Several recent studies show that it does work. Acupuncture alone improves the rate of conception for couples struggling with infertility. In addition, acupuncture improves the rate of conception for couples who are using artificial reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization.
How Does It Work?
We do know that acupuncture for infertility has the following effects, and that those effects improve your chances of conceiving:
Acupuncture for infertility increases blood flow to the uterus, which improves uterine wall thickness prior to implantation.
It increases endorphins. Increased endorphin levels cause gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) to be released. GnRH helps regulate the reproductive cycle in women.
Acupuncture decreases the level of stress hormones. Stress hormones interfere with uterine blood flow and reproductive hormone release.
Acupuncture for infertility normalizes the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis, which normalizes reproductive hormone levels.
Who Should Try Acupuncture For Infertility Treatment?
Acupuncture is most likely to help couples who have a functional type of infertility. That means that they do not have structural abnormalities in their reproductive systems.
Some clinics recommend that the woman have an acupuncture treatment in in vitro fertilization just before having the fertilized egg injected into her uterus. It seems to help the egg implant into the uterine wall.
Are There Any Concerns With Acupuncture For Infertility Treatment?
There are no known problems with acupuncture.
Where Can I Get Acupuncture For Infertility Treatment?
The best way to find someone to give you acupuncture for infertility treatment is to visit www.aborm.org
Free fertility-acupuncture mini-consults are available in New York City at The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness. See www.berkleycenter.com or call 212-685-0985