Stress can be another key factor impeding a couple’s ability to conceive. The relationship between stress and infertility is known to be a vicious cycle; it has been well documented that infertility causes stress, and stress reduction may, in turn, improve fertility. Many infertile couples experience heightened pressure and the worry that accompanies the waiting and disappointment associated with trying to conceive. The social stigma, decrease in self-esteem, the unmet reproductive potential of a sexual relationship, the physical and emotional burden of treatment, and the lack of control of treatment outcome are just some of the factors that can lead to psychological stress in any couple pursuing infertility treatment. Add to that the stress of every day life and it all leads to the production of hormones that help the body cope, which may impact the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis affecting a normal menstrual cycle.
A clinic research article about treating depression with acupuncture was published as early as 1961 in Chinese medical journals. In recent years, several medical studies confirmed acupuncture’s efficacy on anxiety and depression in the US and Europe. Acupuncture reduces anxiety and stress, likely through its anti sympatric properties and impact on endorphin levels.
A recent medical study published in Anesthesiology in June 2003 used ear acupressure to relieve stress and anxiety in patients being transported to the hospital in ambulances. At arrival, the stress level in the acupuncture point group had decreased sixty-six percent. In contrast, the stress level in the control group had increased 10%. It indicated the effectiveness of acupuncture in stress treatment. Acupuncture is an excellent natural alternative for stress reduction in women undergoing infertility treatment who do not want to risk the possible side effects of anti-anxiety and anti-depressant drugs.