The Research
In 2002, a group of German researchers, led by Dr. Wolfgang Paulus, conducted a study where women were given acupuncture treatments immediately before and after an in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure. The analysis showed that the pregnancy rate for the acupuncture group was almost 50 percent higher than the control group that did not receive acupuncture. They published their findings in the April 2002 issue of Fertility and Sterility. Since that study, more and more Western fertility clinics are suggesting to their patients that they consider acupuncture in preparation for IVF. Acupuncture points that were selected are known to relax the uterus, stabilize the endocrine system, and improve the flow of energy to the abdomen.
Dr. Sniezek has been conducting his own research on IVF and the benefits of medical acupuncture for fertility since 1995 through his private practices in Washington DC and Virginia. Dr. Sniezek is trained in both Western and Oriental medicine and has found through his experience that leveraging the strengths of both create the optimal treatment outcomes.
The Results
Clinical studies (Lifang Liang, OMD, PhD, Lic Acup) show that the success rate for IVF can be increased even further to at least 60 percent when patients start acupuncture treatments three months prior to the IVF procedure. In many instances, after three months of treatment, patients are able to become pregnant naturally.
During the three-month preparation time, medical acupuncture is able to:
- Improve ovarian function, which will result in producing more follicles and good quality eggs
- Regulate estrogen and progesterone levels, thickening the lining of the uterus for proper implantation
- Strengthen the immune system
- Reduce stress and relax the patient to prevent the uterus from contracting and ultimately help to prevent miscarriage
- Alleviate the side effects of in vitro fertilization drugs
- Improve semen quality and quantity
- Treat the root cause of infertility. Chinese medicine is very successful in treating many gynecological conditions that contribute to infertility, such as irregular menses, endometriosis, and blocked fallopian tubes.
For more information about nutrition and infertility, as well as Dr. Sniezek’s “Medical Acupuncture and Infertility” brochure, please visit the Patient Education page.
How Does Infertility Acupuncture Work?
Infertility is an issue that many couples deal with. Some couples use fertility drugs and undergo surgical procedures to overcome that issue.
But what are your other options if those infertility treatments don’t fit your budget? One other option you should consider is infertility acupuncture.
Infertility acupuncture is said to help couples conceive in different ways.
First off, acupuncture can be an effective fertility aid because it reduces stress. If you’ve been trying to conceive for a while now, there’s a chance that stress is a contributing factor to your struggles. Stress can make it harder for couples to conceive because it can adversely affect sperm count, ovulation, and hormones.
You and your partner may continue having trouble conceiving as long as stress weighs heavily on both of you. Try infertility acupuncture and let its stress-relieving benefits improve your chances of conceiving.
Although stress reduction is regarded as the main fertility benefit of acupuncture, that treatment can still help hopeful parents in other ways. Acupuncture can also improve sperm motility. This treatment can also regulate menstrual cycles for women.
Infertility acupuncture will continue to help couples after conception. Studies have shown that acupuncture can significantly reduce the odds of miscarriage.
Finally, couples should be interested in infertility acupuncture because it comes with no risk. You don’t have to worry about potential side effects because you aren’t introducing new chemicals inside your body.
Contact Dr. Sniezek of Advanced Integrative Rehabilitation and Pain Center today and try infertility acupuncture in Washington, DC, or McLean, VA.
What Can You Expect from Your Infertility Acupuncture Appointment?
The infertility acupuncture appointment typically begins with you and your chiropractor having a conversation. Expect them to ask questions about your current condition and lifestyle. They may also ask about the infertility issues you’ve been dealing with.
After the initial conversation, your chiropractor will conduct a few exams to confirm that you are a suitable candidate for infertility acupuncture. In all likelihood, you won’t present any issues that may disqualify you from receiving this infertility treatment.
With the examinations out of the way, the chiropractor can insert the acupuncture needles. The acupuncture may last for up to an hour. Thankfully, you should be able to relax without any issues while the treatment is ongoing.
Patients are often required to receive infertility acupuncture at least once per week.
Partner with Dr. Sniezek of Advanced Integrative Rehabilitation and Pain Center and get infertility acupuncture in Washington, DC, or McLean, VA. Call 202-296-3555 for their Washington, DC clinic or 703-506-8471 for their McLean, VA location.