Acupuncture for Fertility treatment

Acupuncture and fertility ---does it sound strange to you. But do you know acupuncture has been used for centuries in some cultures to treat fertility problems. Acupuncture is probably the most popular and commonly used alternative therapy for fertility related problems. Many people who are not benefitted by prescription medications and treatment try acupuncture ----and to surprise they may actually conceive.

The exact way by acupuncture helps in infertility treatments such as in-vitro fertilization is not known. But some studies have shown that women who use acupuncture along with infertility treatments such as in-vitro fertilization, are more likely to conceive as compared to women who do not go for acupuncture.

Acupuncture and Infertility Studies

In a study done in the USA, 51% of the women who received acupuncture treatment along with in-vitro fertilization treatment conceived, as compared to 36% of the women who received only in-vitro fertilization (without acupuncture). In another study which included 160 women ---half were given acupuncture and half were not. Of the women who received acupuncture 30 became pregnant as compared to 21 women in the group who did not receive acupuncture.

Some cases of successful pregnancy have been reported after using only a combination of acupuncture and herbal medicines without prescription medications and treatment such as in-vitro fertilizations. But these are rare evou should not try acupuncture and herbal medicines alone without standard medications and treatments and yent.

Acupuncture and Fertility Theories

During an acupuncture treatment the acupuncturist will insert very needles into your skin and underlying tissues at some specific points. The acupuncture points influence the flow of energy, or Qi through the energy carrying channels in the body or the meridians in the body and correct the imbalance to restore health. This probably helps the patient's fertility problems.

How acupuncture works for fertility related problems

Acupuncture for fertility treatment probably;

• Enhances Egg Quality:  Studies on clients who have undergone acupuncture indicate that the egg quality significantly improves.

• Enhances the Quality of the Uterine Lining:  The uterine lining needs to be healthy –this is necessary for embryo implantation and growth of a healthy baby.  Acupuncture can help to increase the flow of healthy blood into the uterus.

• Reduces the risk of uterine Contraction After IVF procedures:  Acupuncture has relaxing effect on the patient and the uterus ---this decreases the risk of uterine contraction and expulsion of fertilized egg. According to a European Study acupuncture increases pregnancy rates in women undergoing In-Vitro Fertilization.

• Treats menstrual cycle disorders: Acupuncture can improve the menstrual cycle disorders and thereby the chances of fertility

• Corrects underlying problems such as hypothyroidism and other hormone imbalance---and thereby improves fertility.

Many experts on acupuncture believe that acupuncture helps the women to relax---this probably improves fertility.

How To Proceed With Acupuncture for Fertility Treatments?

It is better to do more acupuncture than less. Most experts on acupuncture recommend that if you are planning to go for acupuncture for infertility it should be started three to four months before an insemination, in vitro fertilization (IVF), or donor-egg transfer. In patients undergoing acupuncture to prevent miscarriage it should be done for the first three months of pregnancy---the period in which most miscarriages occur.