Acupuncture and Fertility

Acupuncture has been shown to promote fertility in previously infertile couples. In fact, documents in China have been found describing acupuncture treatments for infertility dating back to 11 A.D. James K. Rotchford, M.D. of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture has said that acupuncture is effective for 80% of people who have tried it for infertility. To date, the number of studies done on acupuncture and fertility is insufficient to bear up this statistic. It can be difficult for scientists to obtain funding for such studies, but more and more of them are gradually being conducted throughout the world.

 

Acupuncture has benefits for both sexes, and some studies suggest that the greatest chance of success is when acupuncture is combined with other fertility treatments. No studies have conclusively shown how or why acupuncture has helped some people achieve pregnancy, but acupuncturists believe it regulates the functioning of the reproductive and endocrine systems. With more blood flow and balanced hormones, the body is better able to function normally. In men, they believe acupuncture stimulates sperm production and helps the body to heal any imbalances that may cause the man to produce lower quality sperm.

 

Most professionals agree that acupuncture does not treat all causes of infertility. Structural issues, such as a blockage in the sperm ducts or adhesions in the fallopian tubes, generally require surgery. Problems that are related to the functioning of the organs, however, can be treated with acupuncture. Below is a list of some of the fertility issues that acupuncture may be able to treat:

 

Acupuncture has also been shown to promote fertility by:

 

Acupuncture has been known to assist older couples in achieving pregnancy as well because it works to balance and regulate the whole body, promoting overall good health. As a result, acupuncture has often helped to ease the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and menopause because it regulates hormones and balances the endocrine system.

 

It is important to note that acupuncture does not work for everyone, just as modern fertility drugs do not work for everyone. There is never a guarantee that any treatments for infertility will work. However, because acupuncture is very safe and relatively inexpensive, many people find it to be well worth a try because the success rate is very compelling. In fact, the cost of acupuncture is generally considerably lower than other fertility treatments.

 

When treating women who have suffered several miscarriages, acupuncturists suggest treatment for at least the first three months of pregnancy when spontaneous abortions are most likely to occur. The general rule of thumb is to have a minimum of three months of visits with an acupuncturist for fertility issues. However, the number of visits will vary greatly depending upon the specific problem that is being addressed and the speed with which the patient responds to treatment. Those who have a history of substance abuse or smoking, for example, may take longer for the body to balance itself. Many people have achieved pregnancy from three months to a year of consistent treatment.

 

The timing and consistency of the treatments is also important. Acupuncturists say that it takes about 70 days for the body to produce new sperm, and the treatments must be regular in order for it to increase sperm count. For women, regularity of treatment is equally important, as acupuncture will work on specific issues during the course of the four-week menstrual cycle.

 
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