Can acupuncture improve chances of pregnancy in infertility ?
Can acupuncture improve chances of pregnancy in infertility ?
Clinical studies of Traditional Chinese medicine have shown that acupuncture is helpful in treating infertility, especially for infertility caused by ovulation and hormone disturbance. It is supported by research that acupuncture can help improve chances of pregnancy in couples who are undergoing IVF. Increasing number of hospital/IVF centres have begun to use acupuncture therapy to complement IVF treatment. Acupuncture is based on the theory of ''Qi'' (energy), by using small needles to stimulate points according to the meridian, thereby achieve therapeutic effect. In China, uses of Chinese herbal medicine along with acupuncture therapy to treat infertility has a long history.
Acupuncture helps fertilized eggs (embryo or blastocyst) implantation. In 2002, German researchers found that acupuncture significantly increased the chances of conception in 160 women who had IVF treatment. Forty-two percent of women who received acupuncture with IVF treatment were successfully pregnant, compared with 26 percent of women who only have IVF as treatment. Since then, more studies have shown that acupuncture is beneficial for women undergoing IVF treatment. Another German study noted that women who received IVF or embryo transfer with acupuncture in the second half of the menstrual cycle (i.e., the luteal period) had higher rates of pregnancy, both in conception and in continuation of pregnancy. Danish study showed that acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer increases the rate of conception. Contrary to previous believe, acupuncture help improve blood flow to uterus, relaxes the smooth muscle of uterus thus increasing the chances of implantation.
Acupuncture can improve sperm count andactivity in men. Acupuncture also helpful for male infertility. Regular acupuncture treatments have been shown to increase sperm count in men with fertility problems, improving their sperm vitality, sperm motility, but the effect is not always as significant when use alone, thus it is advice to combine with oral medication to maximize the effect. To increase the probability of pregnancy in a natural way, the more active sperm the better the chances. For couples considering assisted fertility treatment, a study published in 2005 showed that acupuncture does improve sperm quality. Sperm analysis before and after acupuncture treatment in men with unknown causes of infertility was done and found that acupuncture treatment was associated with reduced sperm structural defects and an increase in normal sperm counts. The first step in treating any infertility problem is to find a physician expert in this field. If you have decided to try acupuncture, be sure to go qualified TCM practitioner. At Golden Gate fertility centre, we have 25 years of experience in fertility treatment, working many IVF centres to acupuncture and herbal medicine treatment for their patient. Please do not hesitate to come if for your FREE consultation.
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Reference:
1. Paulus WE, Zhang M, Strehler E, El-Danasouri I, Sterzik K. Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy. Fertil Steril. 2002 Apr;77(4):721-4. doi: 10.1016/s0015-0282(01)03273-3. PMID: 11937123.
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