In addition to Western medical interventions, there are natural therapies such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and low-level light therapy that can help improve fertility outcomes.
Acupuncture is a technique that involves inserting fine, completely sterile needles into specific points of the body to stimulate blood flow, specifically to the ovaries, testes, or lining.
Blood carries nutrients, electrolytes, oxygen, and hormones to the follicles and testes and serves to remove dead cells, known as debris. This, in and of itself, will improve egg and sperm quality and increase the chances of conception.
Studies suggest that acupuncture can increase blood flow to reproductive organs, regulate hormone levels, and reduce stress and anxiety, improving fertility outcomes.
For women with PCOS, acupuncture can improve menstrual regularity and egg quality and increase ovulation frequency, thus improving their chances of getting pregnant.
Endometriosis is when the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside of it, often on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other pelvic structures. Endometriosis can cause fertility issues for women, including difficulties in getting pregnant.
Inflammation: Endometriosis can lead to inflammation in the pelvic area, which can interfere with the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus.
For women with endometriosis, acupuncture can reduce inflammation and improve the quality of the uterine lining, which is essential for implantation.
Sperm pathologies are abnormalities in sperm shape, movement, or count that can affect male fertility. There are several types of sperm pathologies, each with its contributing factors and potential impact on fertility.
A low volume of semen may make it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg.
The causes of sperm pathologies are varied and can include genetic factors and environmental factors such as exposure to toxins, infections, or hormonal imbalances.
Certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, may also contribute to sperm pathologies.
In conclusion, sperm pathologies are abnormalities in sperm shape, movement, or count that can affect male fertility. Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and low-level light therapy provide improvement in many cases.
Implantation failure is a common issue that can contribute to infertility; several factors can contribute to implantation failure, including:
Uterine abnormalities: Structural abnormalities in the uterus, such as uterine fibroids or a septum, can make it difficult for an embryo to implant appropriately. This type of malady will require surgical intervention.
Hormonal imbalances can prevent the endometrial lining from developing correctly, making it more difficult for an embryo to implant. Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and low-level light therapy provide improvement in many cases.
Age: As women age, their egg quality declines, which can increase the likelihood of infertility.
Inflammation: Chronic uterine inflammation can prevent an embryo from implanting properly.
Lifestyle factors: Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor diet can all contribute to implantation failure.
Chinese herbal medicine involves using herbs to address underlying imbalances in the body that may contribute to infertility. Herbs regulate hormone levels, improve egg quality lining quality, increase sperm count, improve morphology and motility, reduce inflammation and improve the energy source of sperm and eggs (mitochondria)
Low-level light therapy can improve the quality of eggs by reducing oxidative stress and promoting healthy mitochondrial function. It can also improve sperm parameters and function by promoting healthy mitochondrial activity in the sperm cells.
Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and low-level light therapy address the underlying factors contributing to infertility and help improve fertility outcomes for men and women.
These therapies improve the quality of eggs and sperm and lining, address hormonal imbalances, reduce inflammation, and improve the overall health of the reproductive system.
Couples facing infertility can feel overwhelmed and frustrated, but it’s important to know that many treatment options available can help improve pregnancy chances.
Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and low-level light therapy offer a natural and holistic approach that has helped many couples achieve their dream of starting a family, especially when IUI and/or IVF have failed.
With patience, perseverance, and the proper support, infertility can be overcome, and a healthy pregnancy can be achieved.
Studies and References
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine:
Cheong, Y. C., Dix, S., & Hung Yu Ng, E. (2013). Acupuncture and assisted reproductive technology. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (7).
Zheng, Y., & Zhang, J. (2013). Effects and mechanisms of acupuncture and moxibustion on reproductive endocrine function in male rats. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu, 33(6), 515–518.
Lim, C. E., & Wong, W. S. (2016). Current evidence of acupuncture on polycystic ovarian syndrome. Gynecological Endocrinology, 32(11), 835–838.
Low-level light therapy:
Caruso, S., Maiolino, L., Agnello, C., Sambataro, M., & Cianci, A. (2017). Low-level light therapy improves folliculogenesis and modulates ovarian progesterone and follicular-related gene expression in a rat model. Lasers in Medical Science, 32(3), 565–573.
Sallam, H. N., & Ezzeldin, F. (2016). The impact of low-level laser therapy on implantation rate in women undergoing in vitro fertilization: a randomized controlled trial. Lasers in Medical Science, 31(8), 1511–1515.
Alcântara Neto, O. d., Silva, A. F. d., Rezende, M. A., de Almeida, C. E. P., & Camargos, A. F. d. S. (2020). Low-level laser therapy and physical exercise on in vitro fertilization outcomes. Lasers in Medical Science, 35(1), 15–20.
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