Acupuncture is an alternative treatment that may be used to stimulate fertility in women. This treatment has been used for many years in the Eastern cultures and has been adopted by the Western cultures as well. Acupuncture may be applied in a wide range of patients, but there are a few cases in which acupuncture is not indicated.
Menstruation
Acupuncture is not recommended during menstruation, as the presence of female hormones may interact with the effects of the treatment. The acupuncture treatments may be safely applied before or after menstruation.
Allergies
Patients that are allergic to needles may not benefit from acupuncture for infertility. The treatment may have certain benefits, but the allergic reactions may be more severe and difficult to control.
Needle Phobia
Patients with a phobia for needles should avoid an acupuncture treatment, as the acupuncture employs only needles, which are applied in different areas of the body.
Blood Coagulation Disorders
As acupuncture involves the insertion of needles under the skin, patients with certain blood coagulation disorders may experience excessive blood loss. Typically, the acupuncturist will consider each patient in part and establish if the acupuncture treatment may be applied.
Medications
Patients that take certain medications should avoid getting an acupuncture treatment. The list of medications includes:
- Anticoagulants such as aspirin
- Steroids, especially corticosteroids such as prednisone or prednisolone
- Benzodiazepines
- Narcotics
- Antidepressives
The acupuncture for infertility treatment may not be as effective if the patient takes these medications.
