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Infertility |
Acupuncture has been used in China for centuries to support fertility (both male and female) and pregnancy. Acupuncture can be used to promote fertility and to help couples who are experiencing problems conceiving and are preparing for artificial reproductive technology. Once pregnant, acupuncture can also help support a variety of pregnancy related issues. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine viewpoint, acupuncture is effective because it helps relieve stress, corrects imbalances and increases the circulation of Qi and Blood. From a Western view it is thought to help in the following areas: a. Regulating the menstrual cycle - stabilising hormones like FSH and oestrogen to help alleviate causes of cycle irregularity. Acupuncture is thought to help restore the natural flow of a working, regular, cycle. b. Enhance egg development - boosting circulation to the ovaries making more follicles and healthier eggs. c. Improving the endometrial lining - increasing circulation to the uterus, strengthening its lining and its ability to hold the eggs full term. d. Relaxing the patient- stimulating opioids to provide stress relief during an emotional, anxious time. e. Improving sperm quality and quantity - Research (1) has shown that sperm form, motility, count, density and vitality were all encouraged with acupuncture treatment. The Chinese theory of fertility In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Kidney system is responsible for reproduction, growth and development. The Kidneys store a substance called Essence which is the foundation on which our bodies function and develop. Some of our Essence is inherited from our parents, and the rest comes from the food we eat and the way we live our lives. This store of Essence is used up as we move through our lives. The strength of our Essence is a significant factor in conception and determines the health and vitality of our children. If the parents’ Essence is inadequate, due to inherited constitution, ageing, overwork, excessive physical exertion, irregular diet,inadequate rest or chronic illness, then there may be problems in conceiving. If a couple want to have a child, there are ways to support their Kidney Essence: - Maintain a proper diet, high in wholefoods and avoiding excessive amounts of cold, raw and sugary foods - Avoid exposure to cold and damp conditions - Deal with stress and emotions appropriately - Abstain from smoking; reduce intake of coffee and alcohol - Maintain regular work and rest patterns What happens during treatment? A full case history is taken and all aspects of the patient’s lifestyle are taken into account, as matters such as diet and the emotions have an important part to play in reproductive health. The tongue and pulse are examined as these can reveal important information about the patient’s health and constitution. Every patient presenting with fertility problems is different and their treatment , therefore, is unique to them. In determining the treatment plan, the patient’s history, symptoms, lifestyle, tongue and pulse are all assessed in order to determine the ‘pattern of disharmony’. The purpose of treatment is not just to treat infertility, but to address the underlying disharmony which is preventing conception. The acupuncture treatment itself may involve around 8—16 needles which are left in place for 20 minutes. Other Chinese medicine treatments such as moxibustion and tui na massage may also be used. After the first visit, treatments normally take 45—60 minutes How long will treatment take? The course of treatment for infertility is usually longer than for other conditions. This is because changes can only be observed on a monthly cycle, and it may take many cycles for the underlying problem to be addressed. A course of treatment of between three and six months would not be unusual, which is equal to three to six weeks in the treatment of other problems. Unfortunately acupuncture is not a ‘quick fix’ and there may be a need to make dietary and lifestyle changes to support the treatment in clinic and increase the chances of success. Assisted Reproductive Technology Many couples who have difficulty conceiving by traditional methods employ various techniques to assist them in the reproductive process. The most common is In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF). In cases where the male sperm count is low a different procedure known as Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) may be used. Success rates for each therapy range from as low as 1% to as high as 50%. In 2002, groundbreaking research (2) showed that adding acupuncture to the treatment regime dramatically improved pregnancy rates. These findings were confirmed and heightened in 2008 when Eric Manheimer published a comprehensive review of acupuncture's effects on IVF treatment in the British Medical Journal (3). In the review, seven trials, all published since 2002 and carried out under strict control procedures in western countries, featured 1366 women undergoing IVF or ICSI. The women were randomly assigned to a control group or an acupuncture group. Six weeks after embryo transfer all women were given ultrasound examinations where scientists found pregnancy rates on average 65% higher in the acupuncture group. Furthermore, the trials showed an 87% increase in continuing pregnancy and a 91% increase in live births. All the results are statistically significant. Acupuncture is a safe adjunctive therapy for women undergoing IVF/ICSI as there are no adverse effects from the treatment. It can also be used throughout all stages of pregnancy to ease morning sickness, back pain, sciatica, breech presentation and labour induction. References 1. Neal J. Acupuncture for male infertility. www.lineone.net. Accessed November 2008 2. Paulus W et al. Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy. Fertility and Sterility. April 2002; 77: 4 3. Manheimer E, et al. Effects of acupuncture on rates of pregnancy and live births among women undergoing in vitro fertilisation: systematic review and meta-analysis. British Medical Journal. February 2008; 336: 545-549 Tang, S (2007) 'Infertility and TCM' seminar Zhao, X (2006) 'Traditional Chinese Medicine for Women' |