More Complementary & Integrative Healthcare Articles
Acupuncture For Fertility
One in eight couples have trouble getting pregnant or sustaining a pregnancy, according to the 2006-2010 National Survey of Family Growth published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The American Society of Reproductive Medicine notes that approximately one-third of infertility is attributed to the female partner; one-third attributed to the male partner; and one-third is caused by a combination of problems in both partners or is unknown. The National Women's Health Resource Center states that for a woman with a normal functioning reproductive system between 29 and 33 years old, there is only a 20-25 percent chance of conceiving each month.
Whether you are just starting to think about having children or have been struggling to conceive for six months or more, acupuncture can dramatically increase your chances of conception and support a healthy pregnancy. In a study of 225 women, acupuncture was combined with conventional fertility treatments, which led to an increased pregnancy rate of 14.6 percent compared to conventional treatments alone.
Studies have shown that acupuncture affects a woman's menstrual cycle by stimulating the reproductive hormones responsible for regulating the monthly cycle. Acupuncture can treat infertility in several ways
Reduce stress and increase blood flow to the reproductive organs to promote optimal follicular development, egg and endometrial health.
Support an optimal environment for implantation and embryonic growth.
Strengthen the immune system to helping prevent immunological complications and decrease inflammation in the body.
Enhance the in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI) process by increasing the effectiveness of medications and help to reduce side effects such as nausea, dramatic emotional mood swings, constipation, and bloating.
Boost sperm count and improve morphology and motility.
High levels of stress can prevent a woman from ovulating entirely. When under long-term stressful situations, the body produces a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol alters brain chemistry and the balance between the pituitary gland and the sex hormones in the body. In addition, when under substantial stress, the fallopian tubes and uterus can spasm, which can disrupt the embryo implantation process.
Acupuncture counters the effects of stress and cortisol, in part by causing the brain to release endorphins. The calm and relaxed feeling many acupuncture recipients feel is a positive effect of that endorphin release.
A board certified, licensed acupuncturist can help women and couples along the path of fertility, from conception through pregnancy and healthy delivery to post-partum care with or without assisted reproductive technology (ART). Acupuncturists can provide holistic treatment options that also include lifestyle recommendations, diet, exercise, and herbal therapies.
