Acupuncture has been around for a long time and was initiated in the East. It is a process in which thin needles are inserted into the skin and moved into certain points in the body, helping to alleviate pain and other medical conditions. Acupuncture is generally used to control blood pressure, because it stimulates the central nervous system. Endorphins are released into the body which relieve pain, which in returns gives your body a renewed feeling. Neurotransmitters and neurohormones are also released into your body; this process will help your body to heal on its own.
This is the main reason acupuncture and infertility treatments were studied as a perfect corollary treatment pair. The body needs to be relaxed and the uterus has to be in a healthy state to accept and nourish the transplanted egg.
When used together, acupuncture and infertility treatments can help treat hormonal balances. Increased blood flow to the vital organs and hormone levels become regulated making your overall body’s system effective. Also it improves ovarian and follicular function. The endometrium’s lining becomes thicker with higher blood flow. Acupuncture develops a higher rate for success of in vitro fertilization (IVF). More specialists are introducing acupuncture as part of their IVF treatments. IVF has shown a greater possibility of conceiving after the embryo transfer process when using acupuncture. Spasmed tubes can be treated with acupuncture; however blocked tubes cannot be treated using this method. Along with herbs, acupuncture is used to treat elevated follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), repeated pregnancy loss, unexplained infertility, luteal phase defect, hyperprolactinemia (when not caused by a prolactinoma), polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) with irregular cycles, and male factor including men affected with sperm-DNA-fragmentation.
Physical therapy and acupuncture carry the same attributes in that the body has the ability to heal itself over a period of time. Usually women are treated for three to four months prior to an insemination, IVF, or donor-egg transfer. Before and after embryo transfer, a woman should consider acupuncture treatments. There is more of a therapeutic effect the longer you participate in acupuncture before a fertility treatment. Fertility treatments are very stressful on the couple, more so for the woman. This can cause depression, anxiety and stress; however acupuncture can help reduce these issues. It is wise for a couple to try all aspects of infertility treatments, especially since acupuncture has such positive results.
Risks are low with acupuncture mixed with infertility treatments; however if the incorrect points in the body are hit, it could result in a miscarriage in a pregnant woman. It is very important to make sure that the acupuncturist is skilled in fertility disorders. Electo-acupuncture is a wonderful choice over old fashioned pain medicines; this can also lessen your stay in the hospital and make your medical bills shrink.
With the use of herbal medicine, acupuncture, and traditional medical interventions, researchers say that these are the most effective of all fertility treatments. Medical interventions are necessary for conception, acupuncture and herbal medicines alone are not enough.