Infertility
Infertility affects millions of couples around the world. It is a condition that is not gender-specific; both males and females are a third likely to be the cause of a couple's failure to conceive. The remaining third of cases results from a combination of factors from both partners or unknown causes. Allopathic infertility treatments can be financially burdensome, hindering access for many people due to high cost, low availability, or provider-bias issues.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views infertility as an imbalance in one's energies and aims to restore and rebalance energy flow. Acupuncture, herbal medicines, qigong exercises, and massages, have proven effective in improving reproductive functions for both men and women. TCM treatments can be used individually or in conjunction with conventional treatments.
Acupuncture is highly effective in regulating the endocrine and reproductive systems in women. However, a Western medical examination is crucial to identify any potential structural issues causing infertility. Acupuncture is most effective in cases where functional disorders are the cause of infertility.
Numerous studies have highlighted the significant benefits of acupuncture in conjunction with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatments. A 2002 German infertility study showed that combining acupuncture with IVF led to twice as many successful pregnancies. Notably, acupuncture improved IVF success rates irrespective of the woman's age.
Acupuncture can improve the function of the ovaries, resulting in higher-quality eggs and embryos; regulate estrogen and progesterone levels, preparing the uterus for implantation; and increase blood flow to the uterus, promoting follicular development and implantation.
Acupuncture treatments for infertility may be preferred over common fertility drugs like Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate) or Glucophage (Metformin). Not only does acupuncture have fewer side effects than fertility drugs, but it can also prevent miscarriages once pregnancy is achieved. Studies have also shown that women receiving acupuncture infertility treatments have lower rates of ectopic pregnancies.
In contrast, certain drugs, such as Celexa, Zoloft, and Paxil, can contribute to infertility and diminished libido. Acupuncture is also effective in managing conditions such as depression and anxiety. This may help you reduce dependence on fertility drugs under your doctor's supervision.
Recent studies revealed that men undergoing acupuncture treatments for infertility experienced improvements in both semen quality and quantity. While acupuncture cannot address structural dysfunctions causing male infertility, it stands as the sole successful treatment for increasing the production of healthy sperm in men.
Several lifestyle changes can make infertility conditions easier to treat:
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Consider avoiding cold drinks and raw food; warm foods can stimulate and alleviate stagnation in our bodies, thereby promoting fertility.
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Try exercises that promote circulation of Qi and blood, such as Tai Chi, Qi Gong, yoga, and meditation. Not only can they relieve stress, but they can promote fertility by harmonizing the body.
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Combining acupuncture with herbal medicine can significantly increase the success of infertility treatments.
When the cause of infertility is unknown, acupuncture may be the best treatment. There are many subtle reasons that may cause infertility, and acupuncture is able to treat both the mind and body at subconscious levels to improve fertility.
Couples who are not having structural problems should explore acupuncture as a first option, before considering more costly fertility treatments. When you do successfully become pregnant, consider continuing your acupuncture infertility treatments to maintain and promote a healthier pregnancy.
