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Treating Infertility With Acupuncture
Before learning about treating infertility with acupuncture, it is important to establish that this is a real problem in the United States. That way, when discussing the role of acupuncture in treating infertility, it is within the context of how large the problem is. For example, according to the Pew Research Center, in 2015, U.S. fertility is at an all-time low. The center states, “U.S. fertility rates have reached another record low, at 62.5 births per 1,000 women of childbearing age.” [Link]
Data for United States in 2013
- Number of births: 3,932,181
- Birth rate: 12.4 per 1,000 population
- Fertility rate: 62.5 births per 1000 women aged 15-44 years
- Percent born with low birth weight: 8.0%
With such record-setting low fertility rates, it can lead one to wonder if there is an infertility problem in the United States. In fact, there are large amounts of the population who are infertile. Statistics from the CDC show just how big the issue is.
Data For Infertility in The United States
- Number of women, ages 18-44, with impaired fecundity (impaired ability to get pregnant or carry a baby to term): 6.7 million
- Percent of women ages 18-44, with impaired fecundity: 10.9%
- Number of married women, ages 18-44 that are infertile (unable to get pregnant after at least 12 consecutive months of unprotected sex with husband): 1.5 million
- Percent of married women, ages 18-44, that are infertile: 6.0%
- Number of women, ages 18-44, who have ever used infertility services: 7.4 million
These statistics paint the infertility problem as a significant issue within the female population. However, this is not truly the case. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, “In approximately 40% of infertile couples, the male partner is either the sole cause, or a contributing cause, of infertility.” Infertility in men is almost half of the cause of low, recorded infertility rates in the United States. With the problem clearly defined, and the notion that infertility is a concern for both men and women equally, it is time to examine the role of acupuncture in treating infertility.
Acupuncture can be used to treat infertility. In particular, it can be used to treat some underlying causes of infertility. For example, problems that affect fertility can include an under-functioning thyroid (hypothyroidism) or over-functioning thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Acupuncture treats these problems. In fact, acupuncture, combined with herbal medicines, has been employed for hundreds of years to treat some causes of infertility. For example, acupuncture will not work when it comes to tubular adhesions because of the different diseases that require more aggressive treatment are the underlying cause. Thus, acupuncture is great to help heal some, but not all, cases of infertility, as it depends on the contributing factors.
Treating infertility with acupuncture is a lengthy process. It is viewed as being similar to physical therapy. It can take three to four months of acupuncture, combined with herbs and traditional medication, before methods of insemination can be attempted. This is to allow the acupuncture and treatment plan time to do its job. For example, acupuncture can help to increase the blood flow to the endometrium, helping to facilitate a thick and rich lining. Plus, it can improve ovarian function. Once the acupuncture and treatment plan has worked; and a qualified doctor will be able to help guide you to know when the time is right; different fertilization methods can be attempted. However, women are still encouraged to continue acupuncture treatments post-transfer.
Science research exists to back up the treatment of infertility with acupuncture. According to Web MD, “In a study of 160 women, published April 2002 in the reproductive journal Fertility and Sterility, a group of German researchers found that adding acupuncture to the traditional IVF treatment protocols substantially increased pregnancy success.” This is outstanding news for the infertility crisis in the United States. Especially due to the fact that, in addition to helping in ways mentioned earlier, acupuncture actually affects the brain areas that control hormone production, which can increase egg production and ovulation. Science stands firmly behind acupuncture as part of the treatment plan for infertility.
This research may lead one to believe that it is the only woman’s prerogative to treat infertility with acupuncture. But, this is not the truth. In fact, acupuncture has been shown to improve the quality of sperm in infertile men. According to Web MD, which discusses a study on acupuncture helping infertile men, it states, “The results suggest that acupuncture may complement traditional infertility treatments and help men reach their full reproductive potential.” Clearly there is no sufficient reason for men to not include acupuncture as part of their regimen to treat infertility as well.
Infertility in the United States is at a record low. And it is men and women equally that have infertility issues. Acupuncture, along with herbs and other medical treatments, can help treat most cases of infertility. Through a long and consistent process, acupuncture can help couples find more success in becoming fertile again and reproducing. This is great news for the future of America and a wonderful message for modern day science and the multi-cultured world we live in: when we are able to use ancient practices from other civilizations and combine them with modern day science, we can achieve amazing things, including bringing new life to a world where life may have never existed before due to the powerful lesson in taking action.
If you are having fertility issue and live in the Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe or Phoenix areas please give us a call or use the online scheduler to book your appointment.
