Can Acupuncture Help Infertility? A Comprehensive Guide

Infertility is a very emotional process many couples today have to go through. With new alternatives for improving fertility, one of the methods that has caught the eyes of many is acupuncture. Based on ancient Chinese medicine, acupuncture balances body energy for health improvement, even a possible enhancement of reproductive functions. So, is it truly effective when it comes to infertility? Everything you want to know about treating infertility using acupuncture is described below. It explains how it works, what will be gained, and what one should expect from treatment.

What Is Acupuncture?

This can be traced to one of the traditional Chinese healing practices. It entails putting thin needles at precise points designated on the body. These are the channels through which vital energy, or ‘Qi,’ circulates in the human body. An individual’s general health is affected when such pathways are blocked or imbalanced. By applying such acupuncture points, practitioners can harmonize and enhance the body’s inherent self-curative capacities.

In This Way, How Can Acupuncture Complement Fertility?

Acupuncture for infertility has been one of the latest trends in acquiring conception among both male and female infertility. This is what acupuncture in connection with fertility looks like.

• Normalizing Hormonal Imbalances: It has been known that imbalances in hormone levels have been a common form of cause for infertility. The acupuncture treatment helps normalize some hormones in women, such as estrogen and progesterone, which eventually become vital in the occurrence of ovulation, menstruation, and reproduction as a whole.
• Improving Blood Flow towards Reproductive Organs: The singular advantage of acupuncture is that it helps to enhance blood circulation. It could improve circulation through the uterus and ovaries, which could help feed the endometrium to women with higher chances of implantation. In men, improved blood flow to the testes may facilitate better-quality sperm.
• Decreases Stress: The infertility treatments can sometimes be stressful after a while, and stress is well-documented to cause fertility issues. Some of the general effects observed with acupuncture include relaxation, which could help in reproductive health issues; for example, acupuncture interferes with the body’s nervous system to secrete endorphins, which are natural mood boosters.
• Enhancing the Efficiency of IVF: For example, most couples who would undergo IVF have acupuncture to help the latter process be effective. Other studies also indicate that when an individual has acupuncture during the IVF period, pregnancy rates will be significantly higher, and risks of miscarriage will be lower because of increased uterine receptivity.
• Health Issues Treatment: Acupuncture may help treat other health conditions that lead to infertility, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis disorder, and thyroid disorders.

What to Expect: About Fertility Acupuncture?

• Your First Consultation: The acupuncturist wants to gather all this information about you during your initial visit. To complete this questionnaire, you will need details concerning general health records, menstrual cycle, current fertility treatment, and many other aspects. The acupuncturist will then delve further to learn more about you physically through your lifestyle habits, nutrition, and emotional health.
• Acupuncture Treatment: Specific acupuncture points must be focused depending on the person’s needs in front of the practitioner. These points are usually in the abdomen, lower back, legs, and arms, and okay sterile needles will be inserted into these points, which will be left for about twenty to thirty minutes. You may even feel relaxed during this process.
• Follow-up Sessions: Most acupuncturists do not prescribe a one-time treatment session. Instead, they advise you to have multiple sessions, especially during the critical phases of your menstrual cycle- ovulation post-embryo transfer if you are taking IVF, among others. Your practitioner shall design an appropriate treatment plan just for your fertility needs.

How many sessions does it take for fertility?

The number of sessions acupuncture should take may differ from one case to another. Still, most acupuncturists will advise you to begin taking acupuncture sessions three to six months before when you can conceive or begin taking fertility treatment like IVF. Pre-treatment will give enough time for the body to accommodate new mechanisms for it to accept the egg. For users who undergo IVF, this treatment is done before and after embryo transfer to facilitate successful results.

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Acupuncture for Male Fertility

Acupuncture is not just helpful to women since it can equally positively impact male infertility. Many fertility issues are caused by sperm quality, which is typically affected by lousy circulation, stress, and hormonal disturbance. Acupuncture improves sperm count, motility, and morphology. Improved blood flow toward reproductive organs with easier hormone regulation is helping support male fertility.

Side Effects and Risks?

Acupuncture is relatively safe and a noninvasive treatment performed by a skilled acupuncturist with sufficient practice. There are a few potential risks and side effects to be aware of, as with any treatment:

• Minor Discomfort: There is a slight pinch or tingle when needles are inserted, usually subsiding rapidly.
• Bruising or Tenderness: There might be slight bruising or tenderness at the insertion points where the needles are applied. This usually lasts for a concise duration.
• Dizziness and Tiredness: Depending on their sensitivity to injections, some people may feel dizzy, while others feel exhausted immediately after the session. Resting for some time after treatment to stabilize your body would help.

Acupuncture therapy is sometimes used alongside other fertility treatments, and you should talk to your healthcare provider if you have other medical conditions or are taking other medications.

Is Acupuncture For Infertility Efficient According To Science?

Even more research is carried out on acupuncture relating to infertility, yet it even demonstrates that, for certain persons, acupuncture can be helpful, though results are contradictory. Many studies exhibit a good correlation between acupuncture and improved results in fertility treatments, mainly when used as a complementary therapy with conventional treatments, such as in vitro fertilization. Conversely, most studies established that the effects might have come primarily from psychological factors related to stress reduction rather than biological changes.

A clinical review in 2018 concluded that it may add to pregnancy rates when applied together with IVF. However, much more research will have to be done before it is even confirmed whether or not it is a valuable technique. However, many people believe it works well and seek acupuncture as part of their reproductive journey.

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Conclusion

In the treatment of infertility by acupuncture, the treatment is holistic. It restores the balance of a damaging condition in the body, emotions, and hormone-damaging conditions that have been preventing conception. Acupuncture can be performed as the only treatment or combined with conventional fertility treatments, such as IVF, attempting to increase opportunities for achieving successful pregnancy. This is mainly achieved through relaxation, recovery of reproductive organs, and restoration of hormonal balance.

If you’re considering acupuncture for fertility, visit a licensed practitioner who specializes in reproductive health. At Ellicott Acupuncture Centre, a treatment plan will be designed for your needs. Though the path to parenthood can be stressful and unpredictable, acupuncture could bring some sense of support to this journey.

About Ellicott Acupuncture Centre

The treatment of infertility at Ellicott Acupuncture Centre – tailored, specialized acupuncture for your specific health and fertility needs. Our experienced practitioners are dedicated to optimal reproductive health by offering holistic, patient-centered care. Reach out today to discover how we can aid you in your steps toward fertility.