How Acupuncture can be so successful for fertility: the latest research

Infertility, both male and female, are a significant problem in our western world.  There has been an alarming decrease in sperm counts of males in the last three decades with up to 50% reduction.   At the same time, rates of testicular cancer have also been increasing which tells the authors that environmental factors are playing a big role.  Research on the continuing decline of sperm count is underway to understand the causes a bit better.  Without a doubt, environmental factors play a significant role. Its known that pthalates and other endocrine disruptors as well as pesticides both lower sperm count.  There is a crisis developing and action needs to be taken to avert it.

For women with fertility issues, which is both sexes is defined as having one or more years of unprotected sex without success, the risk of death diabetes and breast cancer is increased.

The important point regarding infertility is that according to new research both male and female infertility increase, although somewhat slightly, overall mortality rates.  Authors point out they do not want to be alarmists regarding overall mortality and infertility issues because the increased rates of chronic conditions that can raise morbidity is small, they point out that fertility issues are generally tied in with overall health:  

When used in conjunction with Western fertility treatments, acupuncture increases conception rates by 26%. A recent study from Tel Aviv University reports, “When combining IUI with TCM treatments, 65.5 percent of the test group were able to conceive, compared with 39.4 percent of the control group, who received no herbal or acupuncture therapy.” For the 4.5 million couples experiencing infertility each year, acupuncture may be just what the doctor ordered and for good reason:

Acupuncture is able to increase fertility by increasing blood flow to vital organs like uterus and the ovaries, reducing stress which plays a huge part in fertility, while at the same time balancing the endocrine system.   The goal in Oriental medicine is to bring the body towards balance.  As this is achieved with treatments, its not just pregnancy that occurs but also the ability to carry the baby to full term increases.

Acupuncture can help with male as well as female infertility due to its ability to address whatever organ (system) maybe out of balance in a given individual and bringing those system to work optimally.