Can Acupuncture Really Boost My Fertility?

Infertility is on the rise. It is estimated that around twelve percent of women in the country face challenges getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term. Some common causes of infertility in women include unhealthy body weight, ovulation problems, uterine abnormalities, and age.

There are many fertility drugs available on the market. Unfortunately, most fertility drugs have side effects such as bloating, hot flashes, mood swings, breast tenderness, headache, and upset stomach. 

As the side effects of these drugs come into focus, more women than ever turn to acupuncture to boost their fertility. 

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that involves inserting paper-thin needles at strategic points on the body to correct energy imbalances. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners believe that the root of most illnesses is a serious energy imbalance.

Acupuncture is effective, drug-free, and minimally invasive. Acupuncture for infertility is a commonly recognized alternative treatment for women trying to conceive. Many fertility clinics recommend or offer acupuncture as an adjunct. 

There is enough evidence to suggest that acupuncture may boost fertility, affecting IVF success rates. A study found that women who use IVF and acupuncture are twice as likely to get pregnant than women who use just IVF.

In a 2008 study, researchers reported significant improvements in the rates successful pregnancies and live births when acupuncture was given on the day of embryo transfer.

In 2002, a study conducted at an infertility clinic in Germany was published. 160 IVF patients with good quality embryos participated in this study. The participants were divided into two groups. One group received acupuncture 25 minutes before and after embryo transfer, while the other group did not receive any supportive therapy.

In the acupuncture group, 34 participants (out of 80) became pregnant, whereas only 21 participants became pregnant in the control group.

Several studies link stress to lowered chances of pregnancy. A study found that women whose saliva has high levels of alpha-amylase, a stress marker, take 29 percent longer to get pregnant. Acupuncture boosts fertility by reducing stress. It stimulates the release of chemicals that lower stress hormone levels. 

Acupuncture stimulates blood flow to the uterus. Acupuncture can also release spasms in fallopian tubes, another major cause of fertility problems. Your acupuncturist will place tiny needles at key energy meridians linked to reproductive organs to move the flow of Qi from areas where it is abundant to deficient areas. This has a calming, restorative effect, helping prepare the body for pregnancy. Monarch Acupuncture & Wellness is a top-rated pregnancy acupuncture clinic near you.  We have assembled an A-rated team of seasoned professionals who use TCM techniques to get to the root of impediments to conception. Please get in touch with our team to schedule an appointment today!