For many individuals and couples trying to conceive, the journey can be both exciting and challenging. Acupuncture for fertility has become a more widely accepted option to assist in improving fertility rates. Often encouraged by western medical practitioners due to the research supporting the efficacy.
In this article, we’ll explore how acupuncture may support fertility, what the research says, and what you can expect from treatment.
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body. From a modern medical perspective, acupuncture is considered to influence the nervous system, regulate hormones and improve blood circulation. All of these contribute to improving fertility outcomes.
How Can Acupuncture Support Fertility?
Like any form or treatment acupuncture is not a guaranteed treatment for infertility, many patients use it to support overall reproductive health. Potential benefits of acupuncture for fertility may include:
Improving Blood Flow to the Reproductive Organs
Healthy blood circulation to the uterus and ovaries is considered important forreproductive function. Some research suggests acupuncture may help increase blood flow to these areas, potentially supporting endometrial development and ovarian function.
Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Stress is considered one of the primary causes of infertility. In addition to this trying to conceive can be emotionally demanding. Elevated stress levels will affect hormonal balance and therefore fertility. Acupuncture is widely considered a method to improve neurological and hormonal balance improving the capacity to manage stress and anxiety.
Supporting Hormonal Balance
Acupuncture helps regulate communication between the brain, ovaries, and endocrine system. While more high-quality research is needed, some studies suggest it may assist in promoting more regular menstrual cycles and ovulation in certain individuals.
Supporting IVF and Assisted Reproductive Treatment
Many fertility patients choose acupuncture alongside IVF or other assisted reproductive technologies. Acupuncture sessions are often scheduled before and after embryo transfer as one part of an integrated treatment plan.
What Does the Research Say about Acupuncture for Fertility?
The scientific evidence regarding acupuncture for fertility continues to evolve. Some clinical studies have found positive associations between acupuncture and pregnancy outcomes, while others have shown little or no significant difference compared with control groups.
Current evidence suggests that acupuncture may offer benefits such as stress reduction, improved quality of life, and support for overall reproductive health.
Who May Benefit from Acupuncture for Fertility?
Acupuncture may be considered by individuals experiencing a range of fertility concerns, including:
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Ovulatory disorders
- Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS)
- Endometriosis
- Unexplained infertility
- Stress related to fertility treatment
- Preparation for IVF or frozen embryo transfer
- Male fertility concerns, including supporting overall reproductive health
Acupuncture for fertility and IVF: Working Together
Many fertility clinics recognise that acupuncture may help patients manage the emotional demands of IVF. While acupuncture cannot guarantee pregnancy, it may help support patients throughout their treatment journey by promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
When performed by a qualified and AHPRA registered practitioner using sterile, single-use needles, acupuncture is generally considered safe. Minor bruising or temporary soreness at needle sites may occasionally occur.
It is important to inform your practitioner if you are pregnant, undergoing fertility treatment, taking medications, or have any underlying medical conditions.
Choosing an experienced acupuncturist with additional training in reproductive health can help ensure treatment is tailored appropriately.
Lifestyle Tips to Support Fertility
Acupuncture works best as part of a holistic approach to reproductive health. Alongside treatment, consider:
- Balanced diet with nutrient rich foods.
- Regular physical activity (don’t overdo it).
- Relaxation techniques to assist with stress management and reduction.
- Quality sleep.
- Limiting alcohol, caffeine and high processed foods.
At Evolve Natural Medicine we recommend small, sustainable lifestyle changes rather than a radical overhaul.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture for Fertility
How long before trying to conceive should I start acupuncture?
We recommend beginning treatment weekly treatments a minimum of three months prior to beginning to try attempting, this aligns with important stages of egg and sperm development. However, this is not a hard and fast rule and it is important to discuss with your practitioner individual recommendations.
Can acupuncture increase my chances of getting pregnant?
Acupuncture may support overall reproductive health and emotional wellbeing, but current evidence does not confirm that it directly increases pregnancy rates for everyone. It is best used as part of a comprehensive fertility care plan.
Is acupuncture for safe during IVF?
Many people safely receive acupuncture during IVF under the guidance of AHPRA registered, experienced practitioners.
How much is the male factor an issue in fertility?
In Australia male factors are involved in 50% of cases of difficulty conceiving. This therefore is a very important consideration.
You can find more information on male fertility here.
Final Thoughts
Acupuncture for fertility has become more widely accepted as an effective approach for those seeking an holistic approach to reproductive health.
If you are considering acupuncture as part of your fertility journey, choose a qualified AHPRA registered practitioner with experience in reproductive health.
What Does the Research Say About Acupuncture for Fertility?
Research into acupuncture and fertility has grown considerably over the past two decades. While results are mixed, several high-quality studies and systematic reviews suggest acupuncture may offer benefits for some people, particularly when used alongside assisted reproductive treatments such as IVF.
A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis (1) analysed randomised controlled trials involving more than 5,000 women undergoing IVF. The researchers found that acupuncture was associated with improved clinical pregnancy and live birth rates when compared with no additional treatment.
Another comprehensive systematic review (2) published by researchers from Western Sydney University examined acupuncture during IVF and ICSI treatment. The review suggested acupuncture may improve implantation rates, clinical pregnancy rates, and ongoing pregnancy outcomes in some studies, while also highlighting the need for further high-quality research because of differences between treatment protocols and study design.
Researchers have also investigated acupuncture (3) in women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), one of the more challenging causes of infertility. A recent meta-analysis found that acupuncture combined with IVF or ICSI showed promising improvements in some reproductive outcomes, although the authors emphasised that additional well-designed randomised trials are needed before firm conclusions can be made.
One of the most consistent findings across fertility research is acupuncture’s effect on stress reduction. Many patients report feeling calmer, sleeping better, and experiencing less anxiety during fertility treatment. Since psychological stress can negatively affect quality of life and affect fertility, acupunctureis seen as a viable option for support in sub fertility.
A Cochrane Review (3) found insufficient evidence that acupuncture improves live birth rates when compared with sham acupuncture or standard care during assisted reproduction. The review concluded that acupuncture appears safe when performed by qualified practitioners but should be viewed as a complementary therapy.
Overall, current evidence suggests acupuncture may be a valuable part of an integrated fertility care plan by supporting emotional wellbeing, reducing stress, and potentially improving fertility.
Jeff Shearer has been in practice since 1995 and loves sharing his knowledge on better ways to live.
References
- Smith CA, Armour M, Shewamene Z, Tan HY, Norman RJ, Johnson NP. (2019). Acupuncture performed around the time of embryo transfer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 38(3), 364–379.Western Sydney University
- Zhang X, Lee MS, Smith CA, et al. (2019). Effects of acupuncture during IVF or ICSI: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Reproductive BioMedicine Online. Western Sydney University
- Cheong YC, Dix S, Ng EHY, Ledger WL, Farquhar C. (2013). Acupuncture and assisted reproductive technology. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Cochrane
- Zheng CH, Huang GY, Zhang MM, Wang W. (2012). Effects of acupuncture on pregnancy rates in women undergoing IVF: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Fertility and Sterility. NCBI
To find out more about Evolve Natural Medicine fertility acupuncture and Chinese medicine support in Newcastle and to improve your pregnancy experience contact us or Book Now.
Providing Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter Valley with 32 years experience and excellence in health care using acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, diet, exercise and lifestyle education.
For more information regarding fertility support in Newcastle check out the Hunter Birth Education Centre
Disclaimer: Each individuals’ treatment and/ or results may vary from person to person depending on the specifics of the situation. Results are not promised or guaranteed as a result of receiving a treatment with Evolve Natural Medicine.
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