Infertility

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, infertility affects 6.1 million couples (or approximately 10% of the population of reproductive age). The majority of infertility cases are related to female problems (2/3) while another (1/3) attributed to male azoospermia (lack of sperm production). Ovulation disturbances account for the majority of female infertility. Ovulation usually occurs on day 13-14 of the menstrual cycle where the egg is released for fertilization. Many hormones must be in place, in the correct concentrations for this process to occur successfully. Disturbance in hormone levels or irregularities in the menstrual cycle can decrease fertility. Commonly, a lack of the typical surge in Lutenizing Hormone (LH) prevents the egg from being expelled. Other causes of infertility include blockage of the fallopian tube, endometriosis, fibroids, scar tissue build-up, and lack of a specific proteins required for implantation of the egg.

Ovulation occurring near day 14, is a result of rising estrogen, falling Follical Stimulating Hormone (FSH), a peak in LH. After ovulation the walls of the follicle (egg) collapse and form the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone. This prepares the uterus for implantation of the fertilized egg. Acupuncture at this point in the cycle (or before or after embryo transfer) improves chances for fertility according to the
April 2002 issue of Fertility and Sterility.

Acupuncture and herbal medicine has the effect of balancing hormone secretion cycles (estrogen, progesterone, FSH, LH) and modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. Additionally, acupuncture can improve fertility by increasing circulation to the ovaries and uterus, promoting healthier eggs and increasing chances for implantation. Acupuncture is also effective in treating infertility resulting from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

A recent report by Fox News reviewed research regarding the effectiveness of acupuncture on infertility.
"Acupuncture provides better circulation and better blood flow to the womb," said Dr. Raymond Chang, director of New York's Meridian Medical Group, who has been incorporating acupuncture into fertility treatments for the past decade. "It will give a better chance for the eggs to be nourished and therefore carried." There's also the fact that acupuncture can be a stress-reliever during an emotional time.
Research shows acupuncture nearly doubles the pregnancy outcomes for IVF procedures. A review of research found that “acupuncture is promising for dysmenorhea, infertility, and further studies are justified.”

In addition to acupuncture and herbal medicine, we will work to address the health of mom and dad to be, to promote healthy bodies, eggs, and sperm to greatly increase the odds for an easy pregnancy. Lifestyle changes include diet changes, home massage techniques, stress reduction techniques, etc are important components to a fertility program.

[1] Role of acupucture in the treatment of female infertility - Raymond Chang, M.D., The Institute of East-West Medicine, The Department of Internal Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University

[2] Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy - Wolfgang E. Paulus, M.D., Department of Reproductive Medicine, Christian-Lauritzen-Institut. Mingmin Zhang, M.D., Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine,

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

[4] A review of controlled trials of acupuncture for women's reproductive health care.

[5] J Fam Plann Reprod Health Care. 2003 Oct;29(4):233-6