Acupuncture works to balance hormones and improve uterine and ovarian function. It helps regulate the menstrual cycle, increase ovulation, and reduce stress.
Studies have shown that acupuncture increases IVF success rates by improving embryo implantation. It does this by modulating autoimmunity, enhancing blood flow, and promoting a physiological environment for successful implantation. Keep reading the article below to learn more about Acupuncture For Fertility.
Acupuncture is a ancient practice that involves inserting tiny needles into specific points on the body. This stimulates muscles, nerves and connective tissue and increases blood flow to the area treated. Acupuncture is often used to increase fertility because it can improve circulation to the ovaries, thicken the uterine lining and help regulate hormones. Acupuncture can also reduce stress and anxiety, which can interfere with the reproductive system. Acupuncture can also aid in reducing the risk of miscarriage.
Several studies have shown that acupuncture can increase ovulation and boost a woman’s chances of becoming pregnant. But it’s important to remember that these studies were not designed to determine if acupuncture actually causes pregnancy.
These studies found that acupuncture can significantly increase ovulation rates, which is good news for those trying to conceive. However, the results of these studies don’t prove that acupuncture is effective at helping couples conceive on their own. Some experts say that acupuncture can be useful as an add-on treatment during IVF, but it’s also important to understand the limits of its effectiveness.
When acupuncture needles are inserted in the body, they activate specific areas of the brain that send signals to the rest of the body. These signals can trigger the production of a hormone known as Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH). FSH plays a vital role in ovulation by stimulating follicles to mature and release eggs. Studies have shown that acupuncture can also increase production of the “feel-good” hormones, which can relieve stress and decrease inflammation in the body.
Another benefit of acupuncture for fertility is that it can increase the chances of successful embryo implantation. Studies have shown that women who received acupuncture before and after embryo transfer experienced higher rates of implantation than those who did not receive acupuncture. It is believed that acupuncture can increase blood flow to the uterus, improve ovarian function and reduce a woman’s stress levels before and after embryo transfer.
Acupuncture for fertility can be a great addition to any infertility treatment regimen. Acupuncture is safe and natural, and it can be helpful in promoting overall health and wellbeing. However, it is important to consult with a licensed practitioner who is familiar with fertility issues. Infertility can be emotionally challenging, and it is important to have a supportive environment as you navigate the process.
Increased Blood Flow to the Uterus
Acupuncture is known to increase blood flow to the uterus, which aids in ovulation and menstruation. It also reduces stress and tension in the body and mind, which can contribute to infertility. Many patients report that their treatments are very relaxing and calming, which is especially helpful when trying to conceive.
According to a study published in Fertility and Sterility, adding acupuncture to an IVF treatment regimen increases pregnancy rates. The researchers found that patients who underwent acupuncture in addition to their regular IVF protocol had a clinical pregnancy rate of 34%, while the women who did not receive acupuncture only had a pregnancy rate of 26%.
It is believed that acupuncture works by stimulating a specific set of points on the ovaries and the uterus, which trigger the release of hormones that stimulate egg follicles and promote fertility. It may also work by altering the neuroendocrine system to change the way in which certain hormones are produced, thereby boosting fertility. Acupuncture is considered safe for most women, but it is important to find a licensed practitioner who has experience treating reproductive issues. Incorrect acupuncture points can trigger miscarriage, and it is important for the acupuncturist to know whether or not you are pregnant.
In addition to acupuncture, herbal medicine can help boost fertility. Acupuncturists will often prescribe Chinese herbal formulas that contain a combination of herbs to address the root cause of the problem. The herbs are usually in the form of capsules, pills or granules that can be taken as tea.
Acupuncture can be used during all stages of IVF, including ovulation induction, embryo transfer and the implantation process. However, it is important to note that a recent study published in the journal Human Reproduction has found that acupuncture performed around the time of a woman’s ovulation induction does not improve live birth rates. However, it is still recommended that a patient consider acupuncture as an add-on treatment to their IVF protocol. In addition to addressing fertility concerns, acupuncture can treat common side effects of IVF, such as headaches, nausea and fatigue.
Reduced Stress
Acupuncture can help with fertility issues by reducing stress levels. Many people who are trying to conceive experience symptoms of anxiety and depression which can interfere with the ability to conceive. Acupuncture reduces these conditions and can also alleviate other physical symptoms such as headaches, irritability and muscle tension. Acupuncture is known to improve the thickness of the endometrial lining which can aid in implantation. Additionally, acupuncture has been shown to increase fertility by regulating hormones and improving blood flow.
A study published in Reproductive Biomedicine & Society Online showed that women receiving acupuncture had lower rates of pregnancy and miscarriage than those who did not receive treatment. The researchers attributed these results to a reduction in the patients’ levels of trait and state anxiety. While the study was not a randomized control trial, it was still significant as it shows that acupuncture does significantly reduce stress and improves fertility outcomes.
During an acupuncture session, very thin, stainless steel needles are inserted into a series of acupuncture points throughout the body. These needles are placed in areas that are thought to optimize fertility by regulating the menstrual cycle, enhancing ovulation and oocyte quality, and by increasing sperm count and motility. Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment when performed by a trained and licensed practitioner. The United States Food and Drug Administration classifies acupuncture needles as medical devices and requires that they be sterile and single use only.
Acupuncture for fertility is often part of a holistic treatment plan that may include herbal therapies, diet and lifestyle recommendations, and other forms of alternative medicine. If you are considering acupuncture, talk with your reproductive endocrinologist before you start treatments. It’s important to ensure that the acupuncturist you choose is familiar with infertility treatments and that they are using sterile, single-use needles. Typically, fertility acupuncture involves a course of treatment that lasts for several weeks or months. During these treatments, you will likely see your acupuncturist for a few appointments per week. Before your first appointment, ask about the frequency of your treatment and what you should expect from each visit.
Increased Fertility
When a woman is trying to conceive, the hormonal changes involved are intense. Acupuncture can help regulate these hormones to facilitate ovulation and normal hormonal production, increasing blood flow to the ovaries and uterus for implantation and reducing stress levels that can interfere with fertility.
Acupuncture is a centuries-old form of Traditional Chinese Medicine that involves inserting small needles into specific points on the body to stimulate your natural healing process. It is based on the idea that illness and disease stem from an interruption of the energy flow called “chi” throughout your body.
When the needles are inserted in your skin, they cause your body to release the naturally occurring pain killers and feel-good chemicals known as endorphins and oxytocin, which have been shown to increase fertility. The calming effect produced by acupuncture can also help to relieve the stresses and emotional difficulties that often arise during fertility treatment.
In men, acupuncture has been shown to improve sperm parameters such as concentration, motility and count. This has the potential to help improve IVF fertilization rates, as a high-quality sperm is essential for an embryo to implant and carry to term.
Acupuncture is also a great complement to conventional treatments such as ovulation induction and assisted reproductive therapy, which can enhance the overall results. Several studies have shown that women who receive acupuncture prior to and during the ovarian stimulation and embryo transfer (ET) phase of IVF are more likely to get pregnant than those who don’t receive it.
Acupuncture has also been shown to be helpful during pregnancy, alleviating some of the symptoms that can sometimes accompany it such as morning sickness, fatigue and lower back pain. However, it’s important to choose a licensed acupuncturist with sufficient experience in treating fertility patients and to make sure your fertility specialist is aware of your intentions to undergo this treatment before scheduling appointments.