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Female Infertility
Infertility Affects One Out of Six/Seven Couples
While most couples choose to
deal with infertility privately, it was estimated by the Center for Disease
Control in 1995 that there were 6.1 million women between the ages of 15-44
that had an impaired ability to bear children. The Web MD also reports that
infertility affects as many as one out of every 6 or 7 couples. Obviously
these are staggering numbers!
While the causes of infertility are varied (abnormal menstrual cycles and
hormone levels, endometriosis, damage/blockage to fallopian tubes, and
unknown/unexplained causes), the desired outcome is the same. In efforts to
create a child, more and more women and couples, an estimated 9.3 million,
are turning to infertility specialists and clinics for answers.
Perhaps there is somewhere else to turn as well. Acupuncture has long been
known for its ability to regulate menstrual cycles, ease PMS and
dysmennorrhea (painful periods), and help with the symptoms of menopause.
New studies are now showing that acupuncture may also help to improve ones
chances of becoming pregnant when combined with in vitro fertilization (IVF).
The Integrative Medicine Consult (August 2002) published an article on
infertility titled “Acupuncture May Improve Success Rate with IVF.” The
article revealed that during their controlled study using acupuncture on the
day of embryo transfer, “42.5 percent (34/80) of the acupuncture group
experienced clinical pregnancy, whereas just 26.3 percent (21/80) of the
control group had a positive outcome.” It is believed that acupuncture may
help to not only relax the patients but may also relax the uterus allowing
for fewer uterine contractions at the time of transfer, thus improving
implantation outcomes.
And there is more…Women who come to FirstHealth for infertility treatments
continually report on how relaxing acupuncture is and how they feel
acupuncture helps with the stress that is always involved with such a
frustrating cycle of emotions. Women involved with fertility clinics who are
undergoing IVF have also reported to FirstHealth acupuncturists that they
attribute their use of acupuncture to developing more and better quality
eggs than using just standard IVF procedures alone!
We value the trust that these women have bestowed upon us and we sympathize
with the joy and heartbreak that all these women feel. Pregnancy outcomes at
FirstHealth are quite good, and we hope that we may be able to offer these
same compassionate services to yourself or someone you know who may be
dealing with infertility.
Please feel free to contact us for more information on how we might be able
to help you. Remember we are always willing to speak to you directly and are
even available to speak to physicians and support groups as well. Remember,
you are not alone!
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