Acupuncture and Infertility
Acupuncture is known to alleviate pain and for its benefits to treatment of nuerological conditions. But it can also be beneficial for the treatment of infertility.
Acupuncture is the technique of inserting and manipulating fine needles into specific points on the body to restore and maintain health. It improves blood flow and regulates blood pressure by stimulating the central nervous system. When needles are inserted in acupuncture points, endorphins are released giving the body the feeling of wellness. Neurotransmitters and neurohormones are also released helping the body heal itself.
Acupuncture with fertility treatments
Acupuncture can be used to treat some causes of infertility. Its therapeutic benefits help regulate body functions, and it is effective for treatment of issues like hormonal imbalances. With acupuncture, hormone levels are regulated and blood circulation is improved; increasing its flow to the vital organs. It improves the female reproduction system because the ovary and follicles function better. Additionally, it can increase blood flow to the endometrium, helping to facilitate a thick, rich lining.
Benefits in IVF treatment
In vitro fertilization (IVF) has a greater chance of success if combined with the reproductive benefits of acupuncture. In fact, more and more fertility specialists and centers offer it as a part of their IVF treatments. With acupuncture, the embryo transfer process in IVF was shown to have significant improvements resulting more often in a pregnancy.
Cures spasmed tubes
Any fertility problems can be treated with acupuncture. Spasmed tubes, which can lead to infertility, respond to this kind treatment although blocked tubes will need a more serious medical procedure. Combined with herbs, acupuncture is good for treatment of elevated follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), repeated pregnancy loss, unexplained (idiopathic) infertility, luteal phase defect, hyperprolactinemia (when not caused by a prolactinoma), polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) with irregular cycles, and male factor including men affected with sperm-DNA-fragmentation.
Regular acupuncture leads to better health benefits
Like physical therapy, acupuncture is a process oriented medical intervention that provides more benefits with regular application. It is better to do more than less. Women will commonly be treated for three to four months prior to an insemination, in vitro fertilization (IVF), or donor-egg transfer. Acupuncture is also recommended for women before and after undergoing embryo transfer. Aside from treating fertility problems, acupuncture also has other therapeutic effects on patients. It is a great way to relief stress, anxiety and depression that can be common among patients suffering through infertility. With so many known benefits to treating infertility, acupuncture is one of the best options for couple going through some difficulty conceiving.
Risk involved
The good thing with acupuncture is that there are very few risks when using it with infertility treatments. However, pregnant patients should be careful because it could lead to miscarriage if incorrect acupuncture points are used in a pregnant woman. For pregnant, it is important to receive acupuncture treatment from an acupuncturist specializing in treating fertility disorders to minimize the risk involved. Also electro-acupuncture is a good alternative to conventional medical painkillers during labor. It can also result in shorter hospitalization times which mean lower costs.
Plus, research suggests that the most effective fertility treatments involve a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and traditional medical interventions. Although, acupuncture and herbal medicines have not been known to help with conception on their own when traditional medical interventions are not used.
