Acupuncture for Fertility and Infertiliy

Acupuncture for Fertility

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture, the traditional Chinese medicine technique that uses hair-thin needles to treat pain, allergies and nausea has also been beneficial in treating both men and women with infertility issues.

Can acupuncture be used to treat infertility?

Yes. Acupuncture, frequently combined with herbal medicine has been used for centuries to treat infertility. Acupuncture and herbal medicine can be used to treat certain causes of infertility, though not all.

Is there such a thing as a "Certified Licensed Practioner"?

Yes. Additional training and certification is offered through the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine (ABORM). These practitioners demonstrate knowledge and advanced training in the field of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine as it relates to Infertility by virtue of passing a rigorous, standardized, board certification examination.

Who is a candidate for Acupuncture for infertility?

Good candidates for acupuncture for infertility have functional instead of structural issues for infertility. Functional infertility consists of hormonal problems, immune disorders, amenorrhoea, irregular menstruation, stress and age related factors. Stress can also play a dramatic role in infertility for both men and women.

When should I start getting treated with acupuncture to enhance my fertility?

Acupuncture, similar to physical therapy or psychotherapy is a ‘process’ oriented modality of medical intervention. It is better to do more than less. It is recommended that patients be treated three to four months before an insemination, IVF or donor-egg transfer.

When should I stop getting acupuncture?

Acupuncture for the infertile patient as well as the patient suffering with repeated pregnancy loss must be continued after pregnancy is achieved to increase the odds of a successful, full-term pregnancy. Treatment should be continued for thirteen weeks, because 90% of miscarriages occur within the first trimester. Therefore, you should continue treatment until week thirteen to help prevent miscarriage.

Are the acupuncture points different after an insemination or after an IVF or donor-egg transfer than before?

Yes. Absolutely. Your acupuncturist should not place needles in the abdomino-pelvic area after insemination or transfer. There are 6 contraindicated acupuncture points that should not be needled when you are pregnant or think that you are pregnant.

Are there any dangers to using acupuncture for infertility?

Not usually. If the incorrect acupuncture points are used when a woman is pregnant, miscarriage can occur. This is one reason why those wishing to include acupuncture in their treatment regimen should only be treated by one who specializes in treating fertility disorders.

What types of fertility patients typically get acupuncture?

Acupuncture may help some men overcome infertility problems by improving the quality of their sperm
Women who receive acupuncture during the stimulation phase of an in vitro fertilization cycle and again immediately after embryo transfer have a higher live-birth rate
Endometriosis
PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)
Low sperm count
High FSH
Poor egg quality
Low ovarian reserve
Advanced maternal age
Sperm DNA fragmentation
Immunological causes of infertility
Implantation failure
Other common causes of infertility
Recurrent miscarriage

How is acupuncture for infertility performed?

After reviewing your medical circumstances and history, your acupuncturist will check your pulse rate to learn more about your internal energy state, thin sterile disposable acupuncture needles are inserted into your skin along the energy channels based on the analysis from your exam. You will need to lay still for fifteen to thirty minutes with the needles in place, the needles will be stimulated manually. Typically treatments are once or twice a week, treatment cycles are usually three months at a time depending on your specific needs. Treatment is very calming and relaxing.

Are the same needles used for everyone?

No, prepackaged, sterile, disposable needles are used. A new set of needles is used on each person for each visit.

What is the recovery like?

Recovery varies from person to person. Some people feel tired while others elated. It may be necessary for you to take Chinese herbs along with the treatment. Dietary and lifestyle habits may also need to be changed.