August 21, 2006
Acupuncture Proven to Increase Chances of Getting Pregnant
Studies show acupuncture increases Assisted Reproductive Therapy (ART)
success by 15 percent. An examination of increased fertility when used alone or
when complementing ART
By Kate Ruma, MAOM, LAc.
For a couple trying to conceive, the diagnosis of infertility is often heart-wrenching information that takes
an emotional toll, is physically traumatic, and brings financial burdens. The stress of infertility very often
leaves couples looking for more control over the factors that promote or inhibit their chances of conceiving.
The search to become pregnant, for many, becomes highly charged, distressing for both partners, and
physically exhausting. Infertility may cost couples their peace of mind and the dream of having a family.
The financial consequences often go beyond the predicted expenses of conceiving naturally.
Acupuncture is a successful tool that treats the root cause of infertility, increases in vitro fertilization (IVF)
and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) success and prepares men and women for pregnancy. A study
published in 2002 shows that acupuncture treatment administered 25 minutes before and 25 minutes after
IVF treatment increased success of pregnancy by 15 percent. This form of medicine is being used in
numerous progressive infertility clinics across the U.S. with tangible results. Acupuncture, in conjunction
with IVF, greatly enhances a woman’s chances of conception.
According to the American Society for Reproductive Science, over 6.1 million or 10 percent of women in
the United States are diagnosed as being infertile, which is defined as one year of unsuccessful conception.
Women who choose to conceive after the age of 35 have a greater chance of having medical difficulties that
may result in infertility issues. Due to career choices, as well as other extraneous factors, which include
dietary and exercise habits, years of birth control pill use and an increasingly stressful modern life, these
numbers will likely