How Can Acupuncture Help Fertility?

May 19

Fertility is a complex, nuanced health topic, one that is commonly misunderstood. While plenty of research exists about the causes of infertility, there also tends to be a lot of misinformation about how fertility works, and how to improve upon it. Acupuncture is a tried and true methodology of traditional Chinese medicine that has proven benefits on fertility. What’s more, it’s a safe and virtually pain-free treatment that works with your body’s natural functioning in order to enhance fertility.

More specifically, acupuncture impacts fertility by regulating the menstrual cycle and treating underlying conditions that may be contributing to infertility. Conditions associated with infertility that acupuncture helps treat include:

Irregular or anovulatory cycles, amenorrhea, male factor infertility, and recurrent miscarriages.
Painful periods, PMS, PCOS, and endometriosis.
Mental and emotional health issues, such as stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
Digestive issues and dietary choices.
Metabolic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, adrenal fatigue, and thyroid disease.
Chronic issues such as auto-immune diseases and chronic fatigue.

In addition to alleviating conditions associated with infertility, acupuncture nurtures the body as a whole, improving its overall functioning. Your chances of conceiving will naturally increase as acupuncture enhances your wellness. Herbal medicine, dietary counseling, and nutritional supplements are often used in conjunction with acupuncture to support your body’s fertility. Even beyond conception, traditional Chinese medicine can optimize your and your baby’s health during pregnancy, post-labor, and throughout the postpartum period.

Can acupuncture increase the efficacy of IVF?

According to the latest research, acupuncture can improve the success rates of IVF. The more acupuncture treatments you receive before beginning IVF, the better your chances of success in conceiving a child. Studies suggest that a 25-minute treatment immediately before and after embryo transfer can improve your odds of successful embryo implantation. These treatments enhance uterine blood flow, while helping to reduce anxiety and minimize uterine contractions.

When should I start acupuncture for IVF?

We recommend beginning acupuncture about three months before your first IVF cycle. Receiving 8-12 treatments in advance of your initial IVF cycle can provide the following benefits:

Enhance egg maturation.
Improve the quality of the ovarian reserve.
Heighten ovaries’ response to hormones.
Manage reproductive hormones.
Enhance body’s energy and overall wellness, specifically by regulating the menstrual cycle.
For men, acupuncture can optimize semen count, motility, and morphology.

How does acupuncture help during IVF?

Acupuncture works by improving blood flow into the uterus. In turn, this enhances the health of the endometrium lining and of the uterine environment, increasing the chances of conception. Acupuncture treatments during the time of IVF also helps to alleviate anxiety and stress, along with decreasing uterine contractions. By maximizing uterine blood flow, acupuncture provides an ideal environment for embryos, establishing the necessary conditions for successful implantation.

How does acupuncture help after implantation?

Following successful implantation, acupuncture treatments help with the development of the fetus, providing a rich, nurturing environment in the uterus. Acupuncture has also been shown to minimize pregnancy complications, including mitigating the risk of miscarriages. Treatments can reduce morning sickness in the first trimester as well, improving your overall comfort and wellness during pregnancy.

Does acupuncture alleviate the side effects of IVF?

Acupuncture can effectively treat common side effects associated with IVF, namely those caused by rapid shifts in hormone levels. Common side effects of IVF that acupuncture can treat include:

Hot flashes and night sweats
Dizziness and headaches
Tiredness
Abdominal tenderness, swelling, and bloating
Breast tenderness
Mood swings
Nausea

During IVF, there is a small risk of ovarian hyper-stimulation (OHSS), which typically occurs when the ovaries overreact to fertility drugs. Symptoms of OHSS may include bloating, weight gain, shortness of breath, pelvic pain, and nausea. If OHSS is detected early enough, acupuncture can be used to relieve discomfort associated with mild to moderate cases. In addition, acupuncture helps prevent the development of severe OHSS, while supporting the implantation process. Finally, acupuncture can help alleviate many of the symptoms of more severe cases of OHSS.

How do I know if acupuncture is right for me?

We’re always happy to chat with you about where you are in your fertility / pregnancy journey, and if acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine is a good fit for you. At The Wellness Principle, we treat the whole person by leveraging traditional Chinese medicine and the innovations of modern science–our approach to treatment is multi-faceted and highly individualized to meet you where you’re at.

When you are treated by one of our practitioners, we’ll develop an integrative treatment plan designed to meet your personal wellness goals. Our practitioners will support you every step of the way, lending their expertise and fostering nurturing spaces for you to heal and grow.

To talk with one of our practitioners, click here.

We look forward to hearing from you!