Infertility Treatment
Acupuncture has been used for a long time as a treatment for infertility. Experts in the field suggest that the role of acupuncture to treat this problem is not just limited to helping a woman become pregnant, but to sustain the pregnancy and have a healthy baby. As a primary requisite, reducing stress can increase the chances of fertility.
Acupuncture improves the blood circulation in the reproductive organs and balances the endocrine system. This creates a good foundation for fertility. Leading board certified acupuncturist Steve M. Drugan provides treatments for infertility and various other health conditions to patients in Columbus, OH and surrounding locations.
Benefits of Improved Blood Flow
Acupuncture offers a number of benefits, including improvement in the blood flow. This is particularly helpful in the treatment of infertility. An increase in blood circulation to the uterus and ovaries creates a better chance for an egg to receive nourishment and be carried to term. Under-functioning and over-functioning thyroid conditions also affect fertility, which can be addressed with acupuncture.
While acupuncture may not help to address tubal adhesions, which can result from endometriosis, it can increase the blood flow to the endometrium, which enables the building of a thick, rich lining. Combined with the enhanced follicular and ovarian function, it can help to increase the chances of fertility. Acupuncturist Steve Drugan receives patients from Columbus, OH and nearby communities for infertility treatment.
What to Perform the Treatment?
Just as in case of physical therapy, more acupuncture is usually better than less. In case of infertility treatment, the expert provider will usually treat the woman for three to four months before progressing to insemination, IVF or donor-egg transfer. This pace of treatment appears to have a better therapeutic effect. Some researchers suggest that acupuncture treatments should be received pre and post embryo transfer.
Clinical observations performed at leading reproductive wellness centers indicate that acupuncture combined with traditional medicine can provide highly effective fertility solutions. Miscarriages typically occur in the first three months of pregnancy. Therefore, acupuncture treatments will often last through week 12 to help prevent miscarriage.
Typical Candidates
Almost any type of fertility disorder, including spasmed tubes, can be treated with acupuncture. Acupuncture will usually de-spasmed the spasmed tubes. However, blocked tubes may not respond to the treatment. The treatment can be performed in conjunction with herbal remedies to address elevated follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), unexplained or idiopathic infertility, repeated pregnancy loss, luteal phase defect, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and male factor including men affected with sperm-DNA-fragmentation.
Risks
Some patients may be concerned whether any risks are involved in using acupuncture to treat infertility. Extensive patient feedback and research indicates that the risks in using acupuncture for infertility treatment are minimal. If the provider applies acupuncture on incorrect points during pregnancy, it can increase the risk of miscarriage.
Therefore, it is important to choose an experienced acupuncturist when a patient decides to include acupuncture in their infertility treatment regimen. Otherwise acupuncture is generally considered very safe irrespective of the patient’s medical history.
For more information about how acupuncture and other treatments can help you, please contact Board Certified Licensed Acupuncturist, Steve Drugan,B.S., L.Ac., at 614.218.6287 or click here. Taking new patients in and around Columbus, Ohio.