Acupuncture is derived from ancient Chinese medical practices and philosophy, and in modern times it is used to treat a variety of physical problems, including infertility. The practice itself involves inserting extremely thin, sterile needles into the skin at specific points on the body. This is believed to redirect the flow of energy within the body and release areas where energy is "blocked".
Acupuncture can be combined with modern medicinal approaches to infertility treatment, as long as both your acupuncturist and obstetrician are informed of all of the therapies you are using, including fertility drugs or herbal supplements.
Acupuncture for Infertile Women
Women who have trouble ovulating or have an irregular ovulation cycle can benefit from acupuncture treatments. Changing the flow of energy in the body is believed to restore hormonal balance, which can regulate a menstrual cycle. Women near menopause can also use acupuncture to affect their cycles.
A woman who is under stress may have trouble conceiving, and fertility treatments can add to that stress and compound the problem. Acupuncture can redirect energy to promote stress relief and relaxation and enhance the body's ability to conceive.
Women who have a history of miscarriages or who are at risk for complications such as ectopic pregnancy can see a lowering of these risks after acupuncture infertility treatment. Miscarriage most commonly occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy, so acupuncture treatments during this period can help prevent a miscarriage from happening. Acupuncture can also treat and release a spasmed tube, although it generally is not useful for treating a blocked tube.
Acupuncture for Infertile Men
Acupuncture can be effective in improving the quality and motility of sperm as well as increasing sperm count. High-quality and high-motility sperm has a better chance at successfully reaching and fertilizing an egg. In turn, that fertilized egg has a better chance of surviving and developing normally with better-quality sperm. Acupuncture can also be used to treat stress in men, particularly if stress has affected sexual performance.
