Acupuncture, and the insertion of needles with selected pressure points, is now popular not only for minimizing pain, but for increasing fertility. Acupuncture treatments for infertility bring potential side effects; some of these are negative and some are positive:
Possible Stinging Sensation from Needles
Although usually painless, some patients may feel a slight stinging sensation when the fine needles are inserted into the skin. If there is a phobia to needles, patients may feel anxiety. Others may feel shock-like symptoms if the needles are not inserted correctly.?This side effect?is rare if a qualified acupuncturist is chosen.
Possible Worsening of Symptoms
After acupuncture infertility treatments, some patients report to have felt a worsening with medical conditions and symptoms for the first few days after treatment.
Potential Disorientation and Dizziness or Fainting
Some dizziness or fainting can occur with acupuncture fertility procedures. Patients normally only experience a feeling of being light headed from relaxation and a decrease in blood pressure. Although rare, there have been some reported cases of patients losing consciousness.
Potential Bruising or Bleeding
Some bruising may be experienced with acupuncture treatments. Slight bruising is rare and usually disappears within a few days. This is more common with individuals that are already prone to bruising. If none of these situations pertain to the patient that is having frequent bruising after sessions, then a different acupuncturist should be sought after with the use of another technique.
Minor bleeding could occur, but again this is rare. Individuals who are on blood thinners or have a pre-existing bleeding disorder should not consider acupuncture fertility treatments.
Possible Infection and Transmission of Diseases
If disposable sterile needles are not utilized, then infection or transmission of diseases can occur. A bacterial infection?is possible?if the proposed site of treatment is not cleansed properly and disinfected before the needles are inserted.
The above are potential side effects of acupuncture for infertility. Risks and complications may include bleeding, damage to organs by puncture, nerve damage and miscarriage.
Possible Appetite Changes and Decrease of Nausea
A person's appetite may increase when she is better feeling throughout the body, which helps with the increased intake of nutrients to maximize chances for fertility. However, appetite may decrease when?pressure points in the abdominal area for weight loss are selected.
Acupuncture may affect the gastro-intestinal tract by lessening the amount of acid decreasing nausea or vomiting. It may also help with gastritis (acute or chronic inflammation of the stomach) and constipation.?
Possible Improved Skin Tone and Increased Energy
When circulation is increased in the body, the skin and skin tone will normally improve. Some medical studies show increased energy and more clarity of thought. A better feeling of well-being promotes ovulation and conception.
Potential Decrease of Stress and Pain
Traditional Chinese philosophy is that when the flow of energy is blocked, then illness and pain result. With acupuncture, pain is normally decreased. This may ease menstrual pain and ease associated pain of pregnancy and labor.
Acupuncture releases endorphins and serotonin in the brain, reducing stress and pain. When stress is minimized and relaxation is increased, there is a better chance to conceive.
Potential?Increase of Sex Drive?
Some studies reveal a 25 percent increase with sex drive. If both men and women's sex drives are increased from acupuncture, then there is greater potential for success with getting pregnant.
