More and more couples are being diagnosed with infertility and are turning to assisted reproductive treatments. Lifestyle choices, environmental factors, stress and genetics are to blame. Stress is one factor that contributes greatly to infertility in both women and men. There is good evidence that stress majorly affects the ability to conceive (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Stress can

• increase the level of cortisol which inhibits estradiol production
• affects the granulosa cell functions within the follicle
• deteriorate the quality of the oocyte
• reduce the number of retrieved oocytes in IVF
• affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis by reducing hypothalamic GNRH secretion
• reduce pituitary secretion of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone
• reduce ovarian hormone synthesis and, in some cases, ovulation
• increase the concentration of glucocorticoids and catecholamines
• excite catecholamines alpha receptors and cause vasoconstriction,
• reduce uterus blood flow which may reduce endometrial and sub-endometrial blood flow and thus pregnancy outcomes
• trigger embryonic death and miscarriage

Acupuncture, reflexology, abdominal correction (fertility massage) all work as complimentary treatments to increase the success rates of IUI and IVF, even in cases of multiple IVF failures.

Helping couples have children is the current goal of fertility treatments, whereas, it must be to help them have healthy children, stay healthy themselves and thrive together. This can be achieved with less effort with alternative therapies. Now that there is enough research and evidence that Acupuncture and Reflexology work towards fertility, it’s wise to integrate these therapies with the conventional fertility treatments to get best results.

Acupuncture stimulates the brain to regulate the neuroendocrine system and help in production of hormones, by stimulating the glands and other organs. It can do as much as treat PCOS in a few sessions, neutralize the AMH levels, stimulate egg growth, improve the quality of eggs, helps release more follicles, regularize the menstrual cycle, improves ovarian blood flow, helps achieve ideal endometrial thickness, and more.

Abdominal manipulations, also known as fertility massage has been coming into light for all the right reasons. As few as 4 to 6 sessions before embryo transfer has been evident in increasing the success rate of conception via IVF and 3 for IUI.

Reflexology is much like Acupuncture, just non-invasive and uses only fingers and sticks to apply pressure on the acupoints. This is proven to be very effective in relieving stress than any other massage. Yoga and strengthening work well for retention after conception and to assist natural birth.