Acupuncture for Fertility
How Traditional Chinese Medicine Can Increase Pregnancy Outcomes
What Is Acupuncture For Fertility?
Are you curious how acupuncture could help you have a baby?
Acupuncture has been used for centuries to treat infertility by increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs and can be extremely beneficial when combined with other treatments like IVF (in vitro fertilization) or IUI (intrauterine insemination).
In fact, researchers concluded that using acupuncture alongside assisted reproductive technology treatments increases the chance of success by up to 50%.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Phases Of Care For Clinical Pregnancy
Preconception
In Chinese medicine, preconception is about 3 months before conception. It takes on average 3 months to complete an egg cycle and I like to think of this time as 'preparing the soil.' During this important time once weekly acupuncture, herbs, and other lifestyle medicine practices are introduced to make way for pregnancy. This critical time gives babies the best chance for a vibrant start in life.
TCM Used With Assisted Reproduction Therapy (ART)
Assisted Reproduction Therapies (ART), such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) can assist couples who are struggling with fertility. Both have the same end game and have pros and cons. I recommend professional medical advice and collaboration between practitioners.
In IUI treatment, the objective of IUI is to give the sperm a better chance of reaching the fallopian tubes, allowing for a higher probability of fertilization. As opposed to IVF, which involves fertilization of sperm and eggs by an embryologist before they are transferred into the uterus.
Since 2002, when a German research group first demonstrated an increase in clinical pregnancy rates when acupuncture was done throughout IVF, TCM has been frequently used to complement infertility treatments.
Pregnancies assisted with acupuncture were 42.5% more likely to succeed, versus 26.3% in the control group. In this way, western and eastern medicine complement each other to enhance fertility.
Benefits During Pregnancy
Morning sickness is no joke, but acupuncture helps with that. During pregnancy, acupuncture treatments can help prevent miscarriages, support pregnancy fatigue, and provide a drug-free strategy for pain relief when unable to take pharmaceuticals.
After Pregnancy Care
The postpartum time period begins after the baby is born and is an important time for the mother to recuperate. Alternative therapies and Chinese medicine can help to return her to her pre-pregnancy state while also adjusting to the demands of having a newborn in her life.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Acupuncture Treatment For Infertility?
Medical acupuncture sessions combined with herbal medicine for infertility treatment can improve :
reproductive health
reduce stress by calming the nervous system
help to avoid side effects from fertility drugs
sperm quality
IVF success rates
pregnancy rates
hormone balance
intrauterine insemination
embryo transfer
Male Fertility
Maybe you think fertility depends on the female. Not so fast.
Male infertility accounts for 50% of fertility issues. This includes low sperm count, motility issues, and low testosterone. Infertility treatment for males uses specific acupuncture points and herbal formulas to move blood flow and address these issues.
What Can Acupuncture Treatments And Oriental Medicine Do For Fertility Patients And Women Undergoing IVF And Embryo Transfer?
Hormone Imbalance
Herbal formulations, as well as acupuncture needles, increase blood flow to the lower abdomen and uterine arteries. By increasing blood flow, the treatments affect hormone production, the endocrine system, and can help with anxiety disorders that can disrupt the fertility process.
Here are common diagnoses that are improved with an acupuncture and herbal treatment regimen:
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Fertility disorder
Endometriosis
Ovarian cysts
Hormone imbalance regulation
Tubal adhesions
The Integrative Support You Need To Get Pregnant And Deliver A Healthy Baby
Your fertility is intimately linked to your physical and emotional health. Our fertility treatments focus on the pillars of holistic health - mindset and preparation, nutrition, movement, and rest - in order to ensure that your body and mind receive all of the building blocks required for a healthy pregnancy.
I address the underlying issues that influence fertility, including hormonal imbalances, complicated medical histories, age, and stress. By working with me, fertility specialist, Dr. Brooke Foreman, you will receive the greatest care available with treatments that are tailored to your specific requirements.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture works by balancing the body's energy or qi (pronounced "chee"). When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to health problems including infertility. Acupuncture helps restore balance and encourages the body to heal itself. It is a safe and effective treatment that can be used during all phases of family planning: preconception, conception, pregnancy, and post-pregnancy.
Comprehensive Care From Integrative Fertility Experts
We are here to integrate the finest methods to get closer to success, whether you're just beginning or have been at it for some time. Let us help you optimize your fertility.
