Infertility Facts
- According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, infertility affects about 5.3 million Americans or 9% of the reproductive-age population.
- According to the World Health organization, global infertility prevalence is estimated that around 17.5% of the adult population – roughly 1 in 6 worldwide experience infertility.
- In approximately 40 percent of infertile couples, the male partner is either the sole cause or a contributing cause of infertility.
- Infertility for all women, regardless of marital status, and includes problems getting pregnant and problems carrying a baby to term increased from 10.9% to 12.1% compared from 2006-2010 to 2011-2015.
- According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, infertility is defined as not being able to get pregnant (conceive) after one year (or longer) of unprotected sex. Because fertility in women is known to decline steadily with age, some providers evaluate and treat women aged 35 years or older after 6 months of unprotected sex.
- According to the National Library of Medicine, the male is solely responsible for about 20% and is a contributing factor in another 30% to 40% of all infertility cases.
- Age-Related Infertility: Female fertility declines with age, particularly after the age of 35. By the age of 40, the decline becomes steeper. Age-related infertility is a significant factor in many cases.
References:
- 1 In 6 People Globally Affected By Infertility
- Faq Quick Facts About Infertility
- Key Statistics from the National Survey of Family Growth - I Listing
- Infertility FAQs
- Male InFertility
- Trends Of Male InFertility
- Faq Quick Facts About Infertility
- Causes And Prevalence Of Factors Causing Infertility In A Public Health Facility
ACUPUNCTURE TO ELEVATE FERTILITY
The use of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture has been proven to offer significant benefits in treating infertility. Acupuncture can be used alone or in combination with other traditional reproductive treatments. Studies have shown acupuncture can increase the success rate of IVF, reduce the incidence of miscarriage, stimulate follicle count and size, and increase the endometrial lining of the uterus. Some of, but not all, of the benefits are listed below.
- Improve blood flow to the uterus
- Improve thickness of endometrial lining
- Decrease physical response to stress
- Balance hormones
- Improve ovulatory function and follicle stimulation
- Modulate side effects of fertility medications
- Improve sperm count, motility, and morphology
- Improve the success of IVF and IUI outcomes
A German study done in 2002 showed that of the 80 women who underwent IVF and received acupuncture, 34 women got pregnant, a success rate of 42.5%. Of the 80 women involved in the study who received IVF without any acupuncture treatments, only 21 women (26.3%) became pregnant. More recently, an American study involving 114 women showed that 51% of the women who had acupuncture and IVF treatments became pregnant versus only 36% of the women who had IVF alone. A deeper analysis of this study revealed that, while 8% of the women in the acupuncture group miscarried, the rate of miscarriage in the IVF-only group was 20%. Furthermore, women who received acupuncture also had lower rates of ectopic pregnancies
Although acupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapeutic art, this 6,000-year-old form of medicine is gaining scientific credibility due to current research. Studies have sited that the mechanism through which acupuncture influences female fertility involve several physiological actions. Acupuncture is believed to affect the central stimulation of endorphin secretion which in turn impacts gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). GnRH acts on the pituitary gland via the brain to produce follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) which in turn stimulate follicle growth and induces ovulation. It also increases blood flow to the uterus and ovaries. Many traditional fertility medications also stimulate the ovaries and ovulation. The result of this physiological chain of action through acupuncture is a positive effect on the uterus that favors implantation.
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HOW ACUPUNCTURE CAN HELP ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE THERAPIES (ART)
Many couples and single individuals are employing the Assisted Reproductive Therapies (ART) of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and intra-uterine insemination (IUI). The addition of Chinese medicine and acupuncture to these therapies greatly improves the success of a pregnancy.
For patients who are using reproductive technologies (ART), acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help in several ways.
- Improve the thickness of the uterine lining
- Improve the quality and quantity of follicles
- Modulate side effects of fertility medications
- Increase success of IVF
- Decrease the chance of miscarriage
- Reduce stress
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WHOLE BODY APPROACH to FERTILITY SUCCESS
A noteworthy study conducted in 2015 emphasized the effectiveness of a comprehensive approach to in vitro fertilization (IVF). This approach, which involves a multifaceted intervention including acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and dietary adjustments, was assessed in a retrospective study encompassing 1231 women. The findings revealed that this holistic approach resulted in higher odds of achieving a live birth, both in donor and non-donor IVF cycles, compared to IVF alone without the comprehensive strategy. In essence, opting for an integrative approach to address infertility significantly enhances the likelihood of successful conception. This underscores the efficacy of natural and integrative treatments in the realm of fertility.
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INFERTILTY EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Struggling with infertility can be an emotionally and physically taxing experience. The challenges and uncertainties that accompany this journey can lead to feelings of isolation, stress, and even self-doubt. During such times, having a strong support system is crucial. It provides a safe space to share concerns, seek guidance, and find solace among those who understand the unique struggles. Support, whether from loved ones, infertility support groups, or healthcare professionals, not only eases the burden but also fosters a sense of community and empowerment throughout the process.Support Websites:
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