Potential Risks and Complications of Acupuncture for Infertility

People are looking more and more for new methods of treatment not involving drugs or chemicals. Acupuncture for infertility is a popular trend. Studies indicate that acupuncture infertility treatment imposes minimal risks. Much caution should be exercised however, in selecting a highly trained acupuncturist who specializes with fertility disorders.?Some risks and complications could occur.

Potential Risk and Complication?of Miscarriage

Although acupuncture for infertility imposes few risks, there is always the?possibility of miscarriage if an acupuncture treatment is performed using incorrect acupuncture points, while a woman is pregnant.?A woman may not be aware that she is pregnant when undergoing the treatment. In this situation,?a miscarriage could?result.?Also, ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) and oxytocin (hormone that stimulates contractions of the uterus and the?ejection of milk)?production is increased with acupuncture. This may be harmful to the fetus in the early stages of pregnancy.?

After an IVF, or in vitro fertilization, (the process of fertilizing egg cells by sperm outside of the womb), certain pressure points for needles should be avoided when there is the possibility of pregnancy. These include points in the abdomino-pelvic area, or areas on the lower abdomen.

It is always recommended when contemplating an acupuncture infertility treatment to select a highly trained acupuncturist who specializes with fertility problems.?He will be aware of which body points may be unsafe for a pregnant woman.

Potential Risk for Disease Transmission and Infection

If the needles are not properly sterilized between treatments, there is the risk of disease transmission. Many diseases can be passed from the improper use of needles. Hepatitis C?or bacteria and septicaemia (disease and the presence of bacteria in the blood)?are a possibility. Studies show that there?is some association between Hepatitis C and acupuncture infertility methods. Disposable needles should then be utilized.

An infection could occur if the proposed site for acupuncture treatment is not cleansed properly or disinfected. Some mycobacteria (rod-shaped bacteria causing diseases) are resistant to disinfectants.

Potential Risk for Nerve Damage or Minor Bleeding and Bruising

If the acupuncture is done properly, pain is usually not a symptom. However, pain thresholds?can vary between people. Most patients find that the experience?is one that is more uncomfortable than painful. If there is a phobia to needles, this may not be the type of treatment that should be considered. Pain and shock-like feelings can occur if the needle is pressed into the skin incorrectly. In this situation, there could be more damage than actual healing. If a needle is pressed deeply into a nerve, damage may result.

Although rare, some minor bruising may appear after treatment. This should disappear within a few days.

There is a possibility of minor bleeding after the acupuncture treatment, but this is very rare as the needles are so fine, it is unlikely to occur. People with pre-existing bleeding disorders or who are taking blood thinners should not consider acupuncture treatment.

Potential Risk for Drowsy Feeling and Faintness

Some studies indicate that blood pressure may decrease by 50 percent with acupuncture. Although this may be beneficial for those that are experiencing high blood pressure, it may be different for others. On occasion, acupuncture therapy may lower a patient's blood pressure and result in a feeling of drowsiness and faintness.

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