Eastern Medicine and Fertility

By Aifei Wang, LAc, MAc

Fertility difficulties arise for at least two million people each year in the United States. Most women become pregnant within six months of trying, but about 10-15% of couples are unable to conceive even after a year. This is the clinical definition of infertility.

Eastern medicine can increase the odds of conception in a number of ways

Regulate the menstrual cycle

Improve sperm count and mobility

Reduce stress and anxiety associated with infertility

Normalize the hormone and endocrine systems that govern ovulation, especially important for women with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Improve blood flow in the uterus, increasing the chances of implanting on the uterine wall

Decrease chance of miscarriage

Increase the success rate of in vitro fertilization (IVF)

Fertility treatments vary from person to person, but are usually scheduled for at least three consecutive cycles (twelve weeks). Treatments can include acupuncture, customized herbal supplements, stress reduction through acupressure massage, and dietary counseling.

Medical Research

A landmark study published in the journal Fertility & Sterility followed 160 women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The medical researchers found a pregnancy rate of 43% among the women who received supplementary acupuncture treatments vs. only 26% in the control group.

Case Study

David and Rachel had been married for three years and trying to conceive for two. They were becoming frustrated and had started considering IVF.

Rachel was 31 and had a very irregular menstrual cycle. She also suffered from PMS and constant fatigue. She was treated with acupuncture and herbal supplements to nourish her energy and blood, and she also began a course of light exercise. In addition, she started a diet rich in antioxidants, iron and protein, and ate only organic meats and wild-caught fish, black beans, dates, tofu and other soy products and dark leafy greens.

David, 33, had been tested for sperm count and mobility and his results had come back normal. But to give his “yang essence” an additional boost, he was treated with acupuncture as well.

Over the next 3-4 months, Rachel's cycles stabilized. She conceived two months later and after a healthy pregnancy, gave birth to a baby girl.

Whether you want help to improve your body's ability to naturally conceive or to improve IVF treatment, acupuncture may be able to help treat infertility according to one's desired approach to attaining and maintaining a normal, healthy pregnancy.