The insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body is known as acupuncture. These specific points, which reside on channel or meridians, can regulate the way the body functions. It can address problems that affect fertility, such as an under-functioning thyroid (Hypothyroidism) or over-functioning thyroid (Hyperthyroidism).
Treating Infertility
Acupuncture has been used to treat some causes of infertility, frequently combined with herbal medicine. Although it does not treat all causes of infertility, it can help by improving ovarian and follicular function. Acupuncture can also increase blood flow to the endometrium, helping to create a thick lining.
Beginning Treatment
Patients are often treated with acupuncture for three to four months before beginning in vitro fertilization, insemination, or donor-egg transfer. Clinical observations have found that the most effective fertility treatments involve acupuncture, herbal medicine, and traditional medicine. Treatment often lasts through week twelve of pregnancy to help prevent miscarriage.
Points to Avoid
Needles should not be placed in the abdominopelvic area following insemination, IVF, or donor-egg transfer. There are six contraindicated acupuncture points to be avoided when pregnant or when pregnancy is suspected. These points include Gallbladder 21, Stomach 12, Large Intestine 4, Spleen 6, Bladder 60, Bladder 67, and any points on the lower abdomen.
Acupuncture Patients
Acupuncture is frequently combined with herbal remedies to treat elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), repeated pregnancy loss, unexplained infertility, luteal phase defect, hyperprolactinemia, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) with anovulatory cycles and male factor including men affected with sperm-DNA-fragmentation. It can be used to treat spasmed tubes, but blocked tubes will not respond to acupuncture.
NCCRM
The North Carolina Center for Reproductive Medicine/Talbert Fertility Institute is the premiere center for reproductive health in North Carolina and the East Coast. Our team specializes in fertility testing, diagnosis, and treatment of infertility conditions. We’re experts in IVF, Tubal Ligation Reversal, Male Infertility, Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), Gestation Surrogacy, Family Balancing, and more. Contact us today.
