How Acupuncture Can Improve Fertility

Regarding infertility, acupuncture complements the highly technical and expensive methods used in Western Medicine. In women, acupuncture improves fertility by promoting a proper hormonal balance, a healthy uterine lining, and a regular menstrual cycle. Follicles are more likely to produce viable eggs with the correct hormone balance. Increased uterine blood flow improves delivery of nutrients and hormones necessary to help maintain an implanted embryo. Additionally, acupuncture can relieve the stress caused by fertility treatments. When the body is relaxed, its systems function more effectively. In men, acupuncture can improve sperm production and quality, and of course, reduce stress.

Patients considering acupuncture treatment for infertility should first have a basic fertility workup, particularly if they are in their late 30s or early 40s. Although acupuncture can be used to treat any type of fertility disorder, it is most likely to benefit couples experiencing a “functional problem,” such as irregular ovulation, rather than a “structural problem,” such as blocked sperm ducts or tubal adhesions. Moreover, since acupuncture generally stimulates the production of just one egg, it cannot replace the fertility medications used in IVF because these drugs stimulate the multiple eggs required for the procedure.

What You Should Expect

You can begin acupuncture at any point in your fertility process. Patients are commonly treated for three to four months prior to insemination, in vitro fertilization (IVF) or donor-egg transfer. Treatment consistency is important for sustaining acupuncture’s changes. Treatments often continue through the first trimester because that is when miscarriages most commonly occur. There are, however, no guarantees that acupuncture prevents miscarriage.

If a woman is at or near forty years old, has had numerous fertility drugs (over 3 cycles), birth control pills, PMS, ART procedures, elevated FSH, polycystic ovaries, endometriosis, sperm antibodies, or a history of drug, alcohol, or smoking abuse, then it usually takes longer to balance her reproductive system. If a man has a history of STDs, drug, alcohol or alcohol abuse, smoking, urologic problems, chronic lower back pain, it takes longer to improve reproductive function.

While acupuncture cannot guarantee a successful pregnancy, studies have shown it increases its likelihood. It is most effective when it is part of a healthy lifestyle, including diet and regular exercise. It is best to eat a balanced diet of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, eggs, nuts, soy products, and wild fish. Unhealthy foods, such as red meat, fried, greasy foods, processed foods, and dairy products should be limited or avoided altogether. You should discuss a safe diet and exercise program with your obstetrician and/or fertility physician.