15 Mar Acupuncture for Fertility?
Acupuncture has been used for centuries to help treat a variety of ailments, including infertility. An estimated 10-15% of couples have difficulty conceiving. While conventional treatments are available, many couples are looking for natural ways to help improve their chances of conceiving.
Many couples find success in using acupuncture for fertility or to support their current infertility treatments.
How Does Acupuncture for Fertility Help?
Acupuncture for Fertility helps in several ways:
- May increase blood flow to the uterus to improve the lining of the endometrium.
- May improve sperm counts and quality in men.
- May help regulate hormone levels to boost ovulation rates.
- May boost blood flow to reproductive organs.
- May alleviate the stress associated with infertility.
- May help regulate the menstrual cycle.
- May decrease inflammation that affects fertility.
Infertility is a multi-faceted problem that can have many causes, both direct and indirect. Acupuncture may help address some of these issues or support fertility treatment protocols.
Because sperm and egg take 90 days to develop, couples should undergo their acupuncture treatment three months prior to fertility treatments.
What Does Science Say About Acupuncture for Fertility?
Although more research is needed, there is some promising evidence that acupuncture may support or promote fertility in men and women.
May Help Improve IVF Outcomes
In one 2002 study out of Germany, 160 IVF patients with good quality embryos were invited to participate in a study on acupuncture and the outcomes of IVF. Half the participants received acupuncture 25 minutes prior to and after the embryo transfer. The remaining participants were put into the control group and did not receive any supportive therapy.
The study found that out of the 80 participants in the acupuncture group, 34 got pregnant. Among the 80 participants in the control group, 21 got pregnant.
May Improve Hormone Levels
A 2018 analysis looked at the effects of acupuncture on sex hormones. Researchers analyzed 23 articles as part of the study. Overall, the results showed that acupuncture increased estrogen, prolactin, progesterone and other hormones.
Researchers found that levels of estradiol were increased the most in all but three studies. Other hormones were also increased by acupuncture sessions.
May Help Improve Sperm Quality
Research has shown that acupuncture may help improve semen quality in men and fertilization rates in couples undergoing fertility treatments. A review of four studies found that acupuncture may improve sperm concentration and motility.
Another study looked at the effects of acupuncture on improving sperm quality. Researchers concluded that acupuncture may be helpful for men with reduced sperm activity.
May Help with PCOS
Women affected by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often have difficulty conceiving. One study involving 66 participants found that electroacupuncture may help improve outcomes of IVF-ET in women with PCOS.
Other research has shown that consistent acupuncture treatments can help induce ovulation in one-third of women with PCOS.
Acupuncture’s ability to help promote better circulation, balance hormones and reduce stress may help improve fertility in men and women. Consistent, regular acupuncture sessions can help improve the outcomes of couples undergoing IVF treatment as well. While more research is needed, the current research shows promising results.
Try Acupuncture for fertility or to help with other conditions such as pain, stress, and anxiety with our experts at Peak Life Acupuncture. We are professionally trained to help you with all your acupuncture needs. Call us at (818) 823-6721 for a free consultation.
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