To the Point

Increase Fertility with Acupuncture

By Carma Haley Shoemaker

According to Feng, the reason that acupuncture works may always remain somewhat of a mystery. "Regardless of the 'why,' its outstanding success rate and affordable costs seem to have women overjoyed with the outcome of this minimally invasive procedure that may soon make it common for women to have babies well into middle-age," she says.

One of the most noticeable differences between other methods and acupuncture is cost. "Three IVF procedures, the common number of attempts required, usually cost upwards of $90,000," says Feng. "Acupuncture on the other hand, costs about $75 per treatment and is done once a week for three to eight months. Once a woman does become pregnant she should continue acupuncture throughout her entire pregnancy, ensuring that she carries to full term."

Not all women who have trouble conceiving are good candidates for medical acupuncture. According to Feng, the presence of a physical defect, deformity or dysfunction may be enough to prevent the use of acupuncture. "People who have a functional, rather than a structural reason for infertility are appropriate candidates for acupuncture," says Feng. "For example, damaged fallopian tubes are structural, but nonfunctioning ovaries is functional. Women with functional infertility or unexplained infertility would be encouraged to try at least 10 visits."

The practice of acupuncture can be used at any time during a woman's cycle or pregnancy, and the treatments are modified accordingly. While some specific points and herbs are contraindicated when trying to conceive or during pregnancy, Heather Lounsbury, L.Ac., a licensed acupuncturist from Santa Monica, Calif., says that the acupuncture treatments in general are not.

"Traditional Chinese medicine can be used to help prepare the body for a health pregnancy and child," she says. "There are also treatments for morning sickness and the actual delivery. Depending on an individual's condition, one might need acupuncture treatments twice a week for several weeks or months. However, if a woman has a history of miscarriage, it is important to receive acupuncture throughout the pregnancy. In many cases, it only takes one menstrual cycle to achieve success."

It is ideal to use a physician who is fully trained in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. In some places, it may be necessary to conduct almost 4000 hours of school and training to receive this certification. "A good way to find someone who specializes in fertility is to contact AcupunctureToday.com