If you have been trying to get pregnant for over a year with no success, or you are over 35 and haven't conceived in at least six months, you may be infertile. The Chinese have been using acupuncture as a treatment for infertility for many centuries, and acupuncture can help many infertile couples conceive. In fact, in an article in the Feb. 7, 2008 "British Medical Journal" Dr. Manheimer and colleagues reported that acupuncture treatment, when administered within one day of embryo transfer during in vitro fertilization (IVF), significantly helped women conceive. But acupuncture isn't just for couples seeking IVF. Acupuncture has also been shown to help with a variety of infertility diagnoses, including tubal problems, hormonal issues and even male factor infertility, notes the American Pregnancy Association. Acupuncture can be relaxing, help to improve mood and reduce stress, which may boost fertility.
Step 1
Visit your Ob/Gyn or a reproductive specialist if you are having trouble getting pregnant. Discuss your desire to try acupuncture as an infertility treatment.
Step 2
Visit acupuncture.com (see Resources) to research your state's laws about acupuncture practitioner licensure requirements. Visit nccaom.org (see Resources), the organization that certifies acupuncturists, to locate a licensed practitioner in your area. Identify practitioners that are near you, and look into each practitioner's credentials, including training, educational background and years of experience.
Step 3
Interview prospective acupuncture practitioners to understand their experience in working with women struggling with infertility. Make sure your acupuncturist has several years of experience in working with pregnant women and women trying to conceive. Once you begin treatment, make a commitment to continue acupuncture for several months or more, as acupuncture works best when done consistently over time.
Step 4
Start acupuncture treatment soon if you are actively trying to conceive. If you are going to use artificial insemination or IVF, plan to begin acupuncture treatment at least three to four months before your treatments begin. If you are undergoing IVF, talk to your doctor about the option of receiving acupuncture within one day of your embryo transfer, since the 2008 British Medical Journal study of IVF and acupuncture shows that acupuncture in conjunction with IVF can boost conception.
Step 5
Ask your doctor and acupuncturist if you can take any herbal medicines while you are receiving acupuncture. Some herbs, in combination with acupuncture, are known to boost ovarian health, prevent miscarriage and help with other infertility issues.
References
- "British Medical Journal"; Effects of acupuncture on rates of pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing in vitro fertilization: systematic review and meta-analysis; Manheimer et al.; Feb. 7, 2008.
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Acupuncture: An Introduction
- American Cancer Society: Acupuncture
- American Pregnancy Organization: Treating Infertility Using Acupuncture
