Acupuncture for Infertility
According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, infertility affects a significant number of American women, with almost 20% struggling to conceive. Although there are several potential causes, pinpointing the exact reason for the difficulty in conceiving can be challenging, even for fertility specialists.
If you’re experiencing infertility, it’s crucial to work with a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist to diagnose and treat the underlying causes. In addition, complementary treatments like acupuncture may prove beneficial.
Take Home-messages:
- Acupuncture, an ancient practice, has gained validation as a legitimate medical treatment for several health conditions, including infertility.
- Consulting with your doctor can help identify the underlying causes of infertility, improving your chances of conception.
- Acupuncture can also promote overall relaxation throughout the body, which may increase the probability of successful in-vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles.
- Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of acupuncture in increasing positive outcomes for women undergoing fertility treatments.
Can acupuncture treat infertility?
The most effective infertility treatment varies depending on its underlying cause. Therefore, it is impossible to guarantee that acupuncture will be a universal solution for all patients. Nonetheless, acupuncture can prove to be an extremely useful form of treatment for women who have received a diagnosis of infertility, particularly if they have had previous failed attempts with IVF.
A qualitative study and randomized controlled trials showed that women who received acupuncture treatment before an IVF procedure had significantly lower anxiety levels and higher pregnancy rates than those who did not. Additionally, a systemic review of several studies found that women who received acupuncture during an embryo transfer had higher pregnancy rates and lower rates of miscarriage.
Acupuncture is a versatile form of treatment that can be integrated into fertility treatments such as IVF and Intrauterine Insemination (IUI).
But how does acupuncture improve your chances of getting pregnant? The answer lies in a combination of factors, which we will examine more closely.
How does it work on the Central Nervous System and Hormonal changes?
Acupuncture, originating from Traditional Chinese Medicine and East Asian Medicine, is an effective treatment and supplementary therapy for women struggling with infertility according to modern science. Acupuncture offers several potential benefits that improve their chances of conceiving by adapting the Central Nervous System (CNS) and stress hormones changes.
The CNS is a vital system in the human body that controls various functions, including movement, sensation, and cognition. Acupuncture is an ancient East Asian medical practice that involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue.
Cui et al. (2021) on their study have shown that acupuncture can benefit the CNS by regulating the release of neurotransmitters and hormones, reducing inflammation, and promoting neural plasticity. As such, acupuncture has been used to treat a variety of neurological conditions, including chronic pain, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke.
A peer-reviewed scientific paper states that by reducing stress levels before and after fertility treatments, acupuncture can help lower anxiety, induce relaxation, release muscle tension, and decrease the presence of stress hormones in the body. High levels of cortisol, the primary stress hormone, can disrupt the menstrual cycle and ovulation. Additionally, anxiety can cause an increase in adrenaline, leaving the body in a constant state of tension. These ongoing effects of stress and anxiety can negatively impact ovulation and conception, potentially lowering success rates even for women undergoing reproductive treatments. With the potential benefits of acupuncture, women can seek this complementary therapy to reduce stress and anxiety and improve their chances of conceiving.
If you want to learn more about how acupuncture can benefit the CNS and hormonal regulations, consult our licensed acupuncturists at Metro Acupuncture.
How many treatments will I need to treat infertility?
The number of treatments required varies from person to person, depending on various factors, such as the underlying cause of infertility, age, and overall health. Typically, a course of treatment with acupuncture for infertility may involve weekly sessions for several weeks, with some patients requiring up to three months of regular treatments to achieve optimal results. Additionally, regular maintenance treatments may be recommended to help maintain the benefits of acupuncture.
Our clinics offer consultations with a licensed acupuncturist to determine an individualized treatment plan that is right for you. Many individuals can improve their chances of conceiving and starting a family with a comprehensive approach to fertility treatments, including acupuncture.
When should I start acupuncture for infertility?
If you’re exploring acupuncture as a potential treatment for infertility, you might be wondering when the best time to start is. While acupuncture can be beneficial at any stage of your fertility journey, seeking advice from your reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist is crucial, as they are familiar with your medical history and can provide personalized recommendations.
According to recent literature, we are starting acupuncture treatments for infertility at least three months before your first embryo transfer can increase the likelihood of a successful conception. Additionally, many women continue acupuncture throughout the first trimester.
Our flexible acupuncture treatments are tailored to each individual’s specific fertility journey. Our recommendations are based on the latest research in acupuncture and are designed to promote your health and safety.
The videos below contain additional information and resources that can be helpful for patients diagnosed with infertility:
Take a look at Metro Acupuncture on Fox 5:
Connect with Our Atlanta Acupuncture Experts Today
To schedule an appointment with our acupuncture experts, call us at (404) 255-8388 or book online. We’re here to help you achieve your health and fertility goals with safe, effective acupuncture treatments. Don’t hesitate to reach out today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you.