Has anyone tried accupuncture for infertility? Was it helpful?

Dear randyshoe,

I've never used acupuncture for infertility, but I know there is some scientific research about acupuncture and in vitro fertilization, a very popular medical infertility treatment used by western medical doctors. The article says that "acupuncture administered on the day of embryo transfer significantly improves the reproductive outcome..." It's just one study, but it doesn't say that it is has any negative effects...

Here is the link:

http://www.naturesbracelets.com/acupuncture2.html

Hope that helps.

-Pazzazz

My wife had acupuncture for a completely different reason (ovarian adhesions), but a "side product" of the treatments, as the acupunturist told us, was increased fertility.

Not sure our son, conceived less than 2 years after starting treatments, was a direct result... but I've learned that anything my wife's acupuncturist says he can do, he has done... sometimes its taken time... but I'm a believer for the most part.

I am an acupuncturist and the simple answer is that "yes" acupuncture can be helpful in the treatment of infertility. That said, acupuncture's effectiveness in infertility treatment will have a lot to do with the actual issue causing infertility. There are many instances where acupuncture can help with increased sense of wellbeing, stress management and improved vitality... it can help to improve the body's ability to allow and support a pregnancy... but it can't change a tipped uterus or physical malformations that may cause problems. I have successfully treated a few women with fertility issues but I believe that while they became pregnant and credit me with their success, the treatment of their stress and anxiety were major factors in their success.

Acupuncture will help you get your body into balance and to become as optimal a place for implantation (supporting your kidney qi and other systems). It is a worthwhile endeavor to support your whole health. But it is not possible to conclude if acupuncture will benefit you in your quest to become pregnant without knowing more about your situation. I suggest that you contact a few practitioners in your area, ask if they do fertility work (not all do) and have a discussion with the person you choose. They will be able to tell you in more detail what is possible and what may not be so.

Best of luck to you. Acupuncture is an amazing tool that can only help to improve your life... it is worth a try :)

The simple answer is yes, acupuncture can help infertility. The longer answer is that it depends on what is causing the infertility. I would suggest contacting a local acupuncturist and requesting a consultation so that the acupuncturist can do a basic intake and give you their opinion on how viable treatment would be with your specific situation. I usually recommend a patient receive 3 to 6 months of acupuncture treatments prior to trying to conceive to create the proper environment within the body. I also suggest the spouse receive acupuncture treatments. Reducing stress is key factor also. Acupuncture can help in numerous ways and is definitely worth trying. As a practitioner, I've had great success in this area. http://www.leonaharter.com