Treating Infertility
Top Ten Reasons Why Acupuncture Is a Must

Experience Acupuncture’s Top Ten Reasons

Chinese medicine has been treating infertility for thousands of years.  Recently there has been a growing interest in Chinese medicine’s effectiveness in treating infertility.  In 2002, a landmark German study concluded that acupuncture could enhance the success rates of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures by almost 50%.¹  In 2006, the medical journal Fertility and Sterility published two additional independent studies that replicated these results.^{2 3}

Although more studies are needed to fully understand the wonders of Chinese medicine, we are confident it enhances fertility in the following ways:      

• Reduce stress

• Improve ovarian function

• Regulate hormones

• Thicken the uterine lining

• Regulate menstruation

• Reduce uterine contractions

• Decrease chances of miscarriage

• Improve sperm count, morphology, and motility

• Strengthen the immune system

• Reduce side-effects of hormonal treatments

Discover Your Fertile Potential

Whether it is a female or male factor problem, Chinese medicine has a long history of success treating infertility.  At FirstHealth of Andover we offer multiple programs to suit the needs of every couple. We work closely with each couple to identify the complex challenges affecting their fertility.  If you are currently struggling with infertility, or know someone who is, we are currently offering a free 30-minute fertility consultation with an experienced acupuncturist.  Call today to learn about our programs and maximize your fertile potential.

Stress: Nature’s Fertility Blocker

Blood flow to the reproductive organs is essential for optimizing fertility.  When we perceive danger our bodies respond by activating the sympathetic nervous system (SNS)-the classic “fight or flight” response.  To help us survive, the SNS ensures blood flow to our primary organs at the expense of our reproductive organs.  This effect can result from any type of stress, including the stress that many of us encounter in our daily lives. Fortunately, acupuncture has been shown to improve blood flow to the reproductive organs through the inhibition of sympathetic activity.  Improved blood flow to the ovaries and uterus will lead to enhanced ovarian functioning, better quality eggs, and a thicker uterine lining.  All of which are essential for a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Unlocking the Wonders of Acupuncture

It is well known that acupuncture reduces stress.  Many studies suggest it accomplishes this through the release of endorphins, our body’s natural feel good chemical.  These endorphins regulate the hormonal functioning of the reproductive system, known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis (HPO-axis).  Regulation of ones reproductive hormones is essential for a successful pregnancy.

Supporting Assisted Reproductive Therapy

Couples pursing assisted reproductive therapies can also benefit from acupuncture.  For those interested we offer multiple programs to meet the needs of each couple.  Acupuncture can decrease the uncomfortable side-effects of hormonal therapies, such as hot flashes, night sweats, headaches, or abdominal discomfort. It can calm uterine contractions and thus support implantation and reduce chances of miscarriage.

We feel strongly about the potential benefits that acupuncture and Chinese Medicine may bring to the area of fertility. We hope that you will come to see us for our free fertility consults. Please feel free to contact our clinic at your convenience.

Footnotes:

¹  Paulus WE, Zhang M, Strehler E, El-Danasouri. Influence of acupuncture on pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy. Fertil Steril 2002; 77:721-4.

²  Westergaard LG, Mao Q, Krogslund M, Sandrini S, Lenz S, Grinsted J. Acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer significantly improves reproductive outcom in infertile women: a prospective randomized tiral. Fert Steril 2006; 85: 1341-46.

³ Dieterle S, Ying G, Hatzmann W, Neuer A. Effect of acupuncture on the outcome of in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection: a randomized, prospective, controlled clinical study. Fert Steri 2006; 85: 1347-51.