Understanding Infertility and Treatment Options
Western View of Infertility
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse. When a medical cause for infertility is identified, various treatment options are available, including those from Oriental medicine. Approximately 10% of couples in the United States experience infertility. In these cases, female infertility accounts for 40%, male infertility for 40%, combined male and female factors for 10%, and unexplained infertility for 10%. As a result, couples with unexplained infertility are often encouraged to pursue treatment options. Furthermore, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are widely used in these cases. In addition, acupuncture and Oriental medicine are increasingly utilized as non-invasive and cost-effective treatments to support fertility.
Female and Male Infertility Factors
Female infertility can be caused by ovulation disorders, fallopian tube obstructions, uterine and cervical disorders, endometriosis, immunological factors, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), ovarian failure, and poor egg quality. On the other hand, male infertility factors include low sperm count, abnormal sperm morphology, poor motility, varicocele, immunological factors, sperm fragmentation, and ejaculation disorders.
Western Medical Treatment Options
Western medicine offers a range of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to address infertility. These include:
- Ovulation induction using gonadotropins
- Artificial insemination (IUI) with or without gonadotropins
- In-vitro fertilization (IVF)
- Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT)
- Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT)
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
- Sperm extraction techniques
- Cryopreservation of sperm and embryos
- Use of donor eggs, sperm, and embryos
- Surrogacy and embryo adoption
Additionally, acupuncture has been incorporated into many ART programs globally as a complementary therapy.
The Role of Oriental Medicine in Fertility Enhancement
How Oriental Medicine Enhances Fertility
Oriental Medicine (OM) has a longstanding history of addressing both female and male infertility. Infertility is becoming more common, particularly among couples who delay childbearing. OM views fertility as a natural state for women from menarche to menopause, with infertility resulting from imbalances within organ systems, hormones, and acupuncture meridians. Therefore, the goal of Oriental medicine in treating infertility is to create a favorable environment for conception through acupuncture, herbs, and dietary adjustments. Traditionally, couples prepared for conception by consuming nutrient-rich, fertility-enhancing foods for several months. Consequently, OM practitioners provide tailored meal plans to improve fertility outcomes by addressing individual nutritional needs.
Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Male and Female Infertility
Acupuncture offers a natural, non-invasive treatment for infertility by enhancing egg quality, sperm quality, endometrial lining, and cervical fluid. This approach can help some couples conceive naturally, or it can serve as an adjunct to ART procedures like IVF. Furthermore, studies show that acupuncture improves ART success rates, increasing both clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates, while alleviating associated side effects.
Scientific Interpretation of Acupuncture’s Effects on Fertility
Research has demonstrated that acupuncture points conduct electromagnetic impulses, which, when stimulated, lead to the release of endorphins and activation of immune system cells. These physiological changes are associated with various beneficial effects, including improved blood flow and pain reduction. Moreover, acupuncture has been shown to regulate brain chemistry by altering the release of neurotransmitters and hormones, which can positively impact ovarian function, menstrual cycles, and fertility.
Stress and Its Impact on Fertility
Stress is a significant factor in infertility, as it disrupts the delicate balance between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and reproductive organs. Fortunately, acupuncture helps reduce stress by stimulating the release of endorphins, which promotes relaxation and helps restore balance to the reproductive system. In addition, stress can cause irregular menstruation, cramps, and interference with implantation. Therefore, acupuncture helps mitigate the negative effects of stress, improving overall fertility.
Treatment for Specific Fertility Issues
Enhancing Endometrial Lining and Ovulation
Acupuncture increases blood flow to the reproductive organs, improving the quality of blood and supporting healthy follicle development. It also promotes a favorable uterine environment for embryo implantation. Additionally, nutrient-dense diets and Chinese herbs enhance the endometrial lining, which is crucial for successful implantation. These treatments are beneficial for both ART procedures and natural conception attempts.
Addressing High FSH Levels
Elevated Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels may indicate a reduced ovarian reserve. Acupuncture and herbal therapies help regulate hormone levels and improve ovarian function. These treatments are effective for women with high FSH who wish to conceive naturally or through ART.
Acupuncture’s Role in Immune System Regulation and Sperm Quality
Acupuncture plays a role in improving sperm quality by enhancing sperm count, morphology, and motility. It is particularly beneficial for male infertility, as studies indicate that acupuncture improves sperm motility and viability. Furthermore, acupuncture supports the immune system, which is crucial for cases of immunological infertility, recurrent miscarriage, or implantation failure.
Recurrent Miscarriages and Fertility Support
Recurrent miscarriages are often caused by immune system imbalances or an undernourished reproductive system. Acupuncture, combined with a nutrient-rich diet and Chinese herbs, can improve uterine health and support the body in maintaining pregnancy.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age and is characterized by irregular ovulation, elevated androgens, and cysts on the ovaries. Acupuncture and herbal medicine are effective in regulating insulin levels and balancing the endocrine system, improving ovulation and fertility in women with PCOS.
Acupuncture and ART: Enhancing Outcomes
Acupuncture’s Impact on Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
Acupuncture has been shown to improve the outcomes of ART by enhancing egg quality, nourishing the uterine environment, and balancing hormonal levels. This leads to higher clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates. Acupuncture is commonly used as a complementary treatment to ART procedures, helping to alleviate medication side effects and reduce stress.
Sperm Health and Acupuncture
Acupuncture treatments can improve sperm quality by increasing sperm count, morphology, and motility. This is particularly beneficial for male infertility, as research shows that acupuncture can improve sperm motility and viability while reducing sperm abnormalities.
Session Structure and Treatment Duration
The initial acupuncture session involves reviewing medical history, fertility issues, and menstrual patterns, along with a physical examination, pulse checking, tongue analysis, and diagnostic palpation. A customized treatment plan may include acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary recommendations, and stress management techniques. It is recommended to begin treatment at least three months before ART to allow time for improvements in sperm and egg quality and hormone regulation.
Ovarian Assessment Report (OAR)
The Ovarian Assessment Report (OAR) provides an accurate assessment of ovarian reserve by measuring hormones such as Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), Inhibin B, FSH, LH, and estradiol. This report helps predict IVF response and offers valuable insight into a woman’s fertility potential.
References
- Paulus, W., et al. (2001). Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy. Fertility and Sterility, 77(4), 721-724.
- Zheng, C. H., et al. (2012). Effects of acupuncture on pregnancy rates in women undergoing in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Fertility and Sterility, 98(4), 746-755.
- Pomeranz, B., et al. (2001). Acupuncture Analgesia – Basic Research. Clinical Acupuncture: Scientific Basis. Springer-Verlag.
- Chang, R., et al. (2002). Role of acupuncture in the treatment of female infertility. Fertility and Sterility, 78(6), 1065-1071.
- Stener-Victorin, E., et al. (1996). Reduction of blood flow impedance in the uterine arteries of infertility women with electro-acupuncture. Human Reproduction, 11(6), 1457-1462.
- Stener-Victorin, E. (2000). Anovulation in PCOS: Electro-acupuncture appears to be useful to help stimulate ovulation in women with PCOS. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand, 79(3), 180-188.
- Siterman, S., et al. (2000). Does acupuncture treatment affect sperm density in males with very low sperm counts? Andrologia, 32(1), 31-39.
- Pei, J., et al. (2005). Quantitative evaluation of spermatozoa ultrastructure after acupuncture treatment for idiopathic male infertility. Fertility and Sterility, 84(1), 141-147.