After undergoing six grueling fertility treatments, five of which failed, singer Celine Dion recently announced that she and her husband are now expecting twins. She credits acupuncture with making the difference in her sixth IVF attempt and her statement is sure to raise interest in acupuncture among couples trying to conceive.
But how does it work? And is it for you?
Pam and Tim O'Friel know the anguish of infertility.
"We went through six cycles of fertility treatments. And that's a lot of medication, injection, emotion," said Pam, who had difficulty conceiving.
They stopped in-vitro fertilization, but continued with acupuncture. Two months later, she got pregnant with Jayden.
"It's a miracle. When I see my daughter and I see that in our life, it makes me believe," said Tim.
Acupuncturist Mike Kim says inserting the needles at key points unblocks energy, resulting in healthier eggs, more blood flow to the uterus, and in men, healthier sperm.
"It actually harmonizes your whole body so your whole body is ready to conceive," said Kim.
Kristen Maturo also credits acupuncture with helping her conceive twins.
"For me there really was kind of that mind-body connection," she said.
It didn't work for Corey Rubin. She and her husband ended up adopting.
"I think sometimes it gives false hope and you think it's going to be the magic bullet, the thing that makes it happen," said Rubin.
At $50 to $200 per session, it's also pricey. But besides your pocketbook, there's no research to suggest that acupuncture is harmful. And if it helps, the result can be priceless.
In 2008, a scientific review of seven independent studies on acupuncture showed that overall, women who had the treatment were 65 percent more successful in getting pregnant than women who didn't get acupuncture.
To add a comment, please register or login.