Fertility Acupuncture In Supporting Your Path to Parenthood

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an integral part of Chinese medicine that dates back about 3,000 years. It has gained increasing popularity in the Western World, with more than 4.1% of Americans reporting its lifetime use. It is proven to have beneficial effects on pain relief, vomiting, and nausea after surgical procedures.

In recent years, acupuncture for fertility has gained popularity as a complementary therapy for those seeking to enhance their chances of getting pregnant. 

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture works by inserting fine, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points along the body's meridians. These strategically placed needles stimulate the flow of "Qi" (pronounced "chee"), the body's vital energy, and promote balance within the body. When it comes to fertility, acupuncture is believed to:

• Regulate Hormones: Acupuncture can help regulate hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which are crucial for a healthy menstrual cycle and successful conception.
• Improve Blood Flow: By enhancing blood circulation to the reproductive organs, acupuncture can increase the chances of a fertilized egg implanting in the uterus.
• Reduce Stress: High-stress levels can negatively impact fertility. Acupuncture is known to reduce stress and promote relaxation, creating a more conducive environment for conception.
• Improve results of fertility treatments: Fertility acupuncture may increase the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.
• Support Male Fertility: Fertility acupuncture is not exclusive to women. It can also benefit men by improving sperm quality and count.
  

Fertility Acupuncture & IVF

If you're considering in-vitro fertilization (IVF), fertility acupuncture can be an excellent complement to the process. While there is a lack of studies on ideal acupuncture protocol (timing and duration of the treatments) and the exact application of acupuncture for IVF treatment, multiple studies demonstrated that the use of acupuncture, especially at the day of embryo transfer, may increase pregnancy rates for women going through IVF treatment. The most recent study also showed that for patients doing frozen embryo transfer, the use of individualized acupuncture therapy can significantly improve pregnancy rates and decrease miscarriage rates.

Finding Fertility Acupuncture Near Me

Now that you understand the potential benefits of fertility acupuncture, you might be wondering how to find a qualified practitioner. Begin your search by looking for "fertility acupuncture near me" online or asking for recommendations from your healthcare provider or friends who have undergone similar treatments.

When choosing a fertility acupuncturist, consider the following:

• Qualifications: Ensure that the practitioner is licensed and certified in acupuncture and has experience in fertility-related treatments.
• Reputation: Read reviews and seek testimonials from previous patients to gauge the practitioner's success rate and patient satisfaction.
• Compatibility: Choose a practitioner with whom you feel comfortable discussing your fertility concerns and treatment plan.

 If you need help finding fertility acupuncture near you, we can help.

Conclusion

Fertility acupuncture has become a valuable tool for individuals and couples on their journey to parenthood. Whether you're considering it as a standalone treatment or as a complementary therapy to IVF, acupuncture for fertility may offer the support and balance your body needs to increase the chances of conception. Our fertility advisors can help you further optimize your fertility through lifestyle changes, the use of supplements, and fertility nutrition.

Sources:

1. 1. Burke A, Upchurch DM, Dye C, Chyu L. Acupuncture use in the United States: findings from the National Health Interview Survey. J Altern Complement Med 2006;12:639–48.
2.  Siterman S, Eltes F, Wolfson V, Zabludovsky N, Bartoov B. Effect of acupuncture on sperm parameters of males suffering from subfertility related to low sperm quality. Arch Androl 1997;39:155–61.
3. Manni L, Lundeberg T, Holmang A, Aloe L, Stener-Victorin E. Effect of electro-acupuncture on ovarian expression of alpha (1)- and beta (2)- adrenoceptors, and p75 neurotrophin receptors in rats with steroidinduced polycystic ovaries. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2005;3:21
4. Dong JT. Research on the reduction of anxiety and depression with acupuncture. Am J Acupunct 1993;21:327–30.
5. Rubin, L.H., et al., Impact of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) on frozen embryo transfers (FET) of autologous embryos with comprehensive chromosomal screening (CCS): a retrospective cohort STUDY. Fertility and Sterility, 2020. 114(3): p. e450-e451.

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