Acupuncture and Fertility

Creating a family is something most people look forward to; our purpose and even our right as humans. But fertility problems are becoming increasingly common, and more couples are seeking alternative treatments to help them conceive when traditional methods aren’t working.

Many consider acupuncture to be the most effective natural treatment to boost fertility, and research suggests that it may also be helpful for couples undergoing in-vitro fertilisation (IVF). In fact, in 2002 a German study found that acupuncture significantly increased the odds of pregnancy for women undergoing IVF. Of the 160 women tested, 42% who received acupuncture got pregnant, compared to 26% of those who did not receive acupuncture.

Acupuncture helps to regulate the body’s systems, aid blood flow to the reproductive organs and stabilise hormone levels. Depending on the issues of the couple, acupuncture may be performed on the woman, man or both.

In women, it can boost ovarian function and enhance follicular development, which can improve egg quality. It increases blood flow to the uterus and relaxes muscle tissue, giving embryos a better chance of implanting. Treatment also helps to relieve the effects of stress on the body that regulate ovulation and menstruation, and can relieve inflammation. Many believe that the stress reduction experienced through acupuncture treatment may cultivate the general wellbeing so important to successful conception.

For men, it can enhance sperm quality by improving sperm count, motility (movement) and reducing the number of structural abnormalities, as well as increasing the number of normal sperm. It can also help to reduce stress in men, which can negatively affect sperm quality.

Used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise, and complemented by Chinese natural herbal supplements, acupuncture can improve a couple’s chance of getting pregnant, and is particularly useful in conjunction with other fertility treatments. It’s promising news for the thousands of couples everyday who hear the heartbreaking news that they can’t conceive naturally.

Find out more information about how traditional Chinese medicine can help with fertility and IVF support.