Acupuncture for fertility is a popular topic discussed especially amongst couples who are trying to conceive. Acupuncture is the insertion of thin, needles into specific points on the body. These are pathways in both outside and inside of the body. Needling of these points regulate the way in which the body functions. Acupuncture is said to originate from China and dates back to thousands of years. Acupuncture is mainly used as a secondary therapy and not as a primary therapy for most fertility problems. The method of acupuncture doesn’t easily address physical symptoms of infertility. However acupuncture is considered by many to be a powerful complimentary infertility treatment.
Acupuncture has with time proven to be effective hence it can be applied. There are no dangerous acupuncture side effects that have been discovered. Many women consider acupuncture as the fastest method of treating infertility problems since it has no side effects.
Still there are some people who criticize acupuncture because it isn’t most practiced in the field of medicine and also it doesn’t have any scientific foundation. Although much is yet to be discovered about the science behind acupuncture, most people especially those of Chinese origin have confidence in it.
It has been practiced successfully in East African countries. Although among westerners, acupuncture remains controversial. Acupuncture is starting to spread to the western world. Many researchers are investigating acupuncture and infertility: “Acupuncture for Infertility“. It is also starting to gain recognition as a valid form of treatment. Here are some of the reasons why acupuncture proves to work:
• Acupuncture boosts the body ability to heal itself by stimulating the central nervous system to release neurohormones.
• During acupuncture session, the regulation of blood pressure and flow are altered.
• Acupuncture stimulates the reproductive system to produce hormones which in turn enhance ovulation and sperm production in woman and man respectively.
Is Acupuncture Really Effective for Infertility?
While it has been very effective for treating ailments such as pain management to those trying to quit smoking, recent research has shown that it can be used to treat those suffering from infertility.
Chinese people have for many years depend on acupuncture as the only method for curing infertility. If the causes of infertility are functional ones such as hormonal imbalance, acupuncture and fertility go together. Acupuncture aims to treat the individual rather the illness itself. So acupuncture is regarded as a holistic approach to infertility.
Acupuncture only treats if the cause of infertility is structural one. Structural infertility causes are like blockage of the fallopian tube. In case of structural causes one is advised to seek medical help.
Research shows that acupuncture and infertility treatment taken in conjunction are substantially better than treatments without acupuncture. Acupuncture is much cheaper than any other infertility treatment options. A risk of miscarriage may occur if incorrect acupuncture points are needled. Because of this, it is recommended that acupuncture should only be done by a specialized acupuncturist.
Acupuncture for Infertility + IVF Treatments
Acupuncture has been administered side by side with IVF treatment in recent times. It has been shown in some studies that acupuncture affects the levels of pituitary and ovarian hormones. Electro-acupuncture, which is a form of acupuncture, has been known to improve blood flow in the uterine arteries of infertile women.
When administered during IVF, its’ most immediate possible effect is to reduce tension around the uterus during egg transfer. The uterus has contractions. These contractions can cause the expulsion of recently transferred IVF embryos. The contractions can be greatly decreased by acupuncture. In this way acupuncture can improve pregnancy rates for IVF treatments.
It is usually seen as a complimentary treatment to modern fertility treatments. If administered on its’ own, it is effective for women suffering from functional problems like irregular ovulation. It also aids women stay more relaxed during the fertility treatments.
Risk Associated With Using Acupuncture for Infertility
The most common risks associated with acupuncture are risk of piercing vital organs, infections from the needles, and bleeding. Visiting a certified and fully trained practitioner is usually recommended to reduce these risks. Acupuncture should, however, not be used on people with bleeding disorders, anemia and those using blood thinners.
The use of acupuncture in infertility treatments is still a subject of debate among doctors in the western world. However, those practicing it cite its ability to regulate the body’s system and improve blood flow to the reproductive organs for validation. Most doctors utilize acupuncture in their practice and if one is planning to seek the treatment, always make sure to get a doctor who is certified.
