The Role of Acupuncture in Fertility
Are you among the over 2 million women in the U.S. who face infertility challenges every year? If so, you’ve likely embarked on a journey filled with hope, frustration, and longing, with no clear resolution in sight. Amidst the array of medical interventions, acupuncture has emerged over the past decade as a complementary approach that can support and enhance Western treatments for infertility, including in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Understanding Acupuncture
Acupuncture, a practice dating back thousands of years, revolves around the concept of Qi (pronounced “chi”), the body’s life force energy. Acupuncturists access Qi by skillfully inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points along the body’s meridians to restore balance, enhance energy and blood flow, and promote healing. The scientific landscape regarding acupuncture’s impact on fertility remains complex. Some studies suggest potential benefits, including improved ovarian function and sperm quality, while others remain inconclusive. However, research has shown that acupuncture can improve outcomes in IVF, with many patients seeking acupuncture at key stages of IVF, including right before and after embryo transfer. There are hundreds of acupuncturists focusing on only fertility and many Western medical fertility clinics are incorporating acupuncture and herbs to their treatment protocols. [1] [2]
Addressing Male Fertility
Contrary to popular belief, fertility challenges are not solely a female issue. In the US, about 30% of all infertility cases are due to male factors. Recent studies show significant declines in sperm count globally, making natural conception difficult. Male factor infertility is defined as the inability to conceive due to issues with sperm quality, quantity, or function. Multiple studies indicate that combining acupuncture with Assisted Reproductive Technologies can improve sperm motility and quality in men with infertility.
The Acupuncturist’s Approach
As a licensed acupuncturist, I often work with people at various stages of their journey to conceive—whether they’ve just discontinued birth control, faced months of unsuccessful attempts, or experienced failed IVF cycles. Acupuncture can be performed alongside nearly all conventional therapeutics.
In your initial appointment, I will conduct a thorough intake, delving into your diet, lifestyle, emotional well-being, and medical history. This holistic approach aims to identify the root cause of any fertility challenges rather than merely addressing surface-level symptoms or taking you through a one-size-fits-all routine. You will receive customized lifestyle, nutrition, and movement practice recommendations to support you on this challenging journey.
The Benefits of Acupuncture Treatments
Successive treatments could offer the following benefits:
- Improved Blood Flow to Reproductive Organs and Egg Quality: Acupuncture has been linked to better blood flow to the reproductive organs in both females and males. By enhancing blood flow to the ovaries, acupuncture improves the ovarian environment and function, potentially leading to better egg quality and maturation. It has also been shown to help improve uterine lining thickness, an important factor in successful implantation. Male infertility factors can also benefit from regular acupuncture treatments.
- Hormonal Balance: Acupuncture may help regulate hormones crucial for conception.
- Stress Reduction and Reduced Side Effects: Acupuncture provides a calming effect, which can positively impact fertility. It can also help manage side effects such as bloating, headaches, and mood swings resulting from hormone treatments.
Acupuncture works through a series of treatments. Consistent sessions over time yield cumulative effects. Be patient and allow your body to respond over a few cycles of treatments as you incorporate certain nutrition and lifestyle changes. Please remember that fertility journeys are unique, and each person’s timeline varies.
Consultation and Appointment
Please consult with your healthcare team. Acupuncture complements Western medicine, offering a holistic path toward fertility whether you’re pursuing natural conception or assisted reproductive technologies.
Schedule your appointment today to seek personalized guidance.
Nevin Turk‘s current availability is on Mondays and Fridays. Should those days not work for you, our other 2 licensed acupuncturists, Cathy Cahill and Judy Allen, are also available to support your fertility journey.