Acupuncture and Fertility Treatment

Acupuncture and Fertility Treatment

As early as 259 A.D., acupuncture formulae were employed as treatment for infertility. Results of several published studies have validated the hypothesis that adding acupuncture to traditional Western medical fertility therapy greatly enhances the chances of achieving a pregnancy.

Acupuncture has been successfully instituted in the treatment of various health conditions. Acupuncture is the process of inserting fine needles into the skin to stimulate specific areas called acupoints on the body in order to restore balance and improve organ health.

Benefits of Acupuncture During Fertility Treatment

The theory behind the mechanism of improvement is that acupuncture helps to reduce stress and increase circulation to the uterus and pelvic organs, which aids in ovarian stimulation and implantation. Acupuncture is also thought to have an effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, which may increase hormones, which play a vital role in the reproductive process. Lastly, acupuncture has a relaxing effect, which helps to lower cortisol levels and increase progesterone output, which may explain its effect on decreasing miscarriage rates.

Research in Acupuncture and Fertility Treatment

A randomized prospective clinical study published in May of 2006 in Fertility and Sterility by Dieterle et al., examined the effect of acupuncture on IVF/ICSI outcomes. In this study, they randomized 225 patients undergoing IVF/ICSI to either luteal phase acupuncture or placebo acupuncture and they found a statistically significant difference in pregnancy rates in the luteal phase acupuncture group as compared to the placebo group. Another study published at the same time, by Westergaard et al., examined the effect of acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer, vs. no acupuncture, and they also found a significant increase in pregnancy rates.

Due to positive impact that acupuncture has had on fertility issues, here at Nevada Fertility C.A.R.E.S. we offer direct access to acupuncture specialist. Following is further information on recommended acupuncturist(s):

Sharon Roth, O.M.D.
101 S Rainbow Ste #22
Las Vegas , NV 89145
(702) 259-6996

 

S. Dieterle, G. Ying, W. Hatzmann, A. Neuer: "Effect of acupuncture on the outcome of in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection: a randomized, prospective, controlled clinical study." Fertility and Sterility, Volume 85, Issue 5, Pages 1347-135.

L. Westergaard, Q. Mao, M. Krogslund, S. Sandrini, S. Lenz, J. Grinsted: "Acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer significantly improves the reproductive outcome in infertile women: a prospective, randomized trial." Fertility and Sterility, Volume 85, Issue 5, Pages 1341-1346.

 

Last updated: March 5, 2008
Reviewed by Dr. Rachel McConnell and her medical staff