1. Health

Mind Body Medicine Therapies for Fertility

By , About.com Guide

Updated August 31, 2012

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

8 of 13

Hypnosis for Fertility as Mind-Body Medicine
Hypnosis may help you kick bad habits, like smoking, which can then improve your fertility.

Hypnosis may help you kick bad habits, like smoking, which can then improve your fertility.

Photo © User wildan from Stock.xchng

Hypnosis is a mind-body therapy that involves going into a light sleep-like state, called a trance, induced by a therapist or recording of relaxation instructions. Once in this state, the mind is highly suggestible, and the therapist helps the patient change negative thought patterns by suggesting alternative ideas.

Hypnosis does not always involve the use of a therapist. Guided imagery can act as a kind of self-hypnosis.

There has been some preliminary research on the effect of hypnosis and fertility. One study found that hypnosis done during embryo transfer (in IVF) led to increased treatment success rates. However, much more research needs to be done.

Another way hypnosis may be helpful to you is dropping unhealthy habits. For example, obesity and smoking can lead to fertility problems. Research on hypnosis has found that it can help you lose weight or quit smoking. Hypnosis can also help reduce stress and anxiety.

More about hypnosis:

©2013 About.com. All rights reserved.

We comply with the HONcode standard
for trustworthy health
information: verify here.