Acupuncture For Fertility

Acupuncture uses thin, sterile, stainless steel needles that are placed into multiple “acupoints” on the body. These acupoints are targeted to balance hormone levels and increase blood flow in order to improve the thickness of the endometrial lining so that an embryo will have a better chance of implanting.

Stress can trigger the sympathetic nervous system, which disrupts the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and reduces blood flow to the ovaries. Acupuncture has been shown to inhibit this response and help alleviate stress.

Acupuncture is a natural stress reducer, and infertility treatment can be a very stressful time. Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural “feel good” hormones, helping you to relax and feel at ease. Several studies have shown that acupuncture significantly reduces anxiety during fertility treatments and increases pregnancy rates.

In addition, acupuncture improves blood flow to the uterus, which is vital for implantation and for maintaining a healthy endometrial lining. This is particularly important during the two week wait after ovulation or sperm insemination and transfer. Acupuncture has also been shown to reduce the production of cortisol, a hormone that increases the risk of miscarriage.

When trying to conceive, it’s important to avoid overworking or overindulging in certain activities. Acupuncture can help you regain control of your life and find a healthier balance. In addition, acupuncture may be used to reduce the pain associated with ovarian cysts or polyps that can interfere with your fertility.

Traditional Chinese medicine views infertility as a sign of imbalance. When your body is out of balance, it can interfere with your ability to conceive naturally or with assisted reproductive technology (ART). Acupuncture has been shown to correct hormonal imbalances, which can prevent ovulation and inhibit successful conception.

Specifically, acupuncture targets the points on the Ren meridian that are associated with the reproductive system, stimulating the production of hormones that promote ovulation and encourage fertile conditions. Acupuncture also improves blood flow to the uterus, improving the thickness of the endometrial lining that is critical for a healthy embryo implantation.

When using acupuncture to treat fertility, you should be treated by a licensed practitioner who is trained in acupressure and herbal medicine. Your acupuncturist will use single-use needles and swab the area with alcohol before inserting each point. In addition to acupuncture, your acupuncturist will use other TCM techniques such as herbal medicine and dietary and lifestyle recommendations that support the health of your body. Make sure you ask your acupuncturist if they’re familiar with infertility and ART procedures before beginning your treatments. They’ll be able to recommend the right herbs and supplements for your specific needs.

Promotes Relaxation

Acupuncture stimulates your body to produce the “feel good” hormones, which promote relaxation. This is important because stress is a major cause of fertility problems. When a woman is stressed, it triggers the release of the adrenaline and cortisol hormones which disrupt ovulation. For men, stress can affect sperm count and motility.

In addition, acupuncture can help reduce the stress associated with infertility treatment by increasing the effectiveness of the fertility medications and improving the quality of the embryo that is transferred to the uterus. Studies have shown that women with infertility who received acupuncture had higher clinical pregnancy rates than women who did not receive acupuncture.

This is because acupuncture improves the body’s ability to relax and can increase the thickness of the endometrial lining, which can enhance implantation. Furthermore, acupuncture can enhance the ovulation process by regulating energy channels (sometimes called “meridians”) that flow throughout the body and are directly related to reproductive health.

Some acupuncturists suggest that women begin a series of weekly acupuncture sessions about a month before they plan to conceive. This can be especially beneficial for women who are undergoing fertility treatments such as IUI or IVF.

Acupuncture also has the advantage of being a completely natural and non-invasive treatment. It is often recommended for couples who are trying to conceive as a way to enhance their chances of success without the use of drugs or surgical procedures.

For example, one study found that a couple that went through a course of acupuncture for fertility were twice as likely to conceive than a couple who did not go through the procedure. This is because a significant portion of infertility is due to the male partner and the effect of acupuncture on sperm counts has been demonstrated.

Acupuncture can help with all aspects of infertility treatment, including promoting relaxation and reducing stress. In fact, a recent study showed that acupuncture reduced levels of infertility-related stress in women before and after their IVF embryo transfer. This is because acupuncture significantly improved their ability to cope with the stress of infertility and the rigors of in vitro fertilization.

Increases Blood Flow

Acupuncture improves blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, increases egg follicle production and thickness of the uterine lining, stimulates ovulation, regulates hormones, boosts immunity, and decreases the risk of miscarriage. It also increases oocyte maturation and egg quality and helps the embryo develop a healthy uterine environment during implantation.

It also lowers stress levels, which is a significant factor in fertility treatment. Studies have shown that women who are trying to conceive have significantly higher levels of stress than those who don’t struggle with fertility issues.

Acupuncturists are trained to assess the root causes of fertility problems and can help you make dietary, lifestyle and supplement changes that will support a healthy pregnancy. They may also recommend an herbal formula made from plant parts like licorice, fennel, ginger or cinnamon to address imbalances in your body that are impeding fertility.

Some research has shown that acupuncture performed before and after an IVF embryo transfer increases the success of the procedure. This is likely due to a number of factors including increased blood flow to the uterus and ovary, better regulated hormones, reduced inflammatory responses, a quieter uterine environment during the embryo transfer process and decreased levels of stress and anxiety.

Another reason that acupuncture may increase your chances of getting pregnant is that it can help with issues that are preventing ovulation, such as polycystic ovary syndrome or endometriosis. Acupuncture is used to stimulate the ovaries by increasing the secretion of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone.

In one study, researchers found that women with PCOS who received acupuncture around the time of their ovulation stimulation and embryo transfer were more successful in getting pregnant than those who did not receive this type of treatment.

Acupuncture is safe when performed by a trained and licensed acupuncturist. It’s important to find a practitioner who uses sterile, single-use needles that are FDA classed as medical devices and is registered with the state. In addition, the acupuncturist must be certified in traditional Chinese medicine. This means that they have been educated in the philosophies and techniques of Chinese medical traditions.

Increases Ovulation

Acupuncture stimulates the ovaries to release eggs, regulates a woman’s menstrual cycle and enhances uterine blood flow. It reduces stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which negatively affect reproductive hormones and prevent ovulation; it increases sperm count and motility by increasing circulation to the testicles, thickening the uterine lining, regulating the pituitary gland, and strengthening the immune system. It may also reduce ovulation problems in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by stimulating the secretion of estradiol and progesterone.

A number of studies have shown that acupuncture can improve IVF pregnancy rates. In a study by Altutunji et al, acupuncture was found to increase blood supply to the uterus just before egg retrieval and to decrease the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Another study by Stener-Victorin et al showed that acupuncture increased embryo implantation rates in IVF patients by reducing anxiety levels and lowering cortisol, which can cause miscarriage.

During a treatment, very thin, stainless steel needles are placed in specific points on the body, usually in the arms or legs. The needles are so thin that the practitioner can often treat a large area of tissue without damaging it. The United States Food and Drug Administration classifies acupuncture needles as medical devices and requires them to be sterile and single-use only. The needles are inserted through the skin with very little discomfort.

While the results of acupuncture for fertility vary from patient to patient, most experts agree that it is safe when performed by a licensed practitioner with proper training. Some insurance companies will cover the cost of acupuncture for fertility, so it’s worth checking with your provider.

Many acupuncturists work in conjunction with herbal therapy, which can also be beneficial to fertility. However, it is important to consult with your reproductive endocrinologist before starting any herbal therapy and to make sure that the herbs you choose are compatible with any fertility medications you are taking. Also, be sure to mention any acupuncture treatments you are undergoing to your obstetrician so that they can help monitor for any potential complications during pregnancy.