Fertility treatments often come with a hefty price tag, invasive procedures, and no guarantees. It’s no wonder that couples struggling to conceive are increasingly turning to alternative measures to increase fertility. One such option is Chinese acupuncture—an ancient technique that stimulates various points on the body to promote health and well-being. Research suggests that acupuncture can potentially improve fertility rates and increase the likelihood of a woman becoming pregnant.
What do the research studies say about acupuncture and fertility? The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine has reviewed seven clinical trials on women undergoing in vitro fertilization treatments. The result? Acupuncture may indeed offer some potential benefits for those struggling with fertility issues.
Let’s dive deeper into how acupuncture can help fertility, the specific fertility issues it can address, and whether it’s the right choice for couples experiencing infertility.
How Acupuncture Helps Fertility
The concept of acupuncture is rooted in the belief that a person’s health is determined by the continuous flow of vital energy called “chi” or “qi” through pathways known as meridians. While acupuncture points are found all over the body, certain points are more effective in addressing fertility concerns.
Acupuncture stimulates these specific points by inserting thin needles into the skin, promoting blood flow to the reproductive organs, balancing hormones, and reducing stress. In turn, this can increase the odds of conception. Men can also benefit from acupuncture for fertility, as it may help increase their sperm count.
Fertility Issues that Acupuncture Addresses
While acupuncture is not a cure-all solution for infertility, it can help manage and potentially alleviate certain fertility issues, including:
- High levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): This hormone stimulates the growth and development of egg follicles in women and the production of sperm in men. High FSH levels may indicate a lower ovarian reserve, making conception more difficult. Acupuncture has been shown to help regulate FSH levels and improve the overall quality and quantity of eggs.
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a hormonal condition causing enlarged ovaries and the formation of small cysts around the ovaries. Acupuncture can help balance hormones and regulate the menstrual cycle, promoting the natural release of eggs.
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Endometriosis: This condition involves the growth of endometrial tissues outside the uterus, leading to infertility due to blocked fallopian tubes, inflammation, or hormonal imbalances. Acupuncture may help reduce inflammation, increase blood flow to the reproductive organs, and address hormonal imbalances to alleviate symptoms and improve fertility.
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Uterine fibroids: Acupuncture can help by promoting blood flow to the uterus and reducing the size of fibroids, thus improving the chances of conception.
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Uterine scarring: Scar tissue or adhesions in the uterus can lead to infertility. Acupuncture may help reduce inflammation and promote healthy blood flow to the uterus, reducing the formation of scar tissue.
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Ovarian cysts: Acupuncture can help regulate hormones and reduce the size and number of cysts in the ovaries, which can hinder fertility.
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Lazy ovaries: Women with lazy ovaries have a decreased ability to release eggs. By stimulating specific acupuncture points, the therapy can help activate the ovaries, promoting ovulation.
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Low sperm count: Acupuncture can potentially help increase a man’s sperm count, improving the chances of a successful conception.
Is Acupuncture the Right Choice for You?
Though current research on acupuncture and pregnancy is preliminary, the findings suggest that this ancient technique may offer a new approach to tackling infertility. It’s essential for couples considering acupuncture to discuss their options with a healthcare professional familiar with both conventional and complementary treatments for infertility.
Whether as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with conventional fertility treatments, acupuncture can play a valuable role in helping couples conceive. With its potential benefits and minimal side effects, acupuncture may be worth considering for those struggling with issues that impact fertility.
