The combination of acupuncture and IVF is the best example of blending contemporary infertility treatments with traditional medicine for better results. While IVF treatment is regarded as one of the most effective forms of modern, artificial reproductive technologies, acupuncture is hundreds of years old, being a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. However, before opting for acupuncture and IVF, it is better that the dynamics of these two streams of treatment and their combined usage is properly understood.
Understanding IVF Requirements
To understand how acupuncture and IVF complement each other, it is vital that some requirements of IVF treatment are understood. IVF treatment is essentially a method of artificial fertilization of the female egg with the male sperm. The sperm and eggs are fertilized in an artificial (in vitro) environment and the fertilized egg is implanted in the uterus of the female patient. For a successful IVF procedure, it is vital that the sperm has the basic level of motility and potency. Similarly, the eggs should be available in a healthy condition and worthy of artificial fertilization.
Raising Chances of IVF Success
First-time IVF couples are prone to being overtly anxious about the infertility treatment, since it involves modern equipment that is beyond the knowledge of most people. Further, the chances of a failed IVF treatment or the risk of malformations in the embryo often make the IVF couple apprehensive.
This unwarranted stress leads to raised anxiety levels among IVF couples. Such anxious patients often find their hormonal cycles imbalanced, and that can disrupt the entire IVF schedule. IVF specialists need the IVF female to provide healthy eggs according to a regular ovulation schedule. Similarly, the male should be readily able to provide an ample sperm specimen when demanded by the IVF specialist.
Acupuncture resolves this issue by ensuring that the IVF patients approach the treatment with a relaxed mindset, indirectly boosting their chances of IVF success. IVF females who are carrying the fertilized eggs need to be relaxed to ensure that the implanted embryo can sustain the pregnancy. Acupuncture sessions ensure that the IVF female is mentally relaxed.
Ensuring Better Ovulation
Among IVF females, disturbed ovulation is the biggest challenge. This often leads to the prescription of hormonal supplements by the IVF clinic. These supplements are very potent and can induce some side-effects. Acupuncture resolves this issue by providing an easier alternative. Acupuncture can alleviate a host of gynecological conditions that might be causing the ovulation problems. This includes problems like irregular menstrual cycles, blocked fallopian tubes, PMS and endometriosis.
Improving Overall Health for Better IVF Chances
Many times, the quality of the eggs and the sperm sample are affected by internal problems such an undiagnosed inflammation or widespread hormonal imbalance. Seeking conventional medication to cure such problems can turn into major delays of the IVF treatment. However, seeking a few acupuncture sessions in the weeks leading to IVF sessions ensures that such issues are appreciably resolved.
Since acupuncture is aimed at healing the entire body by re-balancing the energy levels that are causing various illnesses, it is able to prepare the IVF individuals for the forthcoming treatment. People seeking IVF can depend upon acupuncture for ensuring that their hormonal functions are regulated and that their illnesses will not affect the quality of the sperm or eggs.
In females, acupuncture regulates the levels of critical fertility hormones like estrogen and progesterone. It helps to regulate the circulation of blood, helping with greater lubrication of the uterus and vagina. This makes retrieval and implantation of egg during IVF much easier.
