Can Acupuncture Get you Pregnant ? : Acupuncture for Infertility

Acupuncture cures fertility by regulating fertility hormones, increasing the number of good-quality eggs, optimizing the uterine environment, decreasing stress, and relaxing the body. Combined with other fertility treatments like IVF and IUI, it also increases conception rates by 26%. Additionally, it helps improve male infertility by increasing sperm quality and quantity.

Furthermore, it may assist in regulating conditions such as endometriosis, PCOS, and under-functioning thyroids. Acupuncture for infertility can even make your fertility journey more comfortable by reducing the side effects of fertility drugs, such as nausea, bloating, etc. Continue reading for more information on how acupuncture can help with fertility.

What Acupuncture Is?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice and is used to manage a variety of conditions. In this ultra-thin treatment, a sterile needle is inserted into specific points to treat or reduce the severity of many health conditions or improve general well-being by stimulating the blood flow in that area.

How Acupuncture for Infertility Works ?

There is no scientific evidence that acupuncture increases pregnancy rates in infertile patients. However, it is true that acupuncture for infertility provides additional benefits and improves the efficacy of fertility treatments like IVF and IUI.

It is best to get acupuncture treatment from a trained professional three months before IUI or IVF treatment. The acupuncturist will first ask a few questions relating to the problem that may be causing infertility. Following that, they will offer a 20- to a 40-minute acupuncture session.

These acupuncture needles are thin and mainly used to target points related to fertility. For the most part, these therapies are painless for patients. However, bruising can occasionally occur when the needles are inserted into the body.

And it is recommended one to three times per week to address the underlying cause of infertility. However, some studies suggest that acupuncture is more effective when undergone by both partners.

Side Effects and Risks with Acupuncture

There are very few side effects and risks associated with acupuncture for infertility. However, there is risk associated with acupuncture So, it is always better to choose an experienced and qualified acupuncturist.

Bleeding or bruising at the needle sites
Infection from unsterilized needles
Excessive bleeding if a person has a clotting disorder or uses blood thinners.
The Acupuncturist may push the needle too far, which can result in an injury or even a punctured lung.

Who is Typical Patient of Acupuncture?

Acupuncture can treat spasmed tubes and other fertility problems. These spasmed tubes can be de-spasmed with acupuncture, though blocked tubes will not respond to acupuncture. It is blended with herbal remedies to treat repeated pregnancy loss, unexplained infertility, hyperprolactinemia, PCOS, Luteal Phase Defect, and male factor, including men affected with sperm DNA fragmentation.

Which acupuncture points are best for fertility?

In acupuncture for infertility treatment, needle is inserted at 12 different points in the body, each linked to another organ system. Thus, an acupuncturist inserts a needle at the point closest to the reproductive system to promote fertility.

The most common points where needle inserts are the head, ears, hands, lower legs, abdomen, and feet. Similarly, to improve fertility outcomes acupuncture needles are inserted in the patient’s uterus, curved bones, the stone gate, surging Qi, etc..

How Acupuncture Restore Female Fertility?

Micropunture with an acupuncture needle has the following positive effects on a woman’s body: –

Stabilizes Hormone Level

Stabilizing hormone levels help in more regular periods, and automatic ovulation occurs.

Increases Blood Flow to Pelvic Organ

An increase in blood flow improves the receptivity of the endometrium and facilitates embryo implantation. Taking acupuncture sessions before or after the embryo transfer helps prepare the womb and achieve pregnancy.

Reduces Stress Level

The cost of different fertility treatments, the fear of failure, the reduced chance of conception, etc., are some of the reasons that increase stress. So, can you use acupuncture to manage and reduce stress and anxiety levels and create a positive environment conducive to pregnancy?

Decrease Side Effects

Acupuncture helps reduce side effects like headache, nausea, etc., caused by the hormonal medication used in ovarian stimulation. This helps increase overall well-being and reduce inflammation.

How Acupuncture Restores Male Fertility?

Acupuncture for Male Fertility — Source:ginsen-london.com

Acupuncture also helps male fertility by stabilizing hormone levels and stimulating sperm formation. Thus, men with oligospermia or any other sperm problem may benefit from acupuncture and improve the quality of their sperm.

It also helps in improving concentration and sperm mobility and reduces oxidative stress levels, thus increasing the chance of achieving pregnancy.

Conclusion

Researchers aren’t precisely sure whether acupuncture helps treat infertility. However, some theories suggest it may be helpful for various concerns, including mental health disorders, pain, inflammatory conditions, stress, the quality and quantity of eggs and sperm, etc. If you are interested in acupuncture or want to learn more about it, talk to your doctor; they can help you determine whether you are a suitable candidate for this treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, it is possible to have acupuncture sessions during pregnancy. However, it is necessary to have it done by an acupuncturist specialist because if a needle is inserted into some specific points of the abdominal area by mistake, it could prompt contractions in the uterus and induce labor. As a result, specialists know exactly where to treat.

Some experts say acupuncture with medicinal plants and dietary supplements naturally helps treat endometriosis. It also helps regulate hormonal imbalances and relieve pain.

There is no right or wrong time to start when you decide to have acupuncture as a part of your fertility treatment. Some patients undergo acupuncture sessions a year before trying to conceive, while others do after several IVF cycles.

However, for best results, it is usually recommended to have one to two weekly sessions for three months in each phase of your cycle. And once they become pregnant, it is recommended to continue supporting the pregnancy’s health. Acupuncture helps in reducing the complications associated with pregnancy, like nausea, headaches, vomiting, etc. It also helps prevent miscarriage.

No, you don’t need to undergo any fertility medical treatment to have acupuncture for fertility because it is a standalone treatment. Some women prefer it before beginning any fertility treatment as it helps regulate the menstrual cycle, balances hormones, reduces stress, etc.

Acupuncture costs for fertility vary depending on the location, course of treatment, and who is doing the treatment. It can be between $125 and $300 for an initial visit. It also varies from clinic to clinic, depending on the services offered.