Acupuncture and Fertility

One of the most popular natural infertility treatments is the ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture. It is inexpensive compared to infertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization, and is safe, noninvasive, and relatively painless. Studies seem to show a correlation between acupuncture and fertility improvement.

How Acupuncture Works

Acupuncture is based on the belief that the body has 20 energy pathways that, when blocked, create problems such as illness, pain, and even infertility. The strategic placement of tiny acupuncture needles in specific "energy points" in the body is intended to release these blockages and restore a healthy energy balance.

Western researchers have found a connection between acupuncture and fertility. They found that acupuncture helps to release certain hormones in the brain including endorphins, the "feel good" brain chemicals that help reduce pain, relax the body, and help regulate a woman's menstrual cycle. Studies have also shown that acupuncture treatments can help improve sperm quality in men that have unexplained infertility.

Infertility Problems Treated by Acupuncture

Acupuncture works better for couples experiencing infertility due to a functional problem, such as irregular ovulation, than a structural problem, such as blocked sperm ducts. A series of one-half-hour to one-hour treatments, once or twice a week for several weeks or months seems to be effective in improving fertility. Acupuncture also seems to substantially increase the success of other infertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Consult a Specialist

If you are considering acupuncture as a treatment for infertility, it is important that you find an experienced acupuncturist who has the appropriate licensure or certification to practice in your state. Today, many medical doctors and infertility specialists are trained in acupuncture and can perform the treatment for you.