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Overcoming Infertility – The Natural Approach

When you and your partner have decided to try for a baby, you assume it’ll be easy. Some couples manage to conceive within a few months and don’t seem to have any issues. Unfortunately, some are not so lucky. The American Pregnancy Association estimates that six million American women of childbearing age are  dealing with infertility, as are two million married couples. Many couples are put straight on expensive and unnecessary fertility drugs, but here are some things you can try that are much more natural and safe than prescriptions.

Acupuncture for women

It’s not just men that can benefit from acupuncture when trying to conceive. Many women also swear by it, and there’s evidence it can also increase the blood flow to a woman’s reproductive organs and stabilize hormones. Some women use it as a complementary treatment when undergoing IVF or other procedures, as it helps them relax.

Here are some conditions that acupuncture can be used to help:

Irregular periods

You only have a small window in which to conceive each month, and if your periods are irregular then this can be hard to judge. Acupuncture sessions can balance your cycle, and even help with pain and other associated issues. It works by regulating the energy in your liver and kidneys, which can be worsened by things like emotional stress. There are also many herbal supplements you can try, along with lifestyle changes, which can make your periods easier to deal with. Once your cycle is regular, it’s easier for you to figure out which days you are fertile and therefore you have a higher chance of conceiving.

Post pill amenorrhea

Women who stop the pill can usually expect their cycles to be back to normal within six months after they’ve ceased the medication. However, if after this time your periods are still not back to their natural state, you could be suffering from post pill amenorrhea. Many women turn to acupuncture in order to regulate their hormones and therefore get their periods back on track again. Seeing a qualified acupuncturist is essential, as they can go through your medical history and figure out the best course of treatment for you.

PCOS – Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Women who suffer from PCOS can often have difficulty conceiving, and if they visit their doctor can be prescribed hormones and drugs. However, not everyone is comfortable taking these right away and the side-effects can be off-putting. That’s why so many PCOS sufferers try acupuncture which can help by regulating your period, aiding weight loss and dealing with many of the unpleasant symptoms of PCOS such as depression and headaches. Eliminating some of these symptoms can also help your general health, making conception much more likely.

Blocked fallopian tubes

Having one or both fallopian tubes blocked is responsible for up to 40% of infertility issues in women.   A combination of acupuncture and herbal remedies can often help ease the problem, without the need for painful surgery or prescription drugs. Acupuncture helps ease any scar tissue and adhesions near your fallopian tubes, increasing blood flow and relaxing the area, which can help you conceive.

Often people who are having difficulty conceiving don’t need or want a drastic solution, they simply need help with minor medical ailments that are holding them back. Sometimes, just being able to speak to a medical professional and knowing that you’re being helped can make you feel much better about the whole process. Relaxation is a huge part of the process of  conceiving,   so consider some alternative therapies such as acupuncture to help you and your partner in your quest for a baby.