A variety of factors contribute to an increasing number of couples not being able to conceive and have successful pregnancies. If, after 2 years, a couple is unable to conceive, they are considered to have fertility problems and are commonly referred to a medical specialist. 15% of couples trying to conceive fit into this category. Research indicates that in 40% of these couples, the difficulties are female-related, 40% male-related and the cause of the remaining 20% is unknown.

Western Medicine has made great advances in Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART) and has developed procedures to meet the particular needs of couples trying to have a baby. Although these procedures have been successful in enabling pregnancy to many couples, 70% of women (below 38 years of age) will not succeed in each ART attempt. This is emotionally and physically exhausting as well as being a financial drain.

Acupuncture improves fertility. A recent study in which acupuncture was used in combination with ART prior to pick up the ovum and immediately after transfer of the blastocyst showed a 46 % improvement in the fertility outcome. Read more

Acupuncture works well when used in combination with ART or as a primary treatment for functional infertility. Depending on each person’s needs, supplements and Chinese herbs may also be recommended to improve the outcome of pregnancy. Acupuncture is also used to treat women who have had recurrent miscarriages.

As Traditional Oriental Medicine likes to treat the whole person, a period of at least 3 months is needed to treat the male or female before any attempts to become pregnant. During this time, the treatments focus on regulating the hormonal cycles in women and building up the vitality of both sexes so that the possibility of conception and successful birth are maximized.