What Is IUI & Can Acupuncture Support the Process?

Millions of women around the world have difficulties conceiving. Many women in same sex relationship who want to start a family and those with reproductive problems undergo intrauterine insemination (or IUI) every year.

IUI is one of the most popular fertility treatment procedures. In IUI, sperms from a healthy male are washed and concentrated and then placed inside the woman’s uterus undergoing treatment around the time they’re ovulating, to facilitate fertilization. The idea is to reduce the time and distance sperms have to travel. This increases the chance of the egg getting fertilized with sperm.

IUI is quick and typically painless. Patients are usually not administered anesthesia. To determine if IUI is right for you, your doctor will ask you questions about your medical history. They may also order some imaging tests to get a clearer picture.

IUI success rate depends on the distance of the blockage from the ovary and the uterus. When the blockage is closest to the ovary, IUI success rate is almost 12%. When the blockage is closest to the uterus, the success rate increases to around 38%.

Many women turn to acupuncture near them in Walnut Creek to increase IUI success rate. Several studies have found that when performed correctly, acupuncture can increase the success rate of IUI by improving blood flow to the uterus and ovaries.

Many fertility experts and TCM practitioners believe that acupuncture can address uterine spasms that often occur after IUI treatment. The ancient Chinese practice works to enhance the effectiveness of prescription medicines and offset their side effects.

Stress and anxiety can prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg, impacting the success of IUI. Stress can result in reduced blood flow to the endometrial lining and the uterus, making the endometrial lining less receptive to treatment.

This is an issue that should be addressed before undergoing IUI. Acupuncture can help treat stress. There is evidence that the ancient Chinese practice can stimulate the endocrine system to produce feel-good hormones, while reducing the levels of cortisol and other stress hormones.

When performed by a licensed and certified professional, acupuncture is 100% safe. It is drug-free and does not have any major side effects.

The thought of needles piercing their skin may worry many people. However, most people do not feel any pain or discomfort during treatment as acupuncturists use paper-thin needles. Many people report feeling a sense of calm during treatment and may feel so relaxed that they fall asleep during treatment.

Monarch Acupuncture Wellness is committed to patient-centered care. We use acupuncture to heal the spirits, minds, bodies, and souls of people struggling with health issues. To make an appointment, click here.