Acupuncture and Ozone Therapy in Infertility and IVF Treatment

Infertility is a common health issue faced by many couples today. It is defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy despite having regular, unprotected sexual intercourse for one year. Alongside modern medicine, complementary and alternative medical methods are gaining increasing interest in the treatment of infertility. This article will explore the use of acupuncture and ozone therapy in the context of infertility and IVF treatment in detail.

Infertility and IVF Treatment

The causes of infertility include hormonal imbalances, blocked fallopian tubes, ovulation issues, and problems related to sperm count and quality. IVF (in vitro fertilization) is one of the most widely used methods in infertility treatment. In this process, a woman's eggs are fertilized with sperm in a laboratory setting, and the resulting embryos are transferred to the uterus.

Acupuncture and Infertility Treatment

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a treatment method based on traditional Chinese medicine that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. The aim of this method is to balance the body's energy flow (Qi) to address health problems. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain how acupuncture can be effective in treating infertility.

Effects of Acupuncture on Infertility

1. Hormonal Balancing: Acupuncture can help regulate hormone levels and improve the ovulation cycle. It may be particularly beneficial in infertility cases caused by hormonal imbalances such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
2. Increasing Blood Flow: By enhancing blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, acupuncture promotes the health of these areas. This can help thicken the uterine lining and improve embryo implantation.
3. Stress Reduction: Stress is common among couples undergoing infertility treatment and can negatively impact treatment success. Acupuncture can increase endorphin release and reduce stress, positively contributing to the treatment process.

Use of Acupuncture in IVF Treatment

Various studies suggest that acupuncture used in conjunction with IVF treatment can increase treatment success rates. Acupuncture applied before and after embryo transfer, in particular, can improve the chances of embryo implantation. This can be explained by mechanisms such as improved blood flow to the uterus and stress reduction.

Ozone Therapy and Infertility

What is Ozone Therapy?

Ozone therapy is a treatment method that uses ozone gas (O3) for medical purposes. Ozone, consisting of three oxygen atoms, is a reactive gas with strong oxidative properties. Medical ozone can be administered to the body in different ways, such as injections, rectal insufflation, ozonated water, or oil.

Effects of Ozone Therapy on Infertility

1. Antioxidant Effect: Ozone therapy enhances the body's antioxidant defense mechanisms, reducing oxidative stress. Oxidative stress leads to the accumulation of free radicals that can damage sperm and egg cells, making it a significant factor in infertility treatment.
2. Improving Microcirculation: Ozone improves microcirculation by dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow. This ensures that reproductive organs, including the uterus and ovaries, receive more oxygen and nutrients.
3. Regulating the Immune System: Ozone can modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation. Chronic inflammation can negatively impact reproductive health and contribute to infertility.

Use of Ozone Therapy in IVF Treatment

Ozone therapy can be used as an adjunct method in the IVF treatment process. It can enhance the effectiveness of IVF treatment, especially in patients with issues such as endometriosis, chronic pelvic inflammatory diseases, or poor-quality embryos. The anti-inflammatory and oxygen-enhancing effects of ozone can improve embryo implantation and overall reproductive health.

Conclusion

Acupuncture and ozone therapy are promising complementary methods in the treatment of infertility and IVF. Both treatment methods work through mechanisms such as hormonal balancing, increased blood flow, stress reduction, and overall improvement of reproductive health. However, more scientific research is needed to establish their efficacy and safety. Therefore, couples considering such treatments should consult with a specialist doctor and develop their treatment plans together.

Dr. Kemal Toprak 

Anesthesiology and Reanimation Specialist