Treating Infertility
For thousands of years Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AOM) have been used to help couples conceive. Research in both the US and abroad has shown the use of acupuncture, and sometimes herbs, can increase success rates for women in almost every category of infertility; whether trying on their own naturally or using forms of Assisted Reproduction such as clomid and letrizole, stimulating hormones, artificial insemination (IUI), or In-vitro fertilization (IVF).
How can acupuncture help my infertility?
We still don’t have a complete understanding as to the exact action of acupuncture’s effects on the body. However, clinical studies and 2000 years of empirical research have given us clues to what internal changes are occuring. Studies have shown that acupuncture and herbal medicine:
- Increase blood flow to the uterus – thickens endometrial lining + aids implantation
- Increase ovarian blood flow – better ovarian response + more mature follicles
- Increases live birth rate (prevents early miscarriage)
- Increase male sperm count and motility
- Reduce stress + promote relaxation (modulating cortisol)
- Regulate irregular menstrual cycles from PCOS or other causes
- Reduce pre-menstrual symptoms and pain during the period
- Lessen side effects from hormone treatments
Acupuncture has been clinically shown to promote timely ovulation and an ideal luteal phase, seems to have a regulating effect on the body’s hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and can help make an irregular or anovulatory cycle closer to normal. We have seen great success treating infertility issues such as High FSH (Follicle Simulating Hormone), Low AMH (anti-mullerian hormone) advanced maternal age, unexplained infertility, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), Endometriosis, Ovulatory dysfunction, Decreased Ovarian Reserve, poor egg quality, Luteal Phase Defect, thin endometrium, irregular periods, fibroids, immunologic reaction, recurrent miscarriage, and Amenorrhea.
Acupuncture and herbal medicine isn’t just for women. Male factor can also be addressed. For men, there is evidence showing our ability to increase sperm count, as well as improve motility percentages. We have yet to directly see evidence that it helps with morphology, unfortunately.
As specialists in the treatment of reproductive enhancement, we recognize that every person and couple having difficulty conceiving need individualized treatment because no two people present with the exact same issues. With that customized approach, acupuncture treatment can be an effective means to aid conception in most cases of infertility.
Trying Naturally
Before taking the jump to using oral medications or doing IUI’s or IVF, trying on your own with acupuncture and herbs is a great option. As long as there is nothing physically impeding you from getting pregnant (e.g., tubal blockage or hostile uterine environment), acupuncture can generally help regulate your cycle and optimize every month’s chance of being the one that works.
How long will it take for me to get pregnant?
We wish there was a quick answer to this one, but it very much depends on each couple’s individual situation. We’ve seen success anywhere from the first cycle to 9 months later. Most patients (men and women) need approximately 3 months of treatment to find success. Studies have shown however, that some couples will succeed at the 6-9 month mark, as it can take that long for their cycles to be fully regulated and ready to conceive. For women, consistent treatment is important so specific hormonal adjustments can be made at each week of the cycle using acupuncture and sometimes herbs or supplements. Every week is a significant opportunity to heal a particular segment of the four-phase menstrual cycle (menstruation, follicular phase, ovulation and luteal phase). For male factor, a typical course of 10 weeks can do the trick, as it usually takes a full sperm generating cycle (approx 72 days).
If 3 months goes by without success, we frequently will refer you to one of our Reproductive Endocrinologist partners while you continue acupuncture to get additional information. Remember that trying to get pregnant is often like a statistical game. The more you try, naturally or with Assisted Reproductive Technologies (IVF/IUI), the better your chances are. This applies to acupuncture as well – the longer you allow it to correct and balance your body, the better your chances are.
When during my cycle should I get acupuncture done?
Acupuncture treatments should be done on a regular basis throughout each phase of your cycle (generally weekly). Therefore, any time is a good time to start. If you’d like to start with a fresh cycle, we generally advise coming in 2-3 days after your period has begun, but you can also come in mid-cycle.