Dallas Acupuncture Clinic for infertility

Infertility and Acupuncture

What is infertility ?

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Infertility is defined as the inability for a couple to become pregnant after a year of unprotected intercourse. The male partner, the female partner, or both may have a fertility problem.

Is infertility a common problem ?

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Current statistics state that one in five couples over the age of 30 have difficulty conceiving after one year of trying.

Common causes of infertility for women

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Fallopian tubes - pelvic infections, endometriosis, and pelvic surgeries may lead to scar formation and fallopian tube damage.

Ovulation -failed to release an egg, e.g. diabetes,thyroid problems,ovarian cysts.

Uterine - tumors, irregular shape of the uterine, uterine fibroids.

Hormonal - the thickening or thinning of the endometrium (lining of the uterus), high FSH, age.

Cervical -a cervical condition in which the sperm cannot pass through the cervical canal. Whether due to abnormal mucus production or a prior cervical surgical procedure.

Immunologic - allergic to sperm, antibodies.

Stress - the ferlity killer.

Unexplained infertility -in approximately 20% of couples nothing be determined using the currently available methods of investigation.

Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

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Avoid alcohol, caffeine,sodas,and sugar.
Stop smoking and drugs.
Increase the intake of whole foods rich in vitamins and minerals.
Take good carbs (whole grains,beans, vegetables,fruits).
Take oily fish, fish liver oils, seeds, nuts,beans,pumpkins-seeds oils.
Avoid foods with wheat protein, gluten, white bread,pastas,potatoes.
Take Supplements, multivitamin, vitamins ( E, A. C, B complex), Zinc.
Identify and control food allergies.
Get regular exercise.
Being at a healthy weight.
Perform a relaxation exercise (deep breathing, meditation, prayer).
Drink at least 48 ounces of water daily.

Natural Approaches to Treating Infertility

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Eating a healthy diet and lifestyle change.
Exercising in moderation.
Emotional/Spiritual health.
Learning about the best time to conceive.
Receiving a series of acupuncture treatments and Chinese herbs.

How Acupuncture Can Enhance Fertility ?

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Researchers have confirmed its benefit in the following areas:

Reduce stress and anxiety associated with infertility.
Normalize hormone and endocrine systems.
Regulate menstrual cycle.
Improve blood flow in the uterus.
Decrease chance of miscarriage.
Increase the chance of pregnancy for women undergoing IVF.
Improve sperm count and motility (for men ).

I want to have acupuncture treatment for IVF when I Should start acupuncture

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we recommend that you start acupuncture treatment at least 2 months prior to the commencement of the IVF cycle and that you continue for 1 to 2 times a week until the day of the transfer and a week after.

Useful Links:

Acupuncture on the day of enbryo transfer significantly improves the reproductive outcome in infertile women:a prospective, randomized trial

Fertility and sterility. 2006 May;85(5):1341-6.

Acupuncture Shows Promise in Improving Rates of Pregnancy Following IVF

British Medical Journal. 2008 March;336:545-549

MSNBC Today's show: Rethinking Infertility Series, Eastern Approaches to Pregnancy (09-17-2008)