Thinking About Acupuncture for Fertility Treatments?
As a TTC woman in my late 30’s, I’m considering acupuncture for fertility. I’ve tried a lot of things over the past years and had no luck. I’ve tried every natural way to increase fertility; natural fertility supplements, fertility diets, yoga for fertility…you name it, I’ve done it. But I’ve been hearing good things about acupuncture for fertility and the benefits look appealing. Why not, I’ve tried everything else. It’s been a bumpy ride and after years of trying, its been frustrating to say the least.
Not being able to conceive a baby on our own, sent me to research fertility clinics in hopes that in vitro fertilization (or IVF) would help. However, the more I researched, the more I wanted to try acupuncture for fertility first before any other invasive procedures. It was encouraging to read that many doctors and patients are looking towards this type of Eastern medicine philosophy to succeed where IVF and other treatments have failed.
How Does Acupuncture for Fertility Work?
According to the Eastern medicine belief, there needs to be a balance of energy flowing throughout the body. If there is an obstruction in the energy flow, chances are there will be something wrong with the body. With the use of acupuncture needles, these obstruction points can be stimulated so that the energy flow will be rebalanced.
When acupuncture for fertility is used for treatment, the benefits for trying to conceive couples are well worth trying. It helps your blood flow to the reproductive systems and also helps stabilize hormone levels. For men, it can be used to increase fertility as well by promoting healthy sperm production.
If you or a loved one has considered acupuncture for fertility treatment as an option, here some things I learned in my research:
5 Things You Need to Know About Acupuncture for Fertility:
1. No One Really Knows If Acupuncture for Fertility Works
Neither doctors nor scientists have been able to figure out how or why acupuncture for fertility works for certain patients. Many think that it might be the placebo effect; that is, because patients know that their treatment is different from that of a control group, it works for them. Others think that it could be the relaxing environment that is created by the acupuncturist that helps. In any event, although they do not know how it works, doctors have seen some results and agree that as long as you have it done by a trained practitioner, acupuncture for fertility is not harmful.
2. Acupuncture for Fertility is Recommended with In Vitro Fertilization
Although it has worked on its own to help some infertile couples conceive, most doctors recommend acupuncture for fertility along with in vitro fertilization to see the best results. In fact, one study conducted with 147 women who had not previously been successful with IVF alone, 40 percent more were successful in getting pregnant after acupuncture for fertility with 11 percent more who carried to term.
3. Know the Risks of Acupuncture for Fertility
Despite being a relatively safe procedure, there are a few risks associated with acupuncture for fertility. Most of them are related to unlicensed or unscrupulous practitioners using dirty needles which cause infections or using the needles in the wrong spots. A skilled practitioner knows how to avoid most risks, and cares about his or her reputation enough to not risk it by providing substandard treatment.
4. Find the Right Acupuncture for Fertility Specialist
Many medical doctors are trained acupuncturists. For couples who are uncomfortable getting the procedure from practitioners who only practice alternative medicine, finding a doctor who specializes in acupuncture for fertility as well can help ease their concerns.
5. Consider Multiple Treatments of Acupuncture for Fertility
Acupuncture for fertility works best when done often. Like other alternative treatments, acupuncture is not something that you can do one time and expect to be cured of infertility. Some women have up to 12 treatments, but they agree that it is worth the time and effort as long as it helps them to conceive.
No matter what methods a woman chooses to help her conceive, it is important to do some research. Understanding the benefits and risks associated with a fertility treatment can help couples to make informed decisions, which greatly lessens the chances of endangering the woman or further hurting her chances of getting pregnant. Women seeking treatment for their infertility should make sure that whatever procedures they want to undergo are performed by licensed, skilled practitioners. Information is empowering, so find out as much as possible about acupuncture for fertility before you decide that it is a viable option.
Time to Hear from You
What are your thoughts on trying acupuncture for fertility? How do you feel about western vs eastern medicine philosophies? Has anyone out there been successful using acupuncture for fertility? Please share your story.