Community Acupuncture Midsomer Norton

"I've had a big back problem for many years and I have to say I was very sceptical about acupuncture but as a last resort I thought I would give it a go. To my amazement I actually had some pain relief which was heaven. It was pretty much the next day I could feel the difference and it lasted for nearly a week the first time and then a little longer each time after. "

Female, age 44

Fertility Research

Research suggests several ways in which acupuncture may enhance fertility: by regulating hormonal imbalances, by increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs and by increasing the thickness of the womb lining, thereby increasing the chances of implantation. Research suggests it may also counteract the effects of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS): through its ability to regulate hormone levels, acupuncture has been shown to reduce the number of ovarian cysts, stimulate ovulation and regulate the menstrual cycle in women with PCOS.

For further information go to http://www.acupuncture.org.uk/research-fact-sheets/1132-acupuncture-and-female-fertility.html where you can download a British Acupuncture Council factsheet on female fertility and related research.

References

Huang ST, Chen AP. Traditional Chinese medicine and infertility. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2008;20(3):211-5.

Lim CE, Wong WS. Current evidence of acupuncture on polycystic ovarian syndrome. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2010;26(6):473-8

Ng EH, So WS, Gao J, Wong YY, Ho PC. The role of acupuncture in the management of subfertility. Fertil Steril. 2008;90(1):1-13.

Stener-Victorin E, Wu X. Effects and mechanisms of acupuncture in the reproductive system. Auton Neurosci. 2010;157(1-2):46-51.

Stener-Victorin E, Jedel E, Mannerås L. Acupuncture in polycystic ovary syndrome: current experimental and clinical evidence. J Neuroendocrinol. 2008;20(3):290-8.

Stener-Victorin E, Humaidan P. Use of acupuncture in female infertility and a summary of recent acupuncture studies related to embryo transfer. Acupunct Med. 2006;24(4):157-63.

Stener-Victorin E, Waldenström U, Tägnfors U, Lundeberg T, Lindstedt G, Janson PO. Effects of electro-acupuncture on anovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2000;79(3):180-8.

Stener-Victorin E, Jedel E, Janson PO, Sverrisdottir YB. Low-frequency electroacupuncture and physical exercise decrease high muscle sympathetic nerve activity in polycystic ovary syndrome. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2009;297(2):R387-95.

Improving fertility

As in all areas of health, acupuncture aims to bring you back into balance. Signs of imbalance include spotting between periods, irregular periods, pre-menstrual syndrome, heavy periods, very light periods, painful periods, difficulty conceiving or repeated miscarriage.

Acupuncture may be used as a standalone treatment or alongside assisted conception techniques such as IVF.