As costs for fertility treatments skyrocket, many couples are looking toward alternative means to boost their fertility. Acupuncture is becoming an increasingly popular option. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapy where extremely fine needles are inserted into the body to treat various conditions. While science has not determined exactly how or why acupuncture works, a wealth of evidence shows that it can work, particularly for fertility-related issues.
Blood Flow to Uterus
Numerous studies, including Elisabet Stener-Victorin's 1996 study published in the journal Human Reproduction, have shown that acupuncture increased blood flow to the uterus thereby giving fertility a boost. An ample blood supply to the uterus is important for fertility because the blood creates the endometrium---the lining of the uterus. A fertilized egg must securely implant in the endometrium in order for a pregnancy to develop. If the endometrium is too thin, it is more difficult for an egg to properly implant.
Regularizes Menstrual Cycle
Women with irregular menstrual cycles may find their fertility impaired because their irregularity makes it difficult to predict when---or whether---they are ovulating. Studies have shown that acupuncture can regularize the menstrual cycle. In one study conducted at the University of Virginia by Lisa Pastore in 2008, several women whose periods had been absent altogether restarted after acupuncture treatment---and many of them became pregnant.
Lowers Stress
There is evidence that stress can impact fertility. EurekaAlert! reports that a study in Berkeley, California found that stress hormones (called glucocorticoids) can suppress sperm count, ovulation and sexual activity. Acupuncture balances the autonomic nervous system and triggers the release of endorphins, both of which will help make the patient feel calm and relaxed.
Hormone Imbalances
Acupuncture has been found to balance hormones critical to fertility, such as Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH). A woman's FSH level relates to quality of eggs she produces---a high level correlates to poor egg quality, while a low level relates to normal egg quality. With regular treatment, acupuncture can help to lower high FSH levels, which would ostensibly help the woman to produce better quality eggs and heighten her chance of conceiving.
Sperm Production and Quality
Men with low sperm counts or poor quality sperm may also benefit from acupuncture. According to AcupunctureToday.com, a 2005 study published in Fertility and Sterility showed that a group of men with low sperm count had significant increases in the number of sperm produced as well as improved sperm morphology and motility after being treated with acupuncture.
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