Is it possible that sticking tiny needles into the body can actually help you conceive? Have you been thinking about trying an alternative form of medicine to improve your fertility? Acupuncture is one of the most popular forms of alternative medicine used to treat infertility…
A POPULAR FORM OF MEDICINE
So the big question is this: How does acupuncture actually work? To answer that question, there are two different perspectives to consider. Acupuncture has long been part of traditional Chinese medicine, therefore we should look at it from an Eastern perspective to understand what tradition says about acupuncture and fertility. At the same time, we should also look at what Western medical research suggests about using acupuncture to help those diagnosed with infertility.
THE CHINESE PHILOSOPHY
According to traditional Chinese philosophy, there are channels of “energy” called meridians that run through our bodies. These energy channels have been compared to rivers running through the body to nourish the tissues. When these energy rivers stop flowing, it is like a dam that backs up. When the flow of energy is disrupted, it can impact your body, leading to emotional and physical illnesses, such as infertility. These meridians can be positively impacted by needling specific points that are often called acupuncture points. Based on the specific emotional or physical illness experienced, sterile ultra-thin needles are inserted at specific acupuncture points to allow the energy to flow freely.
THE WESTERN PHILOSOPHY
The Western, more scientific, explanation is quite obviously not the same. In fact, from a scientific perspective, no one really knows exactly how acupuncture works. There are a couple of theories that have been explored. One theory is that chemicals and hormones are triggered and released when needles are placed on different points on the body. The chemicals that are released either change the experience of pain, or they trigger a cascade of chemicals and hormones that directly influence the body’s own internal regulating system. Once the energy flow improves, the improved biochemical balance stimulates the body’s natural healing abilities. Scientific research has shown that acupuncture actually boosts the amount of beta-endorphins (feel-good hormones that help decrease pain) in the body.
HOW ACUPUNCTURE CAN HELP
The research on acupuncture as it relates to infertility is ongoing, and the subject is rather controversial. Most research studies have not been big enough to prove that there is a specific link to better pregnancy rates. The good news, however, is that it can be used to treat a number of specific fertility issues, including spasmed tubes. It is possible to de-spasm tubes that are spasmed, with acupuncture, although blocked tubes do not respond to this type of treatment.
Many acupuncture specialists combine acupuncture with herbal remedies to successfully treat pregnancy loss, idiopathic (unexplained) infertility, elevated FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone), annovulatory cycles with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), and male factor infertility. Based on other preliminary research, possible advantages of acupuncture for those diagnosed with infertility include the following:
- Reduced stress levels
- Under-functioning thyroid (hypothyroidism) or over-functioning thyroid (hyperthyroidism), factors that contribute to infertility
- Helps to facilitate a thick, rich endometrial lining by creating better blood flow to the endometrium
- Higher pregnancy rates for IVF treatment cycles, when an acupuncture treatment takes place on the day of embryo transfer
- For men with infertility, possible improvement in sperm count and quality
- Potential regulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone which may help regulate ovulation
It is really hard to determine whether acupuncture will actually help you conceive. For infertility patients who have had acupuncture before or during infertility treatments, many have found that acupuncture does reduce stress and anxiety. Most reproductive specialists encourage patients to reduce stress as much as possible when trying to get pregnant, so acupuncture may certainly be worth consideration.
FINDING HELP
If you are considering acupuncture while pursuing treatment for infertility, be sure to find a licensed acupuncturist. There are acupuncturists who specialize in fertility; they will know which specific trigger points to avoid for those trying to conceive. Ask your reproductive specialist if there is a licensed acupuncture specialist associated with their practice or clinic. If there isn’t, ask your doctor or the clinic’s staff for a recommendation.
The reproductive specialists and staff at the Center for Reproductive Medicine understand that extra support is often needed when you have not been successful in your attempts to conceive. At CORM, our professional staff is committed to providing the highest quality reproductive medicine, while ensuring the best care possible is given to every patient/couple undergoing infertility treatment.
If you have not been successful in your efforts to conceive and you are looking for an understanding and dedicated reproductive specialist, the Center of Reproductive Medicine helps infertile couples in the southeast Texas area with three full-service fertility clinics in Houston, Webster and Beaumont. Call for an appointment today!
If you are having trouble getting pregnant, or if you have other questions, it may be time to make an appointment with a reproductive specialist. Call our knowledgeable staff at the Center of Reproductive Medicine (CORM) today. CORM serves the greater southeast Texas area with three state-of-the-art fertility clinics located in Houston, Webster, and Beaumont. Our highly trained doctors will work with you to determine appropriate testing needs and they will help you choose the best fertility program for your individual reproductive medical needs.