Acupuncture has been shown to improve IVF success rates. In a study conducted at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, researchers found that acupuncture improved the clinical pregnancy rate by 65% and the live birth rate by 41% compared to control groups.  Acupuncture has also been shown to reduce miscarriage rates, and decrease the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).  If you are considering IVF, acupuncture from a skilled and experienced practitioner can boost your chances of achieving your goal of a healthy baby.

Even though acupuncture, a part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been around for thousands of years, the modality still holds up as an effective adjunct to modern assisted reproductive treatments (ART), like IVF. Since the birth of Louise Joy Brown, the first IVF baby, on July 25, 1978, ART has undergone countless iterations and improvements, and scientists continue to try to find ways to improve outcomes. 

Interestingly, while acupuncture can seem far-fetched and a bit woo woo to some, modern research and clinical results have shown it to be effective, which is why fertility clinics around the U.S. have taken notice and begun encouraging their patients to seek acupuncture treatments along with IVF. 

KEY BENEFITS OF IVF ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture has been shown to:

– Improve uterine blood flow and motility.

– Balance hormones. 

– Reduce stress and anxiety accompanying IVF treatment and fertility challenges.

– Reduce miscarriages and lower the chance of ovarian hyperstimulation (OHSS).

– Improve live birth rates by 50-60%. 

– Improve underlying health concerns that contribute to infertility, like hypothyroidism, PCOS, and autoimmune disease. 

– Save money be reducing the number of IVF retrievals and transfers required for a live birth. 

Acupuncture may offer you the best chance at achieving a successful outcome from your fertility treatments!

Acupuncture is a safe, effective treatment that can be added to standard IVF care with minimal risk. If you are considering IVF, the ideal time to start acupuncture is 3 months prior to starting IVF. That’s because folliculogenesis is about a 90 day process, and that time can be spent preparing your body for the IVF protocol. The research shows that even one treatment prior to embryo transfer may be beneficial, so it’s never too late to add an experienced acupuncturist to your care team. 

If you’re curious about how acupuncture could benefit you during IVF or another fertility treatment, please reach out and schedule a consultation with me today. I would be happy to answer any questions that you have and help you decide if this is the right option for you. 

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Sources:

Manheimer, E., Zhang, G., Udoff, L., Haramati, A., Langenberg, P., Berman, B. M., & Bouter, L. M. (2008). Effects of acupuncture on rates of pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing in vitro fertilisation: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ (Clinical research ed.)336(7643), 545–549. 

Qian, Y., Xia, XR., Ochin, H. et al. Therapeutic effect of acupuncture on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Gynecol Obstet 295, 543–558 (2017). 

P.C. Magarelli, D.K. Cridennda, Acupuncture & IVF poor responders: a cure?, Fertility and Sterility, Volume 81, Supplement 3, 2004, Page 20.

Judith Balk, Janet Catov, Brandon Horn, Kimberly Gecsi, Anthony Wakim, The relationship between perceived stress, acupuncture, and pregnancy rates among IVF patients: A pilot study, Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, Volume 16, Issue 3, 2010, Pages 154-157.

Are you considering in vitro fertilization (IVF)? Have you gone through one or more failed IVF cycles? Have you ever wondered what you can do to improve your chances of having a healthy baby? Allow me to share some facts that will be helpful in your endeavor. 

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a process where eggs and sperm are combined in a lab dish outside of the body and then one or more of the fertilized embryos is transferred back into the woman’s uterus. The IVF protocol overrides your body’s own natural hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian feedback loop. In other words, it sort of muscles your reproductive system into doing something it wouldn’t ordinarily be doing (e.g. producing multiple follicles at once). Acupuncture can improve your chance of success with IVF by as much as 50%. 

The Top Five Reasons to Try Acupuncture with IVF

  • To increase blood flow and circulation to the reproductive organs. Acupuncture can reduce factors that impede the free flow of blood to the reproductive organs. By improving blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, oxygen and nutrients can boost ovarian function, and endometrial lining thickness, and it may improve egg quality. 
  • To reduce stress and anxiety. IVF is classified as an artificial reproductive technology (ART). There’s really nothing natural about it, and your body is designed to strive for homeostasis (balance), so when your reproductive system is being manipulated by a slew of exogenous hormones, it disrupts the balance. Acupuncture helps mitigate the side effects of IVF treatment and their impact on the body’s balance.                                                                                                                  Additionally, the process itself requires multiple doctor’s exams and trips to the lab for blood tests. Don’t forget about the big box of medications that show up on your doorstep. There are pills and shots and decisions galore. Acupuncture is very effective at providing relaxation and lowering the impact of stress on your body. Based on my patients’ feedback, I think this is one of the most important benefits. 
  • To regulate the immune system.  If your body is dealing with immune issues (autoimmune disease, inflammation, chronic infections, etc.), this can create a barrier to healthy follicle production and embryo implantation. Your body’s #1 priority is your wellbeing and survival, so if it is preoccupied with an imbalanced immune system, it decreases your odds of IVF success.  
  • To improve implantation odds. Studies have shown that acupuncture in conjunction with IVF can improve your odds of success by 40-60%! There are multiple studies with varying protocols that produced positive results when acupuncture is part of IVF. One thing to keep in mind when looking at studies (not that you’d do that for fun) is that it is difficult to design an RCT (randomized controlled trial) when doing acupuncture. The foundation of Chinese medicine says that each of us is unique, so there’s no one-size-fits all approach. Yet, even when studies have been designed with a single standardized protocol, acupuncture proves to be beneficial. 
  •  It can save you money! An average of three full IVF cycles is the most clinically effective number for women under the age of 40. At an average cost of around $15,000 per cycle, plus time away from work to attend appointments, not to mention the emotional and mental toll it can take, increasing your chances with acupuncture may save you thousands. 

What’s the best way to choose an acupuncturist for fertility?

  • Are they properly licensed? Different states have different licensure requirements, but you can check to make certain a practitioner is properly certified by checking at NCCAOM.org. 
  • Are they trained and experienced in acupuncture with IVF/IUI? This is important! Look for someone with a proven track record who speaks the lingo of your fertility doctor and understands the protocols. 
  • Do you click with them? You want to feel confident and comfortable in your choice of acupuncturist. Do they answer your questions fully? Do you feel heard? Do you look forward to your appointments? Different people like different characteristics in their practitioners. Find what works for you. 

IVF treatment isn’t the easiest process in the world, but with acupuncture your road can be just a little bit smoother. There are no guarantees when it comes to getting pregnant and having a baby, but you can boost your chances. 

If you are considering IVF, I encourage you to give acupuncture a try. It may be just what you need to start or grow your family. I have almost 20 years of clinical experience and specialized training. I was an Inaugural Fellow of the American Board of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, and I have helped hundreds of families grow. 

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact my office. I would be happy to help!

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RESOURCES

Anderson, B. J., Haimovici, F., Ginsburg, E. S., Schust, D. J., & Wayne, P. M. (2007). In vitro fertilization and acupuncture: clinical efficacy and mechanistic basis. Alternative therapies in health and medicine13(3), 38-49.

Balk, J., Catov, J., Horn, B., Gecsi, K., & Wakim, A. (2010). The relationship between perceived stress, acupuncture, and pregnancy rates among IVF patients: a pilot study. Complementary therapies in clinical practice16(3), 154-157.

Guven, P. G., Cayir, Y., & Borekci, B. (2020). Effectiveness of acupuncture on pregnancy success rates for women undergoing in vitro fertilization: A randomized controlled trial. Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology59(2), 282-286.

Ho M, Huang LC, Chang YY, Chen HY, Chang WC, Yang TC, Tsai HD. Electroacupuncture reduces uterine artery blood flow impedance in infertile women. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol. 2009 Jun;48(2):148-51.

Paulus, W. E., Zhang, M., Strehler, E., El-Danasouri, I., & Sterzik, K. (2002). Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy. Fertility and sterility77(4), 721-724.

Stener-Victorin E, Waldenström U, Andersson SA, Wikland M. Reduction of blood flow impedance in the uterine arteries of infertile women with electro-acupuncture. Human Reproduction. 1996 Jun;11(6):1314-7.

Westergaard, L. G., Mao, Q., Krogslund, M., Sandrini, S., Lenz, S., & Grinsted, J. (2006). Acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer significantly improves the reproductive outcome in infertile women: a prospective, randomized trial. Fertility and sterility85(5), 1341-1346.

Zhong, Y., Zeng, F., Liu, W., Ma, J., Guan, Y., & Song, Y. (2019). Acupuncture in improving endometrial receptivity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC complementary and alternative medicine19(1), 61.

Acupuncture is a part of traditional Chinese medicine and has been around for centuries. It is often used to effectively treat a variety of health conditions, including infertility. In recent years, acupuncture has become increasingly popular as a way to improve ovulation and increase the chances of getting pregnant. But does it actually work? In this article, we will take a closer look at acupuncture for ovulation and discuss the evidence for its effectiveness.

Anovulation, or lack of ovulation, is the cause of about 25% of infertility cases. It’s estimated that 1 in 10 women in their childbearing years will experience anovulation at some point.

Some signs of anovulation:

  • Not having periods (amenorrhea). Missing one or more periods without being pregnant could be a sign of anovulation. It’s common for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to have no or very few periods.
  • Irregular periods. The average menstrual cycle (from first day of the period to the first day of the following period) is 28 days, plus or minus a day or two. If the length of your cycle keeps changing, it’s considered irregular, and may indicate anovulation.
  • Very heavy or very light periods. We don’t often compare our periods to our girlfriends’ periods. It’s not typical party conversation, so use the following as a gage. If you lose over 1/3 of a cup of blood or your period lasts more than 7 days, it’s a heavy period. If you lose just a little more than a tablespoon of blood or less, it’s considered light.
  • Lack of cervical mucus. You should have a slippery discharge the consistency of raw egg white just before and during ovulation.
  • Irregular basal body temperature. Your basal body temperature (BBT) is taken upon waking in the morning before you begin any sort of movement. That means it’s the first thing you do after you open your eyes. Your doctor typically couldn’t care less what your BBT chart shows, but it can be very informative for a practitioner who knows how to interpret them.

Some causes of anovulation:

  • Elevated androgens (testosterone, androsterone, androstenedione). This is common in PCOS, adrenal issues and obesity.
  • Pituitary gland disorders. This can occur with a very low body weight or BMI, participating in strenuous long-term exercise, pituitary tumor.
  • Elevated prolactin levels. Prolactin is the hormone that stimulate breast milk production, which suppresses hormones needed for ovulation (LH and FSH).
  • Underactive thyroid. This is known is hypothyroidism, and low levels of the active thyroid hormone known as thyroxine, or T4, can increase the amount of prolactin your body makes, thus suppressing LH and FSH, causing anovulation.
  • Low levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). This is the hormone that triggers the release of LH and FSH, which are needed for ovulation.

The most frequent reason a woman doesn’t ovulate is due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which affects 4%-20% of women of reproductive age across the globe, making it one of the most common hormonal disorders. It’s estimated that 5 million women in the U.S. have it.

There is a fair amount of evidence to suggest that acupuncture can be helpful for ovulation in women with PCOS. One study, published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, looked at the effects of acupuncture on ovarian function in women with PCOS. The study found that acupuncture was able to improve both the quality and quantity of eggs produced by the ovaries. In addition, it also improved the overall menstrual cycle and reduced symptoms of PCOS such as hair growth and acne.

Acupuncture has also been shown to improve outcomes in women with poor ovarian response who are going through IVF. Adding electro-acupuncture increased the number of mature eggs and improved fertility rates, according to one study.

Acupuncture may influence FSH, LH and estradiol production in a way that has a balancing effect on the menstrual cycle, thus stimulating ovulation. While acupuncture is primarily a painless experience, It’s been shown that acupuncture influences beta-endorphins, which are opioid neuropeptides that play an important role in relief of pain and inflammation. Ovarian follicular fluid contains beta-endorphins, and PCOS ovaries contain higher levels than normal ovaries. This may be one mechanism for how acupuncture can promote ovulation, but further research is warranted.

Acupuncture is a difficult modality to confine to a traditional randomized controlled trial (RCT). Much of the literature regarding acupuncture and ovulation remains inconclusive, however we can’t disregard the fact that most of these studies compare a treatment group receiving a specific acupuncture protocol meant to encourage ovulation, while a control group receives sham acupuncture. With sham acupuncture, the patient still receives a treatment, but the needles are placed in points that are different from the treatment group that receives the protocol meant to cause ovulation. It’s been proven that sham acupuncture has its own effect on the person, and can’t be considered inert. It may inadvertently have a similar effect as the treatment group. 

Bottom line – It’s worth exploring acupuncture to help with ovulation issues.

Find an acupuncturist who is specifically trained in reproductive health, has clinical experience, and clearly understands fertility cycles. For acupuncture in the Austin area, contact us or schedule an appointment. We are the wiser choice for natural fertility enhancement in Central Texas.

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SOURCES:

Aleem, F. A., Eltabbakh, G. H., Omar, R. A., & Southren, A. L. (1987). Ovarian follicular fluid β-endorphin levels in normal and polycystic ovaries. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology156(5), 1197-1200.

Anovulation. (2021, Aug 25). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved January 30, 2022 from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21698-anovulation.

Chen, B. Y., & Yu, J. (1991). RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BLOOD RADIOIMMUNOREACTTVE BETA-ENDORPHIN AND HAND SKIN TEMPERATURE DURING THE ELECTRO-ACUPUNCTURE INDUCTION OF OVULATION. Acupuncture & electro-therapeutics research16(1-2), 1-5.

Deswal R, Narwal V, Dang A, Pundir CS. The Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Brief Systematic Review. J Hum Reprod Sci. 2020;13(4):261-271. doi:10.4103/jhrs.JHRS_95_18

Jang, S., Kim, K. H., Jun, J. H., & You, S. (2020). Acupuncture for in vitro fertilization in women with poor ovarian response: a systematic review. Integrative medicine research9(2), 100395.

Kusuma, A. C., Oktari, N., Mihardja, H., Srilestari, A., Simadibrata, C. L., Hestiantoro, A., … & Muna, N. (2019). Electroacupuncture enhances number of mature oocytes and fertility rates for in vitro fertilization. Medical acupuncture31(5), 289-297.

Mo, X., Li, D., Pu, Y., Xi, G., Le, X., & Fu, Z. (1993). Clinical studies on the mechanism for acupuncture stimulation of ovulation. Journal of traditional Chinese medicine = Chung i tsa chih ying wen pan13(2), 115–119.

Pastore, L. M., Williams, C. D., Jenkins, J., & Patrie, J. T. (2011). True and sham acupuncture produced similar frequency of ovulation and improved LH to FSH ratios in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism96(10), 3143-3150.

For centuries, acupuncture has been used as a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine for a variety of health issues. More and more women are turning to acupuncture for fertility treatments, either alone or in combination with other therapies. So what’s the best acupuncture for fertility? And how can you find a qualified practitioner? Keep reading to learn more.

In the U.S., about 12% of women between the ages of 15 to 44 have difficulty either getting pregnant or staying pregnant, and those numbers aren’t going down. For many women and couples, the process of trying to have a baby can take its toll financially, physically, mentally and emotionally. If there were a way to potentially minimize those negative effects, wouldn’t it just make sense to take it? Of course it would!

It doesn’t matter where you are in the process of trying to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy, the approach in finding an acupuncturist that suits you is the same. You may be just starting out and simply want to do everything you can to stack the odds in your favor. Great! You may be considering fertility treatments like IUI or IVF, because you haven’t been able to conceive naturally. Okay, go it. Perhaps you’ve already had a child, but are finding that creating a sibling isn’t going as well as that first one. That’s called secondary infertility, and we’ve seen it often. Or lastly, you’re a veteran of the fertility world and still hoping for your miracle. We see you, and we want to help. 

Acupuncture has been proven, both in the literature and clinically, to be effective at improving fertility for a wide variety of issues — PCOS, poor egg quality, advanced maternal age, low AMH, anovulation, luteal phase defect, and so on. 

How to choose the best fertility acupuncture practitioner for you. 

  • Are they properly licensed? Different states have different licensure regulations. You should be able to look up a practitioner’s license status through a state registry. For instance, in Texas, we are governed by the Texas Medical Board, and you can look up licenses on their website at https://www.tmb.state.tx.us/page/look-up-a-license.  Wiser Women’s Health is properly licensed. 
  • Are they NCCAOM certified? The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)® is the only national organization that validates competency in acupuncture and Oriental medicine through professional certification for 46 states and the District of Columbia. You can look up a practitioner at https://www.nccaom.org/find-a-practitioner-directory/. Wiser Women’s Health is NCCAOM certified. 
  • Do they have specific training in fertility and reproductive health? Most acupuncturists will tell you they treat infertility. They likely aren’t being intentionally deceptive. In Chinese medicine, we are trained to treat the whole person, not just a piece of them, so you need to look for evidence that they have the knowledge and experience you’re looking for.                                                                                    Because acupuncture uses a holistic approach, it should be noted that there isn’t one best way to treat fertility/infertility. Sara Stapleton at Wiser Women’s Health was an Inaugural Fellow of the American Board of Oriental & Reproductive Medicine and continues to take courses to increase her knowledge every year.   
  • Are they experienced and knowledgeable in conventional fertility treatments? Look for information on their website. Listen to how they answer your questions. Read their reviews. Do you get the sense they can walk the walk with you? Do they understand the fertility protocol you’re going through? Listen to your instincts. We’ve got the receipts. We have helped hundreds of central Texas women have healthy babies over the years, and most of them were simultaneously going through treatments with their fertility doctor. 
  • Do you feel comfortable and confident with them? Sometimes you just know that someone is or isn’t a good fit for you. Trust that. Sometimes you just need to have an initial appointment with them to get a true sense of who they are and how they work. Did you leave that appointment feeling hopeful and relaxed? Did you feel heard? Did they answer your questions to your satisfaction? This is something only you can answer. I can tell you this. Many of my patients come as referrals from previous patients, which is the highest compliment I can get. 

When is the best time to start acupuncture for fertility?

It’s never too early. Ideally, you’ll begin at least 3 months prior to either trying to conceive (TTC) naturally or beginning a fertility cycle with your doctor. The reason being that folliculogenesis (the time it takes to develop a follicle for release at ovulation) is about a 90 day process. A 3 month head start will help prepare the egg(s) that will either be released for ovulation or retrieved for in vitro fertilization. 

It’s also never too late. Research has shown that even minimal acupuncture can have a positive impact on fertility. 

Acupuncture helps fertility by restoring balance within the body. It can help to regulate hormones, increase blood flow to the uterus, and reduce the stress and anxiety that can accompany a fertility journey. Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for infertility, and can be used alone or in combination with other therapies.

We’re a little biased, but if you’re looking for the best acupuncture for fertility in Austin, we think you’ll find it at Wiser Health. Reach out or schedule your appointment today!

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SOURCE

Infertility. (2021, April 13). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved January 30, 2022 from https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/infertility/index.htm

Whether trying to conceive naturally or through IVF / IUI, these are valuable tips for success.

Maybe you’ve reached a point where you’re ready to start your family. Maybe you’ve been trying to have your first child for a while now without success. Or perhaps you’re trying for a second child and it’s not happening as quickly as the first time around. No matter where you are in your reproductive journey, there are things you can do to improve your chances of conceiving and having a healthy baby. 

It’s important to note that you are laying the groundwork for your baby long before conception occurs. Much like fertilizing the soil in your garden before planting, or establishing a strong foundation before building a home, if you skip the preparation, the end result may be less than ideal. If you knew that taking simple steps ahead of conception could positively influence your child’s health for their lifetime would you take those steps? Of course you would!

There are many ways that you can naturally boost your fertility. If you are trying to conceive, these tips can help improve your chances of becoming and staying pregnant. 

Tip #1 – Understand your menstrual cycle

Before you become pregnant, it is important to be familiar with the phases of your menstrual cycle. This will help you understand the ideal time for conception.  There are literally dozens of apps available for tracking your cycle. Choose one that allows you to chart your basal body temperature as well as symptoms such as cramping, breakthrough bleeding or spotting, acne, breast tenderness or fullness—anything that looks different from the norm for you. 

When plotting the data on a fertility calendar, the goal is to see the full picture. Cycle day 1 (CD1) is the first full day of menstrual bleeding. The ideal cycle length is about 28 days. The first half of the cycle is called the follicular phase, and this is when the follicle containing the egg is in final preparation for release. The release of the egg is call ovulation and should occur around CD14. Your fertile window is the 2-3 days prior to and the day of ovulation. The remainder of the cycle, post-ovulation, is called the luteal phase and is the part of your cycle when your hormone levels are at their highest. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, your period will begin again, which starts the clock over at CD1. 

Basal Body Temperature

Trust me when I say that it’s unlikely your OBGYN or fertility doctor will give a hoot about your basal body temperature (BBT), but to someone trained to look for clues in your temperature fluctuations and symptoms throughout your cycle, like me, this can be valuable information. 

The way to measure BBT is to keep a digital thermometer at your bedside and when you first awaken in the morning, before you get moving or your feet hit the floor, take your temperature and record it. Ideally, you’ll see lower temperatures in the first half (follicular phase) of your cycle followed by a 0.5 to 1 degree F increase in temperature post-ovulation (luteal phase). Things like getting up to go to the bathroom or let the cat out within three hours of your wake-up time can impact your BBT, so make a note of it in your chart, especially if the temperature reading seems unusual. 

If you’ve tracked your BBT for 3-6 months, and the results are what is considered normal month to month, you don’t necessarily need to continue to track it, unless you just like having the data. If your temperature charts show inconsistencies or recurring anomalies, it may be helpful to continue to chart your temperatures while working with a practitioner who can provide natural ways to try to correct things. 

If tracking your BBT creates stress for you, then it’s probably not necessary. The last thing I want to do is create more stress for my patients who are trying to get pregnant. In the absence of a BBT chart, it is still recommended that you make notations in your period tracking app about your day to day symptoms. That can include things like headaches, digestive issues, constipation, moodiness, irritability, insomnia, breakthrough bleeding or spotting, etc. 

You’ll notice that hormonal fluctuations can cause symptoms on different days of the cycle, so use your calendar to understand your body better and how it changes over time. Women with regular cycles between 26-32 days long are more likely to conceive than those who have longer or shorter cycles.

When you note a change in any of the symptoms on your calendar, document when it occurs and then continue to monitor that same symptom or ones similar. For example, if you’ve been having breakthrough spotting on days 10-12 of every cycle, and this month on day 10 you have some pink discharge instead—record that day as well as the following two days. By noticing a change in your pattern, you’ll be better able to track your cycle and pinpoint ovulation.

Tip #2 – Nutrition

Remember, you’re laying the foundation for your baby. Improving your nutrition prior to and during pregnancy can make a world of difference for your child. (By the way, the father’s nutrition and lifestyle make a difference, too. After all, 23 of your child’s 46 chromosomes come from his sperm. I’ll save that for a different post.)

Healthy changes in your diet alone can improve your fertility and boost your overall reproductive health. Let’s hit the basics:

  • Eat the rainbow in the form of vegetables, preferably organic. Make veggies the star of your food show every day. Five servings minimum. 
  • Eat animal protein in moderation. Consider not having it at every meal, and eat a variety. Choose healthier sources (grass-fed, pasture-raised, wild-caught, free-range) as much as possible. 
  • Fat is not the bad guy; sugar is. Consume it often. Healthier fats include coconut oil, organic butter, ghee, avocados and avocado oil, olives and olive oil, hemp, flax, nuts and nut butters. 
  • Reduce the carbs! Processed carbs and sugar are highly inflammatory in the body and they contribute to insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes. Consider green vegetables, beets and carrots to be free foods, and eat as much as you want. Cut out added sugars. Even so called “health foods” can surprise you with the amount of carbohydrates they contain. No more than 30 grams of carbs per meal. 
  • Minimize, or better yet avoid, gluten. It’s another inflammatory trigger. 
  • Eat every 2-3 hours or before your body signals that it’s hungry in order to prevent carb cravings. When you’re hangry, quick carbs are more appealing but much less healthy for you. Don’t let your blood sugar dip to that point. 
  • Eat fat with everything. Healthy fats keep you satiated and will help stabilize your blood sugar. 
  • Don’t overdo the nuts. Too many of them can contribute to inflammation. 
  • The ratio of veggies to fruit should be 2:1. 
  • Some sugar substitutes that are acceptable are stevia, xylitol, lohan and monk fruit.  Do not use agave nectar. It’s almost pure fructose. 

Tip #3 – The right supplements

Everybody is different and has different needs, but there are some basics that stay consistent. The subject of what supplements to take and what brands to buy can be confusing. That’s where a trained practitioner of functional medicine can be helpful. 

The basics:

  • A prenatal or a multivitamin. No matter how pristeen your diet is, there will be nutritional gaps here and there. 
  • Fish oil can improve egg quality and prolong female reproductive lifespan.
  • Additional Vitamin D3 may have a significant impact on the ovaries and the endometrial lining of the uterus. 

Other contenders to help with fertility. 

  • Magnesium
  • Vitamin C
  • Iron, B12 and B6 (all associated with anemia)
  • CoQ10
  • Royal Jelly
  • Chaste Tree (Vitex)

The list doesn’t stop there. I choose to tailor supplement recommendations to each patient based on the data I collect through basic labs and our initial conversations. 

Tip #4 – Minimize stress

Stress less. If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times, but it’s true. Today’s lifestyles can be stressful, even when you’re trying your best to be healthy. Not to mention the pressure we sometimes put on ourselves to get pregnant in a certain time frame. It can add up and cause natural responses in the body that work against you when trying to conceive. 

Consider stress-reducing activities like:

  • Yoga. There are even yoga classes specifically designed to improve fertility.
  • Meditation. Don’t skip over this one just because it seems impossible to “clear your mind of thought” and sit quietly for 20 minutes. There are different ways to enjoy the mindfulness of meditation. There are endless apps available that can be helpful. Try guided meditations, visualization (like daydreaming about something joyful or relaxing), journaling, solo walks (especially in nature), quiet time snuggling with a pet, restorative yoga. 
  • Get plenty of healthy sleep. Go to bed around the same time every night. Make sure your bedroom is dark and cool. Keep screens turned off (phones, tablets, computers, and televisions). If you have a tendency to awaken during the night and not fall back asleep, adopting the eating habits in tip #2 may correct that. 
  • Exercise. Even if you feel like you can only manage 15 minutes in your day, do it. A little bit of something is better than a whole lot of nothing. Ideally, you’ll exercise moderately for 30-45 minutes 3-4 times a week. Getting the blood moving is key. Good blood flow means nourishment for your reproductive system. 
  • Setting boundaries. One of the best things you can do is let go of pleasing others and set healthy boundaries for yourself and your time. 

Tip #5 – Avoid toxins

Exposure to toxins, whether inhaled, consumed orally or absorbed through the skin, not only affects your fertility, but potentially your baby’s health. An investigation by the Environmental Working Group (ewg.org) in 2005 found an average of 200 industrial chemicals and pollutants in umbilical cord blood from a sampling of babies born in U.S. hospitals. An average of 200! These included pesticides, consumer product ingredients like fast food packaging, coal waste, gasoline,Teflon and flame retardants. Of the total of 287 chemicals detected, 180 can cause cancer in humans or animals, 217 are toxic to the brain and nervous system, and 208 cause birth defects or abnormal development in animal studies. 

The primary organ of biotransformation and detoxification is your liver, so in addition to avoiding toxin exposure, here are some ways you can promote liver health.

  • Milk thistle can decrease liver inflammation.
  • Turmeric can be protective for liver function.
  • Clean up your personal care and use more natural products.
  • Avoid excessive or chronic alcohol use.  
  • Minimize caffeine.
  • Avoid refined sugar.
  • Avoid weight gain that raises your body mass index (BMI) above 25.
  • Find out if there’s a family history of liver disease. 

Bonus tip – Try acupuncture for fertility

Fertility acupuncture has been shown to reduce stress, improve hormone function and increase blood flow to reproductive organs. Fertility acupuncture is tailored to each individual and has been proven to improve the chances of pregnancy by 40-60%!

Diet, exercise, stress management and avoiding toxins are all important factors when it comes to fertility. Making small changes can make a big difference. Try incorporating some of these tips into your daily routine to improve your fertility health. And for an even greater chance of success, add fertility acupuncture to the mix. 

If you’d like more information about improving your fertility naturally, you can email, call or schedule an appointment with us at Wiser Health. We offer telehealth appointments as well as in office acupuncture. 

Sources 

Nehra, D., Le, H. D., Fallon, E. M., Carlson, S. J., Woods, D., White, Y. A., Pan, A. H., Guo, L., Rodig, S. J., Tilly, J. L., Rueda, B. R., & Puder, M. (2012). Prolonging the female reproductive lifespan and improving egg quality with dietary omega-3 fatty acids. Aging cell11(6), 1046–1054. 

Pilz, S., Zittermann, A., Obeid, R., Hahn, A., Pludowski, P., Trummer, C., Lerchbaum, E., Pérez-López, F. R., Karras, S. N., & März, W. (2018). The Role of Vitamin D in Fertility and during Pregnancy and Lactation: A Review of Clinical Data. International journal of environmental research and public health15(10), 2241. 

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 sciences6(9), 1685–1687. https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2018.379