Infertility
The number of couples in the United States struggling with infertility is staggering. Millions who would have stayed childless in the past can now use assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to improve their chances of conception, of which in-vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most widely known.
Reputable studies have confirmed what patients and practitioners of Chinese medicine have known for some time: Acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapy can improve the success rates of IVF considerably – according to a German study to as high as 42% in patients receiving acupuncture compared with 26% in the control group.
Chinese medicine is often successful on its own or in cases of so-called unexplained infertility where even ART do not produce pregnancy. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapy, together with appropriate lifestyle changes, are often needed to improve the health of both partners before conception can occur naturally and pregnancy be carried to term successfully.
In either case, a thorough examination by your gynecologist/urologist and reproductive endocrinologist will provide useful information to help you chose the path that’s right for you.
Article: Influence of Acupuncture on the Pregnancy Rate in Patients Who Undergo Assisted Reproduction Therapy