Has anyone tried acupuncture to help with infertility?

[jenny717]

I am struggling with infertility and am willing to try anything before going to more extreme messures. I was wondering if anyone has tried acupuncture for infertility and if they could explain the process to me. Such as, how many sessions, any success stories, where they put the neddles, does it hurt, does your doctor need to be consulted? Thanks!

[Curious George]

Hello Jenny,

Acupuncture treatments in the United States tend to be very gentle. The needles are mostly felt on the initial insertion, then only very slightly. You are well within your rights to ask that any needle that is uncomfortable be adjusted or removed by your acupuncturist.

Individual treatment plans for infertility vary in number depending on what imbalance the acupuncturist is trying to resolve and more importantly how the patient responds to treatment. This same idea holds true in conventional medicine therapies also. You can ask your acupuncturist for his/her scheduled plan of treatments for you at a consultation.

Acupuncture needles can be placed almost anywhere in the body because the acupuncture meridians and points run throughout it. Again point selection varies according to your particular issues. I would expect needles to be placed in the upper and lower extremities, and most likely in the lower abdomen.

Some states require a primary care physician's referral before seeing an acupuncturist. I can only suggest you contact your doctor or an acupuncturist in your area to find out what is required.

Acupuncture used in conjunction with IVF has shown in small studies to increase the success rate by as much as 40%.

Nationally Board Certified Acupuncturists in your area can be found at the practitioner locater on http://www.nccaom.org

[Prickle's Back!]

I just had my 2d acupuncture session yesterday and it is helping to relieve some of the pain and physical stress that has manifested on my during this very stressful TTC time of my life. I am also seeing a licensed naturopath who is helping me with fertility issues. She has diagnosed me with a thyroid disorder, so I am taking a supplement that seems to be helping. She also has me doing castor oil packs to clear out my liver. I read that castor oil packs can reduce ovarian cysts and other problems in the uterine/fallopian tube area.

If you are ready to take a different approach to your fertility issues, I highly recommend that you locate a licensed naturopath in your area. Here is the URL for the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians: http://www.naturopathic.org/

below are some additional URL's. Speaking from experience, I am feeling more hopeful since seeing my naturopath and employing these new approaches to fertility. My conventional medical doctors (OB/GYN's) were very narrow minded and discouraging. To them, everything is IUI, IVF, Clomid, etc. They cannot think outside the box. The naturopathic physician uses a holistic approach to health. It is far more balanced and encouraging, and most importantly: HUMANE.

Find a licensed acupuncturist and a naturopath. You will get closer to you TTC goal.

[~~ Angie~~]

I my self am struggling with this too! I have been doing a lot of research and I am going to give a shot! I also have been told that see a massage therapist really helps as well! Both of my tubes are blocked and I am being referred to a specialist for IVF! Here is some info that I have found!!

http://www.jcm.co.uk/catalogue.php?catID=382&opener=0-195-206-382

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,154472,00.html

http://www.thefertilesoul.com/Diagnosis/Tubal

[bmac94]

Hi Jenny,

I have been going for acupuncture for about 1 month for infertility. It really does not hurt all you feel is a little pinch. I can't get over the difference it has made in my cylce. For the first time in many years I feel normal.