My husband and I have been wanting to start a family for about two years. We have tried everything you can imagine except acupuncture. We have spent thousands of dollars on fertility treatments but have had no success. My periods are erratic or nonexistent. The doctor at the fertility clinic wants me to go see the acupuncturist at his clinic for treatments, but he is in Houston, and I can not drive 3 hours twice a week for 6-8 weeks.

What can you tell me about acupuncture for fertility? What is the success rate? My husband and I both have some back pain, can acupuncture help that also? How much are treatments? Does insurance cover acupuncture?

Let me start out by saying that acupuncture has been around for more than 1,000 years. It has stood the test of time.

Go on the internet and look at some of the studies that have been done on acupuncture for all kinds of conditions, including fertility. It is quite extensive and, at times, impressive. Many studies show a good success rate. Even the placebo or "fake acupuncture" had a fairly good results. That means even if you do not place the needles in the exact spot as needed, the body still responds favorable to treatment, and you get pregnant.

"Acupuncture for fertility is the most popular and commonly recognized alternative treatment for those trying to get pregnant," said Rachel Gurevich with very well.com. She states more and more fertility clinics are offering or recommending acupuncture services.

It has been my experience that acupuncture should be tried first before you go and spend thousands of dollars at a fertility clinic.

You will spend less money, less time and the risk of side effects are virtually none. Stress and tension are usually major factors in trying to get pregnant. Acupuncture, massage and chiropractic will certainly help those conditions.

In regards to you and your husbands lower back pain, acupuncture and chiropractic can definitely help. If you look at an anatomy and spinal function chart, you will discover that the nerves from you and your husbands lower lower back "control" the organs that are involved in reproduction. Stimulating those spinal levels and getting your back better will directly help with your fertility issues.

I am sorry to say that insurance usually does not cover acupuncture for infertility. Treatment costs range from $50 to $75 depending on were you live. Overall, much cheaper that most fertility clinics. Try acupuncture first.

By Layne Towery