceeded 2.5 μIU/mL (OR, 17.22, 95% CI 4.52–65.60). Gestational age > 18 weeks at measurement significantly modified the effect of TT3 on preeclampsia risk, with an interaction OR of 3.22 (95% CI 1.56–6.62). Conclusion Increased maternal TT3 levels were associated with preeclampsia. TT3 may contribute to preeclampsia pathogenesis and serve as a clinical biomarker, especially for early onset cases with thyroid dysfunction.

Nguyen Thi Huyen Anh, Nguyen Manh Thang, Truong Thanh Huong

<h4>Introduction</h4>Hypertension is the common disorder encountered during pregnancy, complicating 5% to 10% of all pregnancies. Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) are also a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The majority of feto-maternal complications due to HPD have occurred in the low- and middle-income countries. However, few studies have been done to assess the feto-maternal outcomes and the predictors of adverse perinatal outcome among women with HDP in these countries.<h4>Methods</h4>A prospective cohort study was conducted on women with HDP who were delivered at National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vietnam from March 2023 to July 2023. Socio-demographic and obstetrics characteristics, and feto-maternal outcomes were obtained by trained study staff from interviews and medical records. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0. Bivariate and multiple logistic regressions were done to determine factors associated with adverse perinatal outcome. A 95% confidence interval not including 1 was considered statically significant.<h4>Results</h4>A total of 255 women with HDP were enrolled. Regarding adverse maternal outcomes, HELLP syndrome (3.9%), placental abruption (1.6%), and eclampsia (1.2%) were three most common complications. There was no maternal death associated with HDP. The most common perinatal complication was preterm delivery developed in 160 (62.7%) of neonates. Eight stillbirths (3.1%) were recorded whereas the perinatal mortality was 6.3%. On bivariate logistic regression, variables such as residence, type of HDP, highest systolic BP, highest diastolic BP, platelet count, severity symptoms, and birth weight were found to be associated with adverse perinatal outcome. On multiple logistic regression, highest diastolic BP, severity symptoms, and birth weight were found to be independent predictors of adverse perinatal outcome.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Our study showed lower prevalence of stillbirth, perinatal mortality, and maternal complication compared to some previous studies. Regular antenatal care and early detection of abnormal signs during pregnancy help to devise an appropriate monitoring and treatment strategies for each women with HDP.

Jingting Liu, Yijun Dong, Yawei Zhou et al.

Abstract Background Observational epidemiological studies suggested that immunological dysregulation and inflammation play a significant role in the placental and renal dysfunction that leads to maternal hypertension. The immunophenotypes' possible causalities with hypertensive disease of pregnancy remain ambiguous. We performed two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to comprehensively investigate the causal effect of immunophenotypes on hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP). Methods The large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWASs) data on immunological traits was taken from public catalog for 731 immunophenotypes. The summarized GWAS data in 4 types of HDP were retrieved from FinnGen database, including 811,605 Finnish individuals. The primary analysis was the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method, supplemented by conducting sensitivity analysis. To confirm whether cardiovascular proteins mediated the causal effect of immune cells on HDP, we additionally executed a mediation MR study. Results After looking into genetically predicted immunophenotype biomarkers, we discovered 14 highly correlative immunophenotypes and 104 suggestive possible factors. The IVW analysis indicated that HLA DR on myeloid DC, HLA DR on plasmacytoid DC, and HLA DR on DC had a significant association with pre-eclampsia/eclampsia (PE), whereas CD4+ CD8dim AC and CD4+ CD8dim % leukocyte were protective against gestational hypertension (GH). All of HDP in our study had no statistically significant impact on immune cells, according to reverse MR analysis. The mediating role of LOX-1between HLA DR on plasmacytoid DC and chronic hypertension prior to pregnancy was validated. Conclusion This study showed that many immunophenotypes are implicated in HDP. Furthermore, the level of LOX-1 mediated the pathophysiology relationship between HLA DR on plasmacytoid dendritic cells and chronic hypertension prior to pregnancy.

L. Arendsen, R. Thakar, A. Sultan

Health care-associated infections (HAIs) are a global problem associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Controlling the spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria is a major public health challenge, and antimicrobial resistance has become one of the most important global problems in current times. SUMMARY Health care-associated infections (HAIs) are a global problem associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Controlling the spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria is a major public health challenge, and antimicrobial resistance has become one of the most important global problems in current times. The antimicrobial effect of copper has been known for centuries, and ongoing research is being conducted on the use of copper-coated hard and soft surfaces for reduction of microbial contamination and, subsequently, reduction of HAIs. This review provides an overview of the historical and current evidence of the antimicrobial and wound-healing properties of copper and explores its possible utility in obstetrics and gynecology.

Huili Xue, Qun Guo, Aili Yu et al.

Abstract Chromosomal abnormalities are the most common etiology of early spontaneous miscarriage. However, traditional karyotyping of chorionic villus samples (CVSs) is limited by cell culture and its low resolution. The objective of our study was to investigate the efficiency of molecular karyotyping technology for genetic diagnosis of early missed abortion tissues. Chromosome analysis of 1191 abortion CVSs in early pregnancy was conducted from August 2016 to June 2021; 463 cases were conducted via copy-number variations sequencing (CNV-seq)/quantitative fluorescent-polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) and 728 cases were conducted using SNP array. Clinically significant CNVs of CVSs were identified to clarify the cause of miscarriage and to guide the couples’ subsequent pregnancies. Among these, 31 cases with significant maternal cell contamination were removed from the study. Among the remaining 1160 samples, 751 cases (64.7%) with genetic abnormalities were identified, of which, 531 (45.8%) were single aneuploidies, 31 (2.7%) were multiple aneuploidies, 50 (4.3%) were polyploidies, 54 (4.7%) were partial aneuploidies, 77 (6.6%) had submicroscopic CNVs (including 25 with clinically significant CNVs and 52 had variants of uncertain significance), and 8 cases (0.7%) were uniparental disomies. Our study suggests that both SNP array and CNV-seq/QF-PCR are reliable, robust, and high-resolution technologies for genetic diagnosis of miscarriage.

Dina V. Antonova, Dmitry A. Gnatenko, Elena S. Kotova et al.

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is an integral membrane serine protease that acts as both dipeptidyl peptidase and collagenase. In recent years, FAP has attracted considerable attention due to its specific upregulation in multiple types of tumor cell populations, including cancer cells in various cancer types, making FAP a potential target for therapy. However, relatively few papers pay attention to the mechanisms driving the cell-specific expression of the FAP gene. We found no correlation between the activities of the two FAP promoter variants (short and long) and the endogenous FAP mRNA expression level in several cell lines with different FAP expression levels. This suggested that other mechanisms may be responsible for specific transcriptional regulation of the FAP gene. We analyzed the distribution of known epigenetic and structural chromatin marks in FAP-positive and FAP-negative cell lines and identified two potential enhancer-like elements (E1 and E2) in the FAP gene locus. We confirmed the specific enrichment of H3K27ac in the putative enhancer regions in FAP-expressing cells. Both the elements exhibited enhancer activity independently of each other in the functional test by increasing the activity of the FAP promoter variants to a greater extent in FAP-expressing cell lines than in FAP-negative cell lines. The transcription factors AP-1, CEBPB, and STAT3 may be involved in FAP activation in the tumors. We hypothesized the existence of a positive feedback loop between FAP and STAT3, which may have implications for developing new approaches in cancer therapy.

Shih-Ho Wang, Chin-Hu Wu, Chin-Chuan Tsai et al.

<i>Taraxacum officinale</i> (dandelion) is often used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of cancer; however, the downstream regulatory genes and signaling pathways mediating its effects on breast cancer remain unclear. The present study aimed to explore the effects of luteolin, the main biologically active compound of <i>T. officinale</i>, on gene expression profiles in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The results revealed that luteolin effectively inhibited the proliferation and motility of the MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. The mRNA expression profiles were determined using gene expression array analysis and analyzed using a bioinformatics approach. A total of 41 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found in the luteolin-treated MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. A Gene Ontology analysis revealed that the DEGs, including AP2B1, APP, GPNMB and DLST, mainly functioned as oncogenes. The human protein atlas database also found that AP2B1, APP, GPNMB and DLST were highly expressed in breast cancer and that AP2B1 (cut-off value, 75%) was significantly associated with survival rate (<i>p</i> = 0.044). In addition, a Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis revealed that the DEGs were involved in T-cell leukemia virus 1 infection and differentiation. On the whole, the findings of the present study provide a scientific basis that may be used to evaluate the potential benefits of luteolin in human breast cancer. Further studies are required, however, to fully elucidate the role of the related molecular pathways.

Alexandre Perez, Elles van derLouw, Janak Nathan et al.

Abstract Background Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is one of the most devastating diseases among children with cancer, thus novel strategies are urgently needed. Aims We retrospectively evaluated DIPG patients exposed to the carbohydrate restricted ketogenic diet (KD) with regard of feasibility, safety, and overall survival (OS). Methods and results Searches of MEDLINE and Embase identified five hits meeting the search criteria (diagnosis of DIPG and exposure to KD). One additional case was identified by contact with experts. Individual patient data were extracted from publications or obtained from investigators. The inclusion criteria for analysis of the data were defined as DIPG patients who were exposed to the KD for ≥3 months. Feasibility, as described in the literature, was the number of patients able to follow the KD for 3 months out of all DIPG patients identified. OS was estimated by the Kaplan‐Meier method. Five DIPG patients (males, n = 3; median age 4.4 years; range, 2.5‐15 years) meeting the inclusion criteria were identified. Analysis of the available data suggested that the KD is generally relatively well tolerated. Only mild gastro‐intestinal complaints, one borderline hypoglycemia (2.4 mmol/L) and one hyperketosis (max 7.2 mmol/L) were observed. Five out of six DIPG patients identified adhered for ≥3 months (median KD duration, 6.5 months; range, 0.25‐2 years) to the diet. The median OS was 18.7 months. Conclusion Our study provides evidence that it may be feasible for pediatric DIPG patients to adhere for at least 3 months to KD. In particular cases, diet modifications were done. The clinical outcome and OS appear not to be impacted in a negative way. KD might be proposed as adjuvant therapy when large prospective studies have shown feasibility and safety. Future studies might ideally assess the impact of KD on clinical outcome, quality of life, and efficacy.

A.G. Reznikov

The review highlights current views and hypotheses on the pathogenetic role of natural and xenoestrogens in the disorders of programming of neuroendocrine regulation of reproduction, alaptation, and various forms of instinctive behavior (reproductive, eating, parental, etc.) in the perinatal period of development of the female brain. Catecholestrogens, which are formed in the brain as a result of sequential metabolic conversions of testosterone, are involved in exogenous or endogenous androgen-induced defeminization of hypothalamic control of ovulation in early female ontogenesis. In the research on female animals with a knocked out gene of alpha-fetoprotein, the protective role of this protein against the possible pathogenic effect of placental estrogens on the developing brain of female fetuses was proved. The damaging effect of phytoestrogens (genistein, coumestrol) in the early postnatal period on the formation of ovulatory cycles has been shown. Evidence from studies in rodents and other animal species, supported by clinical observations, indicate the potential damaging effect of exposure to low levels of environmental xenoestrogens on the developing brain, in particular on its sexual differentiation and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The potential hazard of the perinatal exposure to low doses of bisphenol A for the formation of estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus and amygdala of the female brain, sexual behavior and ovulation is discussed. Special attention is paid to the possible physiological role of natural estrogens in the formation of the female neuroendocrine system during puberty. It was concluded that in the early stages of female life, estrogens play a different role in the programming of the neuroendocrine system and behavior, depending on the period of individual development.

J. M. Duffy, S. Ziebland, P. von Dadelszen et al.

&NA; Clinical research should ultimately improve patient care. To enable this, randomized controlled trials must select, collect, and report outcomes that are both relevant to clinical practice and genuinely reflect the perspectives of key stakeholders including health care professionals, researchers, and patients. Unfortunately, many randomized controlled trials fall short of this requirement. Complex issues, including a failure to take into account the perspectives of key stakeholders when selecting outcomes, variations in outcome definitions and measurement instruments, and outcome reporting bias make research evidence difficult to interpret, undermining the translation of research into clinical practice. Problems with poor outcome selection, measurement, and reporting can be addressed by developing, disseminating, and implementing core outcome sets. A core outcome set represents a minimum data set of outcomes developed using robust consensus science methods engaging diverse stakeholders including health care professionals, researchers, and patients. Core outcomes should be routinely utilized by researchers, collected in a standardized manner, and reported consistently in the final publication. They are currently being developed across our specialty including infertility, endometriosis, and preeclampsia. Recognizing poorly selected, collected, and reported outcomes as serious hindrances to progress in our specialty, more than 80 journals including the Journal, have come together to support the Core Outcomes in Women's and Newborn Health (CROWN) initiative. The consortium supports researchers to develop, disseminate, and implement core outcome sets. Implementing core outcome sets could make a profound contribution to addressing poorly selected, collected, and reported outcomes. Implementation should ensure future randomized controlled trials hold the necessary reach and relevance to inform clinical practice, enhance patient care, and improve patient outcomes.

L. Mccullough, F. Chervenak, J. Coverdale

J. Steinauer, J. Turk, Tali S. Pomerantz et al.

BACKGROUND: Nearly 15 years ago, 51% of US obstetrics and gynecology residency training program directors reported that abortion training was routine, 39% reported training was optional, and 10% did not have training. The status of abortion training now is unknown. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the current status of abortion training in obstetrics and gynecology residency programs. STUDY DESIGN: Through surveying program directors of US obstetrics and gynecology residency training programs, we conducted a cross‐sectional study on the availability and characteristics of abortion training. Training was defined as routine if included in residents’ schedules with individuals permitted to opt out, optional as not in the residents’ schedules but available for individuals to arrange, and not available. Findings were compared between types of programs using bivariate analyses. RESULTS: In all, 190 residency program directors (79%) responded. A total of 64% reported routine training with dedicated time, 31% optional, and 5% not available. Routine, scheduled training was correlated with higher median numbers of uterine evacuation procedures. While the majority believed their graduates to be competent in first‐trimester aspiration (71%), medication abortion (66%), and induction termination (67%), only 22% thought graduates were competent in dilation and evacuation. Abortion procedures varied by clinical indication, with some programs limiting cases to pregnancy complication, fetal anomaly, or demise. CONCLUSION: Abortion training in obstetrics and gynecology residency training programs has increased since 2004, yet many programs graduate residents without sufficient training to provide abortions for any indication, as well as dilation and evacuation. Professional training standards and support for family planning training have coincided with improved training, but there are still barriers to understand and overcome.

E. Accortt, M. Wong

A. M. Vásquez, G. Vélez, A. Medina et al.

Abstract Background In low transmission settings early diagnosis is the main strategy to reduce adverse outcomes of malaria in pregnancy; however, microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are inadequate for detecting low-density infections. We studied the performance of the highly sensitive-RDT (hsRDT) and the loop mediated isothermal DNA amplification (LAMP) for the detection of P. falciparum in pregnant women. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in two malaria-endemic municipalities in Colombia. We screened pregnant women in the context of an antenatal care program in health facilities and evaluated five tests (microscopy, conventional RDT, hsRDT, LAMP and nested polymerase chain reaction-PCR) for the detection of P. falciparum in peripheral blood, using a quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) as the reference standard. Diagnostic performance of hsRDT and LAMP were compared with routine testing. Results The prevalence of P. falciparum was 4.5% by qRT-PCR, half of those infections were subpatent. The sensitivity of the hsRDT (64.1%) was slightly better compared to microscopy and cRDT (59 and 53.8% respectively). LAMP had the highest sensitivity (89.7%) for detecting P. falciparum and the ability to detect very low-density infections (minimum parasite density detected 0.08 p/μL). Conclusions There is an underestimation of Plasmodium spp. infections by tests routinely used in pregnant women attending antenatal care visits. LAMP methodology can be successfully implemented at local hospitals in malaria-endemic areas. The relevance of detecting and treating this sub-patent P. falciparum infections in pregnant women should be evaluated. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT03172221 , Date of registration: May 29, 2017.

Rafael Genario, E. Morello, A. Bueno et al.

Disorders of the female reproductive system, including those associated with hormone regulation, fertility rate and fetal health, are issues of great concern worldwide. More recently, melatonin supplementation has been suggested as a therapeutic approach in gynecological practice. In both animal models and in women, melatonin supplementation suggests a therapeutic and preventative potential, effects attributed mainly to its antioxidant properties and action as hormone modulator. The aim of this literature review is to further investigate the evidence available on the effects of melatonin supplementation in animal and human studies, focusing on its potential application to gynecology. Melatonin-containing supplements are easily found in online and high street retailers, and despite its supplementation deemed to be relatively safe, no consensus has been reached on effective dosage and supplementation period. Short term supplementation studies, of up to six months, suggest that a daily posology of 2 to 18 mg of melatonin may have the potential to improve fertility rate, oocyte quality, maturation and number of embryos. However, the evidence available so far on the effects of melatonin supplementation covering gestational age and gestational outcomes is very scarce. Clinical trials and longer-term supplementation studies are required to assess any clinical outcome associated with melatonin supplementation in the field of gynecology.

Katherine Bishop, Anne C. Ford, J. Kuller et al.

Importance Acupuncture is a key component of therapy in traditional Chinese medicine. Only in the last few decades has acupuncture become popular in the United States. The mechanism behind acupuncture's effects on the body and brain has not been completely elucidated, but there is evidence that acupuncture has effects on the endocrine, immune, and sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. It may also act through electrical and mechanical signaling through the connective tissue and fascia. Despite this uncertainty, the positive effects of acupuncture have been well established. Objective In this review, we discuss the basic concepts of traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture and examine the evidence regarding the use of acupuncture in obstetrics and gynecology. Evidence Acquisition We conducted a literature review of acupuncture in obstetrics and gynecology using PubMed. Results The available data demonstrate that acupuncture is beneficial in the treatment of labor pain, back pain in pregnancy, and dysmenorrhea. It is unclear if acupuncture is effective for hyperemesis, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and menopausal hot flushes, or if moxibustion is effective in correcting breech presentation. There are limited but positive data regarding menopause-related sleep disturbances, depression in pregnancy, and overactive bladder. Acupuncture is not beneficial for improving outcomes in in vitro fertilization. Conclusions and Relevance Acupuncture is an increasingly popular therapy with many potential applications in obstetrics and gynecology. A general understanding of the basic principles of acupuncture and the safety and efficacy of its practice is necessary for the general obstetrician and gynecologist to make informed recommendations to patients.