Not many people are aware that acupuncture is a viable treatment for many fertility problems. Acupuncture is not part of our 'Western' culture and is therefore often the last treatment sought. However it should be the first source of treatment as it is fairly effective with no side-effects, non-invasive and inexpensive compared to IVF or hormone treatment. It does not mean that other options should not be explored, just that for many instances it makes sense to try acupuncture first.

Where and how do I make a booking?

Treatments are available from Observatory, Cape Town. Fill in the form on the contact page or phone the acupuncturist directly with the number supplied to make an appointment.

How can acupuncture help?

To illustrate the wide range of scope for acupuncture application, for a problem such as metroptosis (dropped uterus), acupuncture helps the necessary muscles contract to pull the organ back into place.

Due to our fast paced lifestyle many people also suffer from stress, anxiety and overwork. Fertility problems can also create a lot of stress within a relationship and place further strain on the kidneys which in turns lead to further hormonal imbalances. Acupuncture treats this as well by helping patients stay calm and relaxed.

Acupuncture is also indicated for many problems during and after pregnancy and can help prevent miscarriages, morning sickness, nausea, water retention, back problems, late births, turning breach babies, insufficient lactation, mastitis, post natal depression, post cesarean and epidural trauma such as loss of sensation on the lower abdomen or back etc.

History and research

Although fairly new to Western society as a healthcare treatment, the Chinese have been using acupuncture and moxibustion effectively to treat fertility problems over the past four thousand years. Recent scientific studies are showing very promising results with marked improvement for both male and female fertility problems and assisted procedures such as IVF, where an improvement of up to 60% has been found.

Research examples:
www.acupunctureivf.com.au
www.acupuncture-treatment.com
www.westlakecomplementarymedicine.com
www.phillyfertility.com

Female gynaecology and fertility:
Amenorrhoea, endometriosis, dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, painful menstruation, PCOS, PMS, post partum depression, miscarriage, menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, ovarian cysts, pelvic pain, unexplained infertility, IVF, dyspareunia, frigidity, breach babies, dysuria, low breast milk supply.

Male fertility:
Low sperm count, low sperm motility, erectile dysfunction, deformed sperm, impotence, spermatorrhea.

How many session are needed?

As with any other treatment the success and duration is dependent on many factors. For smaller problems only a few treatments may be needed. For chronic problems that developed over a long period of time, regular treatment (twice or once a week) over a three to four month period may be necessary. If this seem long, take into account that the conditions causing the infertility may have been developing over many years.

What does treatment involve:

Thin and very flexible needles are placed in specific points on the body. All needles are sealed, sterilized and discarded after use. Treatments generally last between 1 to 1.5 hrs.

Acupuncture is often combined with moxibustion, especially in conditions where there is insufficient circulation and blood flow to the pelvic area. During moxibustion, a smoldering moxa stick is held a few inches away from the skin for several minutes until the area becomes red. The practitioner constantly monitors heat levels and works with the patient to provide a therapeutic amount of heat while maintaining comfort and safety.