According to an article in the Kilkenny Adviser, Jan. 29, 2010, acupuncture can successfully treat infertility in both men and women.

The article, states that, “Acupuncture can be directed at specific health problems from polycystic ovarian syndrome and irregular menstrual cycles through to general health problems such as stress and can be used as a sole treatment or used in conjunction with western medical fertility treatment.”

In men, the article suggests that acupuncture can help enhance the quality and quantity of semen, and in women it can improve the function of ovaries.

Acupuncture is also beneficial in helping couples to relax and lessen stress, which can often contributes to infertility.

The Kilkenny Adviser also indicates that acupuncture may improve the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF), by increasing blood flow to the uterus and may lessen the side effects of drugs used during the procedure, including insomnia, instability and palpitations.

A study published in the Feb. 2008 British Medical Journal, supports that assertion. In that study, researchers at the University of Maryland’s School of Medicine's Center for Integrative Medicine found that acupuncture given as a complement to IVF increased the odds of achieving pregnancy. The results indicated that 10 women undergoing IVF would need to be treated with acupuncture to bring about one additional pregnancy.

The American Pregnancy Association also suggests that acupuncture helps address infertility issues and that treatment through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy may help prevent miscarriages.

According to the University of Maryland Study, approximately 10 to 15 percent of couples experience reproductive difficulties.