Infertility and Acupuncture
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive a child after trying conceive naturally for two years, due to defects in the reproductive system of the man or women, or both. While in women it is because of hormone imbalance, abnormal function of ovaries, fibroids or endometriosis, in men it is due to problems such as low sperm count or motility. The word infertility can also be used to describe a woman has multiple miscarriages. Infertility may have many psychological effects on the couple trying to conceive. The more anxious the partners may become to conceive, the more it affects their reproductive health.
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese method of medical treatment which consists of the use of thin, sterile, disposable needles to stimulate strategic points near the surface of the body. Chinese practitioners believe that there are certain acupuncture points on the body which connect the flow of energy from the surface of the body to the internal organs. This flow of energy is vital in regulating emotional, physical and spiritual balance in an individual. Poor health habits and lack of adequate physical exercise disrupts this flow of energy and results in pain or disease. Acupuncture makes the flow of energy smoothly so the uterus and ovaries can get good energy flow.
Acupuncture for Infertility
A key factor in the infertility of both men and women is stress. When under stress, the brain releases a hormone called cortisol. This disrupts the chemical balance of the brain, thus altering the hormone levels in the body and compromise the ovarian function. According to several studies and medical research, acupuncture can promote fertility by increasing the flow of blood to the reproductive organs, reducing stress, and keeping the hormone system balanced. Acupuncture for infertility aims not just to make conception possible, but also to help the woman carry the child to full term in good health.
Benefits of Acupuncture over Fertility Drugs
Fertility drugs only works for the couples who already get their reproductive system in good balance. Ideally it would be the best to start acupuncture for infertility treatment 3 to 6 months before you start the IVF or IUI. Acupuncture for infertility improves the testicle and ovarian function, so the couples can get healthy baby with one IVF or IUI treatment. If the couple keeps trying many IVF cycles, the artificial hormones can profoundly influence the whole body, causing future health issues such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer or early menopause. On the other hand, since acupuncture infertility treatment is non invasive and natural, it causes few or no side effects.
