3 steps to fertility
A couple's guide to maximising their ability to conceive
Treatments
Acupuncture
The Chinese believe that the mind and body are inextricably linked. Any imbalance in the flow of energy around the body directly affects the functioning of the body. For example, a person who worries excessively may have a stomach ulcer due to the increased mental activity affecting the functioning of the stomach. Acupuncture treatment focuses on treating the whole person and increasing a person’s overall well being.
In 1979, the World Health Organisation detailed over 40 diseases that could be successfully treated with acupuncture, including breathing and digestive problems, disorders of the nervous system and menstrual problems. Acupuncture treatment has helped regulate menstrual cycles, improve sperm health and helped couples conceive healthy babies.
The evidence
Improve sperm quality – A study in Germany showed that that acupuncture improved the number and quality of sperm in men who suffered low sperm counts, poor motility and a high number of abnormal sperm.
Improves hormone production – the reproductive hormones are released by the pituitary gland in the brain and affect ovarian function. Following acupuncture treatment many women with irregular menstrual cycles or irregular ovulation have regulated their hormones. Specific attention was paid to the points associated with the hypothalamus-pituitary ovarian axis.
Raised hormone levels – older women tend to have more erratic monthly cycles and find it more difficult to conceive. In clinical studies, acupuncture can help normalize levels of FSH, LH, oestradiol and prolactin increasing the chance of a natural pregnancy. Or if you require IVF due to structural problems, acupuncture will help to lower hormone levels to ensure a better success rate.
Increase IVF success – In cases where couples require IVF, acupuncture before and throughout treatment has shown to increase the pregnancy rate in women undergoing IVF. 42%% of women who underwent IVF treatment and received acupuncture got pregnant, compared to only 26% of women who had IVF and no acupuncture. In another study, the pregnancy rates for women undergoing IVF and acupuncture were as high as 51% compared to 36% of women who had IVF alone. Acupuncture also reduces the risk of miscarriage, only 8% miscarried compared to 20% who did not receive acupuncture.
Treatments
Fertility news
Kylies Baby Race
Cons: You may waste time better spent trying fertility treatments. Your Chances: "Over 40, your chances of conceiving naturally are only 20 per cent" says ...
Added: 6 January 09
Course of Acupuncture may raise success of IVF by 65%
In all the trials the women were given acupuncture immediately before or after the test-tube embryo was transferred to their wombs. ...
Added: 6 January 09
New IVF could cut out risk of multiple births
A groundbreaking IVF test that could improve the chances of pregnancy while almost eliminating the risk of twins or triplets is to be offered to couples in Britain for the first time
Added: 6 January 09
Secondary Infertility
Couples who have already had a baby are discovering increasingly that they have fertility problems.
Added: 6 January 09
Overcoming Infertility Naturally
Now a new study shows to become pregnant women should focus on their diet, exercise and lifestyle choices.
Added: 6 January 09
Cut price fertility treatment
Women are being offered cut-price fertility treatment if they donate eggs for controversial cloning research
Added: 6 January 09