Do you know that acupuncture can improve your fertility? A lot of women are unaware of this natural treatment option. Acupuncture has been shown to be very effective in increasing pregnancy rates – often times it’s as effective as traditional fertility treatments! So if you’re looking for a natural way to boost your fertility, acupuncture may be the right choice for you. In this post, I will discuss the benefits of acupuncture for fertility, as well as everything you need to know before starting treatment.
Acupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves the use of thin needles inserted into specific points on the body. Acupuncture has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, and is now widely accepted as an effective treatment for infertility, as well as a way to improve overall health prior to pregnancy.
What can acupuncture do for my fertility?
There are many benefits of acupuncture for fertility. Some of the main benefits include:
– Increased blood flow to the reproductive organs
– Improved egg quality and implantation rates
– Improved ovarian function and balanced hormones
– Reduced stress and anxiety levels
– Treats underlying issues that contribute to infertility (e.g. PCOS, Hashimoto’s disease)
– Relief from symptoms of infertility such as pain, bloating, and fatigue
– A 50-60% increase in odds of success, when conceiving naturally or with IVF / IUI
– Money saved due to shorter time to conceive and fewer miscarriages
How do I choose an acupuncturist?
Acupuncture is a relatively safe treatment option, and is generally well tolerated. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind before starting acupuncture treatment:
– Not all acupuncturists are fertility experts. Make sure to choose an acupuncturist who has experience in treating infertility. Most acupuncturists will say they treat infertility, so make sure they bring the receipts to back it up. Ask questions and trust your instincts.
– Acupuncture should not be used as a replacement for conventional medical treatment. In most states in the U.S., acupuncturists have a limited scope of practice compared to medical doctors, so build a team of trusted experts around you. Choose an acupuncturist who thoroughly understands modern fertility treatments and can speak the language.
– Acupuncture isn’t always a quick fix. Ideally, you would start treatment at least 3 months before trying to conceive or before beginning assisted reproductive treatments (ART) like IUI and IVF, but it’s never too late to start.
– Acupuncture has its limitations. It can’t cure endometriosis, but it can minimize symptoms. It can’t clear a lesion blocking a fallopian tube, but it may open a tube that is closed due to spasm. This is why it’s important to gather your team around you.
Is there a downside to acupuncture?
It depends on how you look at it. Acupuncture works with your body to help it heal itself, so there is no one size fits all approach. Some people may need more or less treatment than others. Also, as with any form of medicine, there are always potential side effects and risks associated with acupuncture. However, these are usually minor and can be avoided by finding a qualified acupuncturist.
The most common side effect is a deep state of relaxation. Yes, please!
Overall, acupuncture is a safe and effective way to improve fertility and increase your chances of getting pregnant naturally or through assisted reproductive treatments. If you’re considering trying acupuncture for fertility, make sure to do your research first and find an acupuncturist who has experience in working with patients like you. Trust your gut – if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t! And remember – you’re not alone on this journey.
The bottom line
Acupuncture for fertility can help you get pregnant, stay pregnant, and ultimately deliver a healthy baby. By incorporating acupuncture to treat infertility and other underlying factors that may be contributing to fertility challenges, you can optimize your odds of success and possibly avoid months or years of disappointment and expensive assisted reproductive treatments. Not to mention the tens of thousands of dollars you may spend along the way that could be put into a hefty college fund.
You should consider acupuncture for fertility no matter how you’re trying to conceive – naturally or with ART. The steps you take to prepare for pregnancy will have a lifelong impact on your child, and even their children!
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Sources:
– Elisabet Stener-Victorin, Urban Waldenstrom, Sven A. Andersson, Matts Wikland, Reduction of blood flow impedance in the uterine arteries of infertile women with electro-acupuncture, Human Reproduction, Volume 11, Issue 6, June 1996, Pages 1314–1317.
-“Acupuncture for fertility.” WebMD, webmd.com/baby/features/acupuncture-fertility>. Accessed 13 Apr. 2017.
-“Acupuncture for fertility.” American Pregnancy Association, https://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/acupuncture-for-fertility/. Accessed 23 Jan. 2022.
-Zhu, J., Arsovska, B., & Kozovska, K. (2018). Acupuncture Treatment for Fertility. Open access Macedonian journal of medical sciences, 6(9), 1685–1687. https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2018.379
