Acupuncture for Fertility

Using Acupuncture for Fertility

The use of acupuncture has long been used by Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners to alleviate and treat a variety of symptoms and diseases. Among these is the use of acupuncture for fertility.

Acupuncture is an ancient Eastern practice of placing tiny hair-like needles in the skin as a way of stimulating corresponding pressure points. When stimulated, energy and stagnant blood is believed to flow freely to its corresponding organs – in the case of fertility, this involves blood flow to the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. Using acupuncture IVF influences the reproductive system by promoting uterine blood flow and follicle production. Acupuncture not only benefits women, but it provides healthy benefits to men as well.

Is it for couples with fertility problems?

Most couples who turn to acupuncture to help them with their fertility problems use a conjunction of other TCM methods, such as herbal therapy. These couples might have undergone expensive IVF cycles and are looking for natural and cheaper alternatives.

Perhaps the question which every man or woman is concerned about is how painful these acupuncture treatments are. Imagine having to stick a number of needles into the skin! But most of those who have undergone acupuncture reported that while it stings at first, eventually it provides a relaxing feeling.

Acupuncture for infertility – what is involved?

The acupuncture for infertility is typically performed one to two times a week over a span of three to four months, depending on your specific case. Acupuncture may be done all throughout your cycle, and especially during the initial phase. After this, certain patients may be advised to take acupuncture only at recommended stages of their menstrual cycle.

Only a licensed expert on acupuncture IVF performs this procedure. Before anything else, you should be able to discuss your decision to undergo acupuncture with your physician. This is important in order to determine whether or not there are contraindications that prevent you from going through acupuncture. A traditional fertility specialist can do this assessment as well, but make sure you get a referral from your fertility doctor first.

Although acupuncture is not intended as treatment for fertility, results from research studies have shown that pregnancy rates among women who have undergone acupuncture are significantly higher. If used as a pre-IVF treatment, success rates of term pregnancies were also higher. Rates range from 30-40% in natural pregnancies and 26.1-42% among those using IVF or other ARTs.

Acupuncture, IVF & Fertility

Traditional fertility specialists use a number of pressure points to improve fertility. In women, fertility points are located on the lower back, lower abdomen and legs. This will vary from woman to woman, depending on her specific case. Research includes the following benefits of acupuncture in women. Increased blood flow to the uterus to promote implantation.

• Improved ovarian function, which may help produce better quality eggs and a larger number of follicles.
• Reduced side effects of drugs used in ART procedures.
• Decreased uterine contractions, which helps encourage implantation and prevent early miscarriage. Reduction of stress hormones and anxiety.

In men, acupuncture is used to help with fertility problems like low sperm count and motility. Common acupuncture points for men are found on the legs and lower back area, and extending at times to the pelvic and groin regions.

Unlike its contemporary alternatives, acupuncture for infertility costs only a few hundreds, but it can go up, depending on the number of sessions you will have. Health insurance does not cover acupuncture treatments, so you will have to shoulder expenses yourself. Another disadvantage is its risk of possibly causing miscarriage when performed unknowingly on an already pregnant woman. This risk remains very little however, and is not a cause of much concern. The expertise and skill of the practitioner performing the acupuncture for fertility should also be taken into consideration, as this technique requires skill. You utmost safety should be guarded before anything else.

It is important to understand that the effects of acupuncture cannot be seen overnight or in a matter of few days. Acupuncture aims for a slow, steady treatment in which benefits can be long term and extend well past beyond just a single pregnancy. If you and your partner are considering acupuncture for fertility, then the best time to act is now. This way, you can be better prepared for when the time comes you decide to have a go at trying to conceive.