"One out of seven couples has difficulty conceiving," according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, or ASRM. The ASRM further explains that "problems with ovulation are common causes of infertility, accounting for approximately 25% of all infertility cases." If you suffer from infertility issues, you are certainly not alone, and there are remedies available. Acupuncture may help resolve your infertility issues.
Facts
As of 2002, there were approximately 11,000 acupuncturists in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Acupuncturists are required to be licensed in 40 states. Many medical doctors and dentists are learning the skill of acupuncture to complement conventional healing techniques. Acupuncture treatments are typically less expensive than infertility treatments, complement other conventional methods of treatment and are often covered by many private health insurance companies.
Function
Acupuncture corrects energy imbalances that exist in your body by stimulating various anatomical points, or acupoints, through the insertion of thin, sterile needles into the top layers of your skin. Acupuncture is virtually painless. You can be treated for a variety of illnesses and conditions including infertility, depression, addictions and chronic pain. "A review of seven clinical trials of acupuncture given with embryo transfer in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) suggests that acupuncture may improve rates of pregnancy," according to a study at the National Center for Complementary Alternative Medicine, or NCAAM.
Theories
According to research conducted by Raymond Chang, M.D., et. al., "it is logical to hypothesize that acupuncture may influence ovulation and fertility." The study concludes that "because acupuncture is nontoxic and relatively affordable, its indications as an adjunct in assisted reproduction or as an alternative for women who are intolerant, ineligible or contraindicated for conventional hormone induction of ovulation deserves serious research and exploration."
History
Acupuncture is an ancient traditional Chinese medicine that has been practiced in Asian countries for about 2,000 years. According to the NCCAM, "acupuncture became better known in the United States in 1971, when New York Times reporter James Reston wrote about how doctors in China used needles to ease his pain after surgery."
Types
You are most likely to receive one of two medically researched acupuncture treatments for use with infertility issues. These are traditional acupuncture and electroacupuncture. Traditional acupuncture uses thin, sterile needles that are inserted into your skin and manipulated by your practitioner's hands in order to release any energy blockages. Electroacupuncture uses thin needles that are inserted into various strategic points of your body, or acupoints, which are then stimulated with tiny electrical pulses.
Warnings
Get treatments from a certified acupuncturist to avoid possible side effects, including hepatitis B. You may also suffer short-term effects including mild headaches or dizziness after treatment, according to the American Cancer Society. Do not use electroacupuncture if you have a pacemaker or other electronic device as this type of acupuncture may interfere with the electrical impulses. Talk to your health care provider if you have serious medical conditions before undergoing any acupuncture treatments.
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