|
|
Acupuncture for Infertility:
Acupuncture Increases the Success of In-Vitro Fertilization
|
|
|
|
|
It's frustrating that there have been limited
treatment options. In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is costly,
uncomfortable, and doesn't always work. Those who've already
tried it four or five times understand. But now you can
increase your chances of IVF success with fertility acupuncture.
|
Results of a New Study on Acupuncture and IVF
Until recently, women have had no proven method to improve their
odds with each IVF attempt.
New hope has been provided by the encouraging results of a well-designed,
German
study on acupuncture-assisted in vitro fertility.
The 160 participants were divided into two groups, each receiving
a standard in-vitro procedure (IVF). One of the groups, however,
received acupuncture before and after implantation. The standard
in-vitro group had a 26.3% pregnancy rate, while the acupuncture
group showed a 42.5% success rate.
|
Fertility Success Rates
|
|
In-Vitro Fertilization
(IVF) Only
|
Fertility Acupuncture protocol plus IVF
|
|
26.3%
|
42.5%
|
Chinese Medicine:
Acupuncture Fertility, Herbal Fertility
Chinese medicine has treated infertility effectively for thousands
of years. Modern studies have been aimed at understanding why
acupuncture is effective. This is the first significant scientific
proof that acupuncture can improve pregnancy rates.
Acupuncture is only half of the story, however. Chinese medical
practitioners rely heavily on herbal medicine for infertility.
One without the other is akin to having a right hand without the
left; you'll be far more effective with both. The combination
of herbs and acupuncture is used to assist the natural method
of conception, whether the cause of infertility involves the man
or the women, or both.
Chinese Herbs for Male and Female Infertility
Nearly 50% of infertility cases require some intervention with
both parties. In men, Chinese herbs can raise testosterone levels
and sperm count.
Chinese medicine for women can regulate hormones; stimulate ovulation
and correct nutritional deficiencies that make sustaining a pregnancy
difficult. The herbs make the body a "more hospitable environment"
for the baby. This treatment is effective and gentle.
Considering that fertility drugs often cause dreaded side effects
such as, weight gain, depression and mood swings, you may want
to try Chinese medicine first.
Greater Fertility when Combining East and West
The causes of difficult conception can vary from couple to couple.
There are some situations where Chinese medicine cannot substitute
for traditional fertility treatment.
For the woman with a structural problem, like blocked tubes,
in-vitro may be her only option. In this case, attempting to conceive
naturally via acupuncture and herbs will not only waste time and
money, but can create false hopes.
In this type of case, the most appropriate action is to combine
Chinese medicine with fertilization procedures to better the odds.
And the cost of Chinese Medicine is minimal compared to the average
fee ($5000) for each in-vitro attempt.
References
- The
German study on acupuncture-assisted in vitro fertility
- 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.
- Maciocia G. Obstetrics and Gynecology in Chinese
Medicine.
- Wiseman N, Ellis A. The Fundamentals of Chinese
Medicine.
|
|
