Acupuncture has been known to treat infertility.
Acupuncture is a holistic approach to medicine in which thin needles are inserted into channels and meridians of the body that correspond with different organs and body parts. Acupuncturists believe that by needling these points, the body will function differently. In terms of infertility, acupuncture has been known to bring pregnancy to couples that have trouble conceiving. Acupuncture has been known to been to increase blood flow to the endometrium, forming a strong, thick lining in the uterus.
Precautions
Before you begin acupuncture, make sure that your acupuncture therapist is certified by the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncturists. Also, find an acupuncture therapist that is involved with a major medical center. This will ensure that he is up to date with the most recent developments in acupuncture. Before you begin treatment, request that surgical stainless steel needles are used to reduce infection. If your acupuncture therapist is certified, he will be required to use this type of needle regardless.
Prior to using acupuncture to treat infertility, it is important to take a pregnancy test because if you are unknowingly pregnant, the wrong kind of treatment can harm the baby. You must also not take any herbs during the span of acupuncture therapy, because certain herbs can harm your baby. See the Resources section of this article for a list of harmful herbs.
Timing
You should begin acupuncture three to four months before fertility treatments such as insemination, in vitro fertilization (IVF) or egg transfers from donors. If you are to get pregnant during that time, acupuncture can be used through week 12 of your pregnancy because most miscarriages occur in the first three months.
Fertility Procedures
Your acupuncturist should be made aware of any fertility treatments you are undergoing. If you have had an insemination or transfer, no needles should be placed in the adbdomino-pelvic region. If pregnant, or pregnancy is a possibility, there are certain points that should be avoided, such as the gallbladder, stomach, large intestine, spleen and bladder.
Risks
Though the risks of acupuncture are low, they do exist. If a woman is unknowingly pregnant when treatment begins, there is a possibility of a miscarriage if the wrong points are used. There are certain acupuncture points that must be avoided if a woman is pregnant, which is why it is vital a pregnancy test is taken prior to treatment. For this reason, it is important to see an acupuncturist that specializes in fertility treatments.
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