The Devastating Diagnosis

Every year millions of couples across the United States are dealt a devastating blow with the diagnosis of “infertility”.  Some women are told their ovaries don’t produce good quality eggs, or that hormones such as follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) are too high.  Men might be told their sperm count is low, or that the structure and function of the sperm is poor. Whether it is a female problem, male problem or both, the reality of this situation is devastating to aspiring parents.  Many couples dealing with this diagnosis turn to fertility specialists and the advances of western medicine in hopes of achieving pregnancy.  These couples experience taxing regimens in the form of Assisted Reproductive Therapies (ART) such as Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI) or In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF).  Often even the powerful advances in science do not succeed in achieving pregnancy, leaving couples little hope of bearing their own children.  Frequently, it is these couples that turn to acupuncture in a desperate attempt to achieve pregnancy.  And frequently Chinese medicine is able to give them the hope they are looking for in reaching their goal of parenthood. 

When the Soil Is Prepared the Seed Will Grow

Chinese medicine has been successfully treating reproductive issues for thousands of years.  Much of its success comes from the way in which it views the body.  The adage “when the soil is prepared the seed will grow” eloquently describes how Chinese medicine approaches fertility issues.  It is our belief that very few people are truly “infertile” but rather most people are “imbalanced”.  Thus, couples struggling with fertility issues must prepare themselves prior to achieving a successful pregnancy and healthy baby.  This means that couples must correct any imbalances that may be present in their lives.  These imbalances may take the form of high stress levels, poor diet, excessive lifestyle, lack of sleep, among other things. Such imbalances can affect a person’s fertility, for example, by reducing sperm count, causing menstrual irregularities and reducing uterine and ovarian blood supply.  Addressing the underlying imbalance allows the body to reassume it natural fertile state and leads to the desired outcome--a healthy baby.

East Meets West: Complimenting Fertility Treatments

Much of our work comes is in the form of complimenting fertility treatments such as In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF).  Frequently, couples come to us after failed fertility cycles in hopes that acupuncture can give them the edge they need for a successful cycle.  And frequently they are right; acupuncture does assist them on their journey to parenthood.   Acupuncture enhances fertility by promoting increased blood supply to the reproductive organs: it can improve follicle count and quality; it improves sperm count, morphology (structure) and motility (function); it reduces uterine contractions allowing for successful embryo implantation; and of course, it promotes relaxation and reduces stress.

Acupuncture's Promising Results

Three recent independent, clinical studies published in the medical journal Fertility and Sterility, show the promising results acupuncture can have on Assisted Reproduction Therapy (ART) such as IVF.  In these studies, two groups were examined: a control group receiving ART without acupuncture, and the study group receiving ART with acupuncture.  The results of the study showed a significant increase in pregnancy rates, ranging from 33% - 54%, for the groups receiving ART with acupuncture over those receiving ART alone. ^{1, 2, 3}

A Dream Come True (Case Study)

Karen, a vibrant 35-year old aspiring mother, diagnosed with “unexplained infertility”, came to see us for acupuncture because she had heard that it could improve her chances of pregnancy success.   She had been trying unsuccessfully to conceive a child for over 2 years, and had undergone a series of ART procedures, all of which had failed.    When we first met her, she was beginning her fourth IVF cycle.  She explained how stressful her life had become since she began trying to get pregnant.  She was preoccupied with fertility statistics and internet message boards, and worried that she would never bear a child.  During the acupuncture treatments, Karen described how much more relaxed she felt after each session.  She believed she was able to cope better and her sense of worry decreased.  She also noted that the side affects of her fertility medications decreased significantly, making the whole process much more bearable. After 2 months of acupuncture treatments Karen reported that her IVF cycle was a success, she was pregnant!

Renewing the Hope of Parenthood

The challenges of coping with a diagnosis of “infertility” are overwhelming, and add an immeasurable amount of stress and anxiety to aspiring parents.  At FirstHealth of Andover it is our goal to support each couple’s fertility needs by offering hope, understanding and compassion.  For many couples, our role will be to compliment their conventional fertility therapies and enhance their chances of success. For others interested in trying a gentler, natural approach to fertility treatments, we offer acupuncture, herbs, diet and lifestyle guidance to promote fertility.  If you and your partner have been experiencing “fertility” issues, consider acupuncture and the wisdom of Chinese medicine on your journey to parenthood.

Sources
1. Paulus WE, Zhang M, Strehler E, El-Danasouri. Influence of acupuncture on pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy. Fertil Steril 2002; 77:721-4.

2. Westergaard LG, Mao Q, Krogslund M, Sandrini S, Lenz S, Grinsted J. Acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer significantly improves reproductive outcom in infertile women: a prospective randomized tiral. Fert Steril 2006; 85: 1341-46.

3. Dieterle S, Ying G, Hatzmann W, Neuer A. Effect of acupuncture on the outcome of in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection: a randomized, prospective, controlled clinical study. Fert Steri 2006; 85: 1347-51.

- Jose Ruiz, LicAc., MAOM