Knowledge | Acupuncture and Massage: Stress-Reduction Approaches for Fertility
Doctors Examine the Link Between Stress and Infertility
Although the exact mechanism by which stress affects fertility remains unclear, research suggests that reducing stress may have a positive effect. Appropriate relaxation methods can improve quality of life and may also support the chance of pregnancy.
Acupuncture May Ease Infertility-Related Stress
In a German study, women in an assisted reproduction program received acupuncture before and after embryo transfer. Pregnancy rates were higher among those who received acupuncture than among those who did not (42.5% vs. 26.3%).
New York University infertility specialist Grifo said acupuncture has not been conclusively shown to reduce stress directly, but it may regulate stress-related effects on the reproductive system. He noted that at least three studies have reported fertility benefits.
Massage Therapy
A 2004 study in the International Journal of Neuroscience found that massage reduced physical stress signals such as changes in heart rate and brain waves. Although it did not directly study infertility patients, researchers believe similar benefits may apply to women receiving fertility treatment.
Dr. Morgan is comparing women receiving gentle lower-body massage of the feet and legs with women receiving treatment without massage. Results have not yet been published, but massage may help relieve treatment-related stress.
Combined Stress-Reduction Approaches
Patients at NYU's fertility center may participate in guided imagery and foot reflexology programs intended to reduce stress and improve quality of life. Grifo said that although these programs have not been formally studied there, participants generally report feeling better.
Expert Advice: Avoid Simply Saying “Relax”
Experts warn that telling patients simply to relax may backfire and add psychological pressure.
Greenfeld recommends finding small breaks in daily life that give the body and mind relief from stress. “Do not force yourself to relax in order to become pregnant. Relax because it helps you feel better. Feeling better and healthier is never a bad thing when trying to conceive.”
Knowledge | Acupuncture and Massage: Stress-Reduction Approaches for Fertility
Knowledge | Acupuncture and Massage: Stress-Reduction Approaches for Fertility
Doctors Examine the Link Between Stress and Infertility
Although the exact mechanism by which stress affects fertility remains unclear, research suggests that reducing stress may have a positive effect. Appropriate relaxation methods can improve quality of life and may also support the chance of pregnancy.
Acupuncture May Ease Infertility-Related Stress
In a German study, women in an assisted reproduction program received acupuncture before and after embryo transfer. Pregnancy rates were higher among those who received acupuncture than among those who did not (42.5% vs. 26.3%).
New York University infertility specialist Grifo said acupuncture has not been conclusively shown to reduce stress directly, but it may regulate stress-related effects on the reproductive system. He noted that at least three studies have reported fertility benefits.
Massage Therapy
A 2004 study in the International Journal of Neuroscience found that massage reduced physical stress signals such as changes in heart rate and brain waves. Although it did not directly study infertility patients, researchers believe similar benefits may apply to women receiving fertility treatment.
Dr. Morgan is comparing women receiving gentle lower-body massage of the feet and legs with women receiving treatment without massage. Results have not yet been published, but massage may help relieve treatment-related stress.
Combined Stress-Reduction Approaches
Patients at NYU's fertility center may participate in guided imagery and foot reflexology programs intended to reduce stress and improve quality of life. Grifo said that although these programs have not been formally studied there, participants generally report feeling better.
Expert Advice: Avoid Simply Saying “Relax”
Experts warn that telling patients simply to relax may backfire and add psychological pressure.
Greenfeld recommends finding small breaks in daily life that give the body and mind relief from stress. “Do not force yourself to relax in order to become pregnant. Relax because it helps you feel better. Feeling better and healthier is never a bad thing when trying to conceive.”
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