Acupuncture for fertility
Introduction
Conceiving a child can be challenging for some couples, especially those who have been trying for a long time without success. While many conventional fertility treatments are available, they often come with significant risks and side effects.
Fertility acupuncture is a natural and holistic approach to reproductive medicine that can assist couples in their fertility journey by enhancing their chances of conceiving without the use of drugs or invasive procedures.
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat a wide range of conditions, including fertility issues. This ancient practice involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body, known as acupuncture points.
The goal of Traditional Chinese Medicine and using acupuncture to help fertility problems is to stimulate the flow of energy, or Qi energy, through the body and restore balance to the reproductive, immune system, and nervous systems altogether.
In this article, we will explore the benefits, risks, and effectiveness of fertility acupuncture treatment and how it can help couples conceive.
How Does Fertility Acupuncture Work?
Fertility acupuncture works by stimulating specific pressure points that correspond to the reproductive organs and systems. By inserting needles into these points, the acupuncturist can help regulate the menstrual cycle by regulating fertility hormones, giving pain relief, increasing good blood flow to your reproductive organs such as the uterus and ovaries, and improving the quality of eggs and sperm.
Acupuncture can also help reduce stress and anxiety, which are known to negatively impact fertility. By promoting relaxation and reducing hormone levels and stress, treatments can help create more positive effects, which creates a hospitable environment for conception and embryo implantation.
What Are the Benefits of Fertility Acupuncture?
There are several benefits of having acupuncture, including:
Natural and non-invasive: Fertility acupuncture is a natural and non-invasive approach to enhancing fertility. Unlike conventional fertility treatments in Western medicine, such as IVF, fertility acupuncture does not involve drugs or invasive procedures.
Acupuncture can help with all aspects of fertility: from just starting to try naturally to assisted conception support
Minimal side effects: acupuncture treatment is generally safe and has minimal side effects. Some people may experience mild bruising or soreness at the site of the needle insertion, but these symptoms usually resolve quickly.
Acupuncture for ovulation: In the realm of reproductive health, acupuncture is believed to aid in regulating menstrual cycles and promoting ovulation. The practice is thought to enhance blood flow to the reproductive organs, balance hormone levels, and mitigate stress—all factors which play crucial roles in ovulation and fertility.
Acupuncture can boost the effectiveness of IVF: With up to 65% increased success rate. Studies show that it enhances ovarian follicles, promotes embryo transfer, and increases implantation rates.
Improves overall health: Acupuncture can also help to improve overall health and well-being. It can reduce stress, regulate hormones and the menstrual cycle, and increases blood flow to the reproductive organs - all of which can promote fertility. In addition, acupuncture can help to reduce pain associated with conditions such as endometriosis and PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome).
Acupuncture improves male fertility: This works by enhancing sperm parameters and sperm quality like morphology and mobility, as well as increasing testosterone levels, all of which are vital to natural conception.
Egg Quality: Acupuncture treatment aims to regulate the menstrual cycle and promote regular ovulation regulate the hormones to produce a larger number of follicles improve the functions of ovaries to produce better-quality eggs. It also increases blood flow to the uterus, improving the thickness of the endometrial lining and increasing the chances of embryo implantation.
Can improve overall health and well-being: acupuncture treatments can help improve overall health and well-being by reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and improving sleep quality.
Acupuncture for Ovulation
Acupuncture, an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been explored as a complementary approach to enhance fertility and promote ovulation. It is believed to work by stimulating specific points on the body, which may help regulate hormonal balance, increase blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, and alleviate stress - factors crucial for a healthy ovulation cycle. By targeting energy pathways known as meridians, acupuncture aims to restore the body's natural balance and promote a conducive environment for ovulation. Moreover, some studies have shown a potential positive impact of acupuncture on ovulation, especially when combined with other fertility treatments like in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
Is Fertility Acupuncture Safe?
Fertility acupuncture is generally safe when performed by a qualified and experienced acupuncturist. However, there are some risks and considerations to keep in mind:
Infection: There is a small risk of infection at the site of the needle insertion. However, this risk can be minimized by ensuring that the acupuncturist uses sterile needles and follows proper hygiene practices.
Bleeding or bruising: Some people may experience bleeding or bruising at the site of the needle insertion. This is usually mild and resolves quickly.
Acupuncture may cause injury in rare cases, such as puncturing a vital organ, but the risk is low with a qualified acupuncturist.
It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of fertility acupuncture with a qualified healthcare provider before starting treatment.
What Is the Effectiveness of Fertility Acupuncture?
The effectiveness of fertility acupuncture varies from person to person and depends on several factors, such as age, underlying health conditions, and lifestyle factors. However, several studies have shown that acupuncture can help enhance fertility and increase the chances of conception.
A 2008 study published in the British Medical Journal found that acupuncture can increase the success rate of an IVF treatment treating infertility by up to 65%. Other research published in the Journal of Fertility and Sterility found that acupuncture can increase the pregnancy rate among women undergoing embryo transfer. Acupuncture can help support embryo implantation and pregnancy success rates to assist with getting pregnant through IVF.
Acupuncture can also help improve the quality reproductive function of sperm. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Integrative Medicine found that acupuncture can improve sperm motility and increase the number of normal sperm.
In addition to enhancing fertility, acupuncture can also help reduce stress and anxiety, which are known to negatively impact fertility. A 2013 study published in the Journal of According to Endocrinology, incorporating acupuncture into the treatment plan can assist in improving fertility hormones, reducing stress, and enhancing blood flow and ovarian function, thereby helping women fight infertility. That is precisely why several acupuncturists assist patients going through the journey of undergoing IVF alone, which can be an incredibly stressful experience.
A study conducted by Qian et al. in 2017 found that acupuncture treatment can be more effective in increasing the success rate of in vitro fertilization (IVF) if it is administered at all stages of the IVF process rather than just around the time of embryo transfer. IVF is a type of assisted reproductive technology that involves fertilizing an egg with sperm outside of the body and then transferring the resulting embryo into the uterus. The study found that women who received acupuncture at all stages of IVF had a significantly higher pregnancy rate compared to those who received acupuncture only around the time of embryo transfer. The researchers suggest that acupuncture may help to improve blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, regulate hormones, and reduce stress levels, all of which can contribute to better IVF outcomes. Therefore, incorporating acupuncture into the entire IVF process may be a valuable addition to IVF treatment.
What to Expect During a Fertility Acupuncture Session
During a fertility acupuncture session, the acupuncturist will first conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the best course of treatment. They will ask about your medical history, lifestyle, and any underlying health conditions that may be contributing to infertility.
The acupuncturist will then insert thin needles into specific points on the body, usually in the lower abdomen, legs, and feet. The needles may be left in place for 15 to 30 minutes, and the acupuncturist may also use heat, moxa or electrical stimulation to enhance the effects of the treatment.
Most people find acupuncture to be a relaxing and comfortable experience. Some people may experience mild tingling or a sensation of warmth at the site of the needle insertion, but this is usually mild and subsides quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fertility Acupuncture
Q: Is acupuncture covered by insurance for fertility treatment? A: It depends on the insurance provider. Some insurance companies may cover acupuncture for fertility treatment, while others may not. It is important to check with your insurance provider to determine your coverage.
Q: How many sessions of fertility acupuncture are needed? A: The number of fertility medicine acupuncture sessions needed depends on several factors, such as the underlying cause of infertility and individual response to treatment. Generally, a course of fertility acupuncture involves weekly sessions for several weeks or months.
At Deanna Thomas Acupuncture & Wellbeing, we suggest that you consider undergoing acupuncture for fertility for at least three menstrual cycles, as we have seen an improvement in the desired treatment outcome and success rates for patients with this approach.
Q: Can men benefit from fertility acupuncture? A: Yes, fertility acupuncture for female infertility can be beneficial for men as well. Acupuncture for male infertility can help improve sperm quality and motility and reduce stress and anxiety, which can negatively on sperm count and impact male fertility.
Q: Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy? A: Yes, acupuncture is generally safe during pregnancy when performed by a qualified and experienced acupuncturist.
Acupuncture treatments are effective in helping to support pregnancy as well as related medical conditions such as recurrent miscarriage and pregnancy complications. Acupuncture is a popular treatment sought by many pregnant patients to alleviate morning sickness, back pain, and stress. However, it is important to inform your acupuncturist if you are pregnant since some acupuncture points should be avoided during pregnancy.
Conclusion
Fertility acupuncture is a natural and holistic approach to enhancing fertility that can help couples conceive without the use of drugs or invasive procedures. Acupuncture stimulates particular acupuncture points that improve blood flow to the reproductive organs and systems, regulate hormones, and enhance the quality of eggs and sperm, which can even result in better fertility.
While using assisted fertility treatments with acupuncture is generally safe and has minimal side effects, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits with a properly qualified acupuncturist before starting treatment. Acupuncture can also be used in conjunction with conventional fertility treatments, such as IVF, to enhance their effectiveness.
Overall, fertility acupuncture is a safe, natural, and effective way to enhance fertility and increase the chances of conception.
Acupuncture fertility near me
If you're looking for fertility acupuncture near you, Deanna Thomas - Acupuncture & Wellbeing is a great option for fertility-focused treatments.
Deanna Thomas is a licensed acupuncturist who specializes in women's health and fertility. She takes a holistic approach to acupuncture treatments, using a combination of acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and dietary and lifestyle recommendations to enhance fertility and promote overall wellness.
Deanna is a registered member of the British Acupuncture Council. This ensures that she meets the highest standards of education, training, and clinical practice in acupuncture and Chinese medicine. With her expertise and qualifications, Deanna provides safe and effective fertility acupuncture treatments that are tailored to the individual needs of each patient.
Deanna has helped many couples conceive naturally and achieve their dream of starting a family. If you're struggling with infertility, consider booking a consultation with Deanna Thomas - Acupuncture & Wellbeing, to see how she can really help you get pregnant. We are here to support your journey towards fertility.
References
Smith, C., Coyle, M., Norman, R., & Peat, B. (2008). Acupuncture administered after embryo transfer improves clinical pregnancy rates: a randomized controlled trial. British Medical Journal, 336(7643), 545-549. https://www.bmj.com/content/336/7643/545
Zhang, M., Huang, G., Lu, F., Paulus, W., Sterzik, K. (2002). Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy. Fertility and Sterility, 77(4), 721-724. https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(01)03273-3/fulltext
Feng, J., He, H., Wang, Y., Zhang, X., Zhang, X., Zhang, T., Zhu, M., Wu, X. and Zhang, Y. (2022). The efficacy and mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of male infertility: A literature review. Frontiers in Endocrinology, [online] 13. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2022.1009537.
Kusuma, A.C., Oktari, N., Mihardja, H., Srilestari, A., Simadibrata, C.L., Hestiantoro, A., Wiweko, B. and Muna, N. (2019). Electroacupuncture Enhances Number of Mature Oocytes and Fertility Rates forIn VitroFertilization. Medical Acupuncture, 31(5), pp.289–297. doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/acu.2019.1368.
Qian, Y., Xia, X.-R., Ochin, H., Huang, C., Gao, C., Gao, L., Cui, Y.-G., Liu, J.-Y., & Meng, Y. (2017). Therapeutic effect of acupuncture on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 295(3), 543–558. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-016-4255-y