Acupuncture stimulates the body’s production of endorphins, releasing neurochemicals that promote feelings of well-being and help to regulate the menstrual cycle. It also boosts ovulation and increases the thickness of the uterine lining.
Studies show that women who receive acupuncture before and after IVF embryo transfer have higher success rates than those who don’t. It is important to see a licensed practitioner who specializes in fertility treatments. Keep reading the article below to learn more about Acupuncture For Fertility.
Acupuncture helps to increase blood flow to the uterus, ovaries and developing follicles. This increased blood flow is important because the uterus needs to see a thick lining for embryo transfer or implantation. The uterus also requires more blood for the endometrial lining. In a study, women treated with acupuncture during an IVF cycle had higher rates of a three-layer uterine lining than those who didn’t receive acupuncture treatment.
In addition to increasing blood flow to the ovaries, acupuncture increases production of beta endorphins. Beta endorphins regulate and balance a woman’s Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels which impact her ability to grow follicles and produce eggs. In another study, acupuncture helped increase the number of follicles that developed in response to hormonal stimulation for IVF patients.
Other studies have shown that acupuncture can improve a woman’s chance of success in assisted reproductive technology (ART) by reducing stress. Acupuncture reduces the hormones in your body that cause inflammation and can lead to a weakened endometrial lining. It can also increase the effectiveness of fertility treatments by promoting angiogenesis and encouraging the growth of healthy endometrial tissue.
Acupuncture can also be used to treat other problems affecting fertility, including high levels of inflammatory markers, such as IL-6 and TNF-alpha. Acupuncture can help regulate these inflammatory markers and promote normal endometrial lining, which is essential for implantation. Many fertility patients find that acupuncture reduces their level of stress during the ups and downs of fertility treatment. Acupuncture does this by calming the nervous system and by releasing neurochemicals that can ease anxiety and depression. If you’re struggling with fertility, consider scheduling a consultation today! Our experienced acupuncturists are ready to help you start your journey toward parenthood.
Reduces Stress
Acupuncture is not only a highly effective fertility treatment, but it also reduces stress. Stress is a major factor in fertility issues and has been shown to significantly increase the risk of miscarriage. Acupuncture has been shown to regulate the nervous system and release neurochemicals that promote feelings of relaxation and wellbeing. This helps patients better cope with the emotional ups and downs of fertility treatment.
When we experience stress, our bodies respond through the “flight or fight” mechanism. This sends signals to our body’s systems to reduce blood flow to all areas of the body except those essential for survival. This means that our reproductive organs – the Fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus – receive reduced levels of blood flow. Acupuncture addresses this by calming the nervous system and increasing blood flow to these organs.
This improved blood flow helps thicken the uterine lining, thereby increasing the chance of successful embryo implantation. It also allows for the proper delivery of nutrients and hormones to these organs to optimize their function.
Studies have found that women who received acupuncture treatments before and after their IVF embryo transfer experienced higher rates of successful implantation. This is likely due to the effect that acupuncture has on reducing stress and anxiety levels, which can have a significant impact on ovulation, hormone production, and sperm motility.
Acupuncture has been found to activate the brain’s natural production of endorphins – a feel good hormone that plays a role in the regulation of menstrual cycles and ovulation. In addition, acupuncture points on the Ren meridian are associated with the reproductive organs and can be stimulated for this purpose to enhance fertility.
Increases Sperm Count
Acupuncture optimizes fertility by regulating the female menstrual cycle, promoting ovulation and enhancing uterine blood flow. It also regulates the reproductive hormones and increases the quality of sperm. Acupuncture can also decrease stress, which can cause a host of health problems including low fertility. The body’s stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline, can disrupt the natural production of reproductive hormones. Acupuncture reduces stress and promotes relaxation which helps balance the nervous system, thereby improving overall health and increasing fertility chances.
Acupuncturists insert very thin needles in specific points on the body that have proven connections to the reproductive system. These needles stimulate the release of natural pain killers and oxytocin, which can help your body relax. The results are a sense of bliss and well-being that many patients describe as being similar to “being stoned.” Some studies have shown that women who receive regular acupuncture before having an embryo transfer have a higher chance of success than those who don’t get acupuncture before the procedure.
In addition, men’s reproductive issues can be reversed with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Acupuncture improves sperm count and motility, especially when used in conjunction with other treatments, such as IVF. It also reduces obstructive conditions, such as inflammation of the testis and epididymis, which can lead to low sperm counts and poor morphology.
Acupuncture for fertility has been shown to improve sperm morphology, increase testosterone levels and treat unexplained male infertility. Acupuncture also improves the quality of semen by enhancing blood supply to the testicles, decreasing the testicular temperature and stopping the perioxidation process that degrades sperm.
Increases Ovulation
Acupuncture increases blood flow to the ovaries, stimulating follicles to grow and mature. This helps ovulation to occur naturally and increases the chances of embryo implantation once a woman becomes pregnant. Acupuncture also reduces the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline which decrease ovulation and fertility by impacting the endocrine system.
Traditionally, acupuncture for fertility is undertaken when a woman starts trying to conceive, before beginning fertility treatment (whether natural or assisted) or during IVF. It is particularly beneficial at the major milestones in IVF: ovulation induction, embryo transfer and the first weeks of pregnancy.
Acupuncturists treat a variety of reproductive issues including irregular menstrual cycles, low or irregular ovulation, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), uterine fibroids, endometriosis, thyroid disorders and other chronic health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure that may interfere with fertility.
Studies show that acupuncture regulates a woman’s menstrual cycle, encourages the production of ovulation-promoting hormones, and improves uterine lining thickness. Acupuncture is also effective in reducing the risk of miscarriage once a woman becomes pregnant.
During an acupuncture session, your acupuncturist will place sterile, single-use needles into multiple acupoints on the body. These acupoints are located throughout the body but most often at the abdominal and pelvic areas. These points are designed to balance your qi, the energy that flows through pathways called meridians. Acupuncture stimulates the nervous and endocrine systems to create a healing response that benefits your fertility and overall well-being. Many acupuncturists also use herbal medicine in their treatments, which are typically made from plant parts like licorice, ginger, fennel and yam. Herbal therapy is safe and effective when used with the guidance of a licensed practitioner.
Reduces Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus. The pain this causes during menstruation and intercourse can be difficult to treat, but acupuncture can help. Acupuncture reduces the inflammation caused by endometriosis, and also increases blood flow to pelvic organs. This may help alleviate pain, encourage ovulation and prevent scar tissue from forming in the fallopian tubes and uterus.
Studies have shown that acupuncture can increase the success rates of in vitro fertilization (IVF), particularly for people who suffer from endometriosis. This is due to the effect that acupuncture has on reducing stress levels, which are often high among people undergoing IVF. It also helps improve the quality of the embryos retrieved and the overall pregnancy rate.
Acupuncture is a safe treatment for people who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, and it does not interfere with other treatments like hormonal therapy. However, you should avoid points on the lower abdomen and in the area of the gallbladder, spleen, and bladder if you are expecting or trying to conceive.
Acupuncture can help improve fertility by regulating hormones, improving blood flow to the reproductive organs, and reducing stress and anxiety. If you are struggling to conceive, talk to your doctor about adding acupuncture to your treatment plan. Be sure to find a licensed and certified acupuncturist who is experienced in treating fertility issues. For best results, it’s helpful to begin acupuncture treatment a few months before you hope to conceive, so that the acupuncturist can assess your progress throughout several menstrual cycles. This allows them to tailor your treatment specifically to you. Acupuncture can also be used during the dreaded two week wait between IVF cycles, helping to reduce stress, relieve stress hormones and encourage implantation.