Fertility Info

Acupuncture & Infertility – Tracing Its Roots

Acupuncture, which originated in China, is over a thousand years old.  Some medical practitioners in the West accept this treatment as a valid way of addressing several types of ailments.  It can address problems with muscle tension, the skin and even help one quit smoking, among others.  Reports from latest studies reveal that acupuncture is highly beneficial to couples with infertility issues.

The Western View

Despite its popularity, a lot of Westerners still doubt the effectiveness of acupuncture.  No scientific evidence is available to support acupuncture and, as a result, many healthcare professionals are reluctant to recommend it.  The National Institutes of Health in the US says that researches are currently being conducted on the issue.

Risks To Health

Acupuncture is generally painless when it is done by a highly-trained professional.  Only a small few have reported adverse outcomes.  Some of the usual risks linked with acupuncture include minimal bleeding, organ puncturing, broken or forgotten needles, and the spread of infection.  These can be done away with by having an experienced practitioner perform therapy.    However, acupuncture should not be applied to individuals with bleeding disorders and people using blood thinners.

A Solitary or Complementary Process

Acupuncture may be used as an alternative to fertility issues, especially when used as a single treatment.  It may also be seen as a procedure that can enhance the effects of modern fertility therapies.  Used as a single method, acupuncture brings positive results to people who have functional reproductive problems, like intermittent ovulation.  When applied alone, it might not be as effective to treat structural problems, like a sperm duct blockage.

Some acupuncture practitioners recommend that Chinese herbs be used alongside acupuncture procedures and treatments.  Persons under medical care should check with their doctor before taking herbs.  There are some herbs that interfere with the correct mechanism of certain fertility medications and procedures.  

Acupuncture and Fertility - Effectiveness Factor?

How acupuncture works as a cure of infertility is still debatable.  Many practicing experts say that this ancient therapeutic procedure can help regulate the body’s system.  It increases blood flow into the vital organs and stabilizes hormonal activity.  Ovarian function is boosted and sperm production is enhanced, as a result.

Acupuncture positively affects women who use it together with other procedures that aim to boost fertility.   Some say that the stress that comes with fertility procedures can also be lessened with acupuncture.  Findings of recent studies show acupuncture’s ability to increase the conception rate in women who opt for in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Selecting The Best Practitioner

Healthcare professionals who want to add acupuncture to their roster of services are required to have around 300 hours of specialized training to be certified.  Those licensed in other medical fields must still complete 2000 to 3000 hours of training and pass the board exam to be officially called an acupuncturist.

The number of people who are practicing acupunture is continuously increasing.  To make sure patients land in good hands, here are some things that must be taken into account.  People who are thinking of undergoing acupuncture must do a background check on a potential acupuncturist.  Any practitioner must be licensed in the state or town where he or she is providing services.One can find good recommendations from family and friends who have tried acupuncture services of certain providers.

Patients must always ask about the general cost total so they know how much needs to be set aside for the procedure.  Many individuals are relieved that some insurance plans cover charges for acupuncture treatments.

What You Can Expect

More than one acupuncture treatment is needed to get desired results.  To maximize the benefits of acupuncture, the entire procedure would take some weeks to several months.  Patients should expect each visit to their acupuncturist to be at least an hour long, with time for discussion of lifestyle and present health condition, as well as thoughts and queries about the process.