Acupuncture For Infertility

By Wenhui Qiao, OMD, LAc

Holycross Acupuncture and Herbs

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Acupuncture For Infertility

With the advances in in-vitro fertilization (IVF), many causes of infertility can be solved such as anovulation, tubule obstruction, or lack of sperm penetration.But, a successful pregnancy requires a successful production of multiple mature high quality eggs and implantation of the fertilized egg.A successful implantation requires a receptive and supportive uterus, especially the inner lining of the uterus or endometrium.Both of these require the body to maintain a continuous maximum blood flow to the ovaries and uterus to deliver the necessary nutrients and (natural and injected) hormones and to remove toxins. That is where acupuncture comes in.
An imperfect balance or disharmony of physiological function can result in a poor follicular response to the stimulating hormones in non-receptive and non-supportive endometrium, and lead to infertility difficulties such as fewer eggs, poor egg quality, thin linings, poor implantation, excessive macrophages attacking the embryos as in endometriosis and habitual miscarriages.
With TCM doctors knowledge and experience in treating infertility using acupuncture and Chinese herbs, they can help to detect and rectify such imbalance. Also, they can maximize the flow of blood that carries the stimulating hormones to the ovaries and uterus and remove the toxins in the uterus. This provides a more embryo-friendly environment for fertility success either on your own, with an IUI (intrauterine insemination, also known as artificial insemination), or with IVF.
A new German study on infertility has found that having acupuncture before and after IVF increases the chance of pregnancy for women by 62%. In addition to the balancing effect, acupuncture also calms the uterus and allows for better blood flow as shown in a Swedish study.
A study, published in the April 2002 edition of the medical journal Fertility and Sterility, found that acupuncture increases the chances of becoming pregnant for a significant number of women undergoing in-vitro fertilization. Researchers studied 160 patients undergoing IVF. The patients, who were all required to have good quality embryos, were randomly divided into two groups similar in age and diagnosis. One group was given acupuncture treatments and one was not. The difference in pregnancy rates was notable 42% of the patients who received acupuncture treatments became pregnant versus 26% of the other group.
Each person is an individual. A TCM doctor will work closely with you and your fertility specialist to decide if they could help you. In addition, they can work with your partner to determine if treating him with acupuncture or supplements may help increase your chances of conception.