Acupuncture for Infertility

 

Infertility is a growing concern for many couples in the United States.  “About 12 percent of women in the United States ages 15-44 have difficulty getting pregnant or staying pregnant, “according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Also,  many women are waiting until their 30s and 40s to have children. In fact, about 20 percent of women in the United States now have their first child after age 35. So age is a growing cause of fertility problems. About one-third of couples in which the woman is over 35 have fertility problems.

Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine has been used for over 2500 years to bring balance and vitality back to the human body.  This balance can improve fertility outcomes and overall health for each couple.  How does this work? According to the British Medical Journal, “Acupuncture is frequently used to regulate the female reproductive system. Three potential mechanisms for its effects on fertility have been postulated. Firstly, acupuncture may mediate the release of neurotransmitters, which may in turn stimulate secretion of gonadotrophin releasing hormone, thereby influencing the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and fertility. Secondly, acupuncture may stimulate blood flow to the uterus by inhibiting uterine central sympathetic nerve activity. Thirdly, acupuncture may stimulate the production of endogenous opioids, which may inhibit the central nervous system outflow and the biological stress response.”

Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine can be used alone or in conjunction with Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) such as, IVF(in vitro fertilization).  Preliminary studies have shown that acupuncture can improve IVF success rates.  There are many fertility clinics in the United States that have an Acupuncturist on site to assist with the treatment plan during each stage of the procedure.

 

Raymond Chang, MD, the medical director of Meridian Medical, says, “Most of our patients are referred to us by reproductive medicine specialists — they are usually women who have failed one or usually more than one attempt at IVF, and their doctor is looking for something to help implement the success of their treatment, over and above what the protocols alone can accomplish.”

Dr. Gores has specialized training in the field of reproductive medicine for men and women.  Working with your medical provider, interpreting lab results, implementing proper nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, utilizing acupuncture and Chinese medicine during specific times of the month to enhance hormone efficiency or to improve IVF success are some of the ways our clinic can help you.

http://www.bmj.com/content/336/7643/545.short#ref-12

http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/features/ancient-art-of-infertility-treatment