Infertility Treatment – the ancient art
Acupuncture and traditional Asian herbal medicine comprise the oldest medical system in the world. Evidence suggests that acupuncture has been in use since as early as 300 B.C. Literally thousands of years of research and development have gone into the system we currently have in acupuncture infertility treatment.
Acupuncture has been shown in many clinical trials to be of benefit to couples having difficulty with conception. Acupuncture can increase pelvic blood flow, decrease stress, improve ovulation, improve overall sperm quality, and generally increase conception and live birth rates in patients suffering from an inability to conceive. Clinical trials have also shown that acupuncture increases pregnancy rates in patients undergoing assisted reproduction therapies, including intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization.
Among other things, acupuncture is known to reset the hypothalmic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which reestablished normal hormonal levels. Acupuncture is effective in treating all functional aspects of infertility including advanced maternal age, endometriosis, luteal phase defect, polycystic ovarian syndrome, premature ovarian failure, and unexplained infertility.
In the same way that acupuncture effects female infertility, it is frequently used in the treatment of male infertility as well. While the anatomy of the male is obviously different from the female, the energetic function of the male is quite similar and the treatment principles remain intact. Acupuncture has been shown to affect all parameters of sperm analysis, as well as male sexual function.
In patients who are not undergoing IVF or IUI treatment, frequently traditional Asian herbal medicines are used to enhance fertility along with acupuncture treatments. Herbs are used to nourish the body so that the patient can attain greater levels of reproductive health.
Over the last twenty years or so there has been an increasing interest by Western doctors in acupuncture for the treatment of many disorders, including, but not limited to, both female and male infertility. Mainstream OB/Gyns have begun referring their patients for the treatment of endometriosis, menstrual cramping, and menopausal symptoms
General pregnancy support program
Modern clinical trials have shown acupuncture, in conjunction with IVF, to significantly improve the chances of a successful pregnancy.
If you are considering IVF, it is helpful if you are able undergo 2 or 3 months of Chinese medicine treatment prior to beginning IVF to help prepare your body.
During IVF, you may or may not be able to use herbal medicine, depending on your circumstances, however acupuncture is always compatible and well tolerated.
Treatments can be flexible and are able to take your individual circumstances into account, but as a guide, we generally suggest weekly acupuncture during the IVF cycle. Then towards the end of the cycle, treatments are timed with your egg collection and pre and post embryo transfer.