Fertility

Acupuncture has recently been used to improve the chances of conception during in-vitro fertilization (IVF), assisted reproductive technology (ART), and intrauterine insemination (IUI). Research supports the use of acupuncture during these stressful and uncomfortable procedures.  Research shows improves the chances on convening by that acupuncture reduce stress, promotes optimum amounts of FSH and LH, regulates hormones and improve ovarian function to better egg quality, increases blood flow to uterus to improve endometrial lining, alleviates side effects of hormonal treatments, and decreases uterine contractility at implantation.

Acupuncture can help boost a woman’s chances of a successful pregnancy after they've undergone (IVF) procedures. A study conducted in 2016 compared the experiences of women who had acupuncture during their conceptions to those who did not get the treatment. The study found that the women who had acupuncture were more likely to conceive in half the time than those who only relied on lifestyle changes.

Another recent study showed that patients undergoing ART therapies experienced an decrease in uterine pulsatility, an increase of uterine blood flow, and an increase in uterine endometrium lining thickness in health after a series of electro-acupuncture procedures. These changes to the female reproductive system make it more advantageous for embryo transfers.

Recent research also demonstrates that acupuncture can improve the chances of a successful pregnancy with IUI by increasing blood flow to the womb and regulating hormones. Acupuncture can also increase a male's sperm count. These factors increase the chances of a successful implantation and birth.

Chinese Herbal Fertility formulas combine various components derived from plants and flowers. Chinese herbs improve a woman's fertility and prevent miscarriage by reducing stress levels, decreasing immune system incompatibilities, regulating menstrual cycles, and balancing hormones to improve a female's chances of conceiving. Chinese herbs also improve a male sperm count, motility, and morphology to improve a male's fertility.

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A whole food, plant-based diet is often a healthy choice for couples wanting to start a family. Buying organic fruits and vegetables at local health food stores which are free of chemicals is the best option. Dairy and meat products are known to have dioxins, which can adversely affect fertility. However, cutting out these can be difficult and even dangerous for some individuals. If you can not cut these out completely, buy meat that is not treated with growth hormones.

Your practitioner may provide suggestions for you based on your personal health history. These guidelines are not the same as those offered by other medical practitioners and you should consult with your acupuncturist and medical providers to determine the best diet for you.

​Cochrane, S., Smith, C. A., Possamai-Inesedy, A., & Bensoussan, A. (2016). Prior to Conception: The Role of an Acupuncture Protocol in Improving Women's Reproductive Functioning Assessed by a Pilot Pragmatic Randomised Controlled Trial. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2016, 3587569. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/3587569

Guven, P. G., Cayir, Y., & Borekci, B. (2020). Effectiveness of acupuncture on pregnancy success rates for women undergoing in vitro fertilization: A randomized controlled trial. Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 59(2), 282-286. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjog.2020.01.018.

Paulus, W. E., Zhang, M., Strehler, E., El-Danasouri, I., & Sterzik, K. (2002). Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy. Fertility And Sterility, 77(4), 721-724.

Stener-Victorin, E., Waldenstrom, U., Andersson, S. A., & Wikland, M. (1996). Reduction of blood flow impedance in the uterine arteries of infertile women with electro-acupuncture. Human Reproduction, 11(6), 1314-1317.