Acupuncture has a powerful effect on the reproductive system. In this short blog we dive into frequently asked questions about acupuncture for fertility and how it can benefit you.
Are there acupuncturists specializing in fertility in Denver, CO?
Absolutely! I have helped hundreds of mothers conceive their baby naturally. I have also had the pleasure to help women on their journey through IVF and IUI.
Acupuncture for fertility, how does it work?
Acupuncture has a powerful effect on the reproductive system, alone or in conjunction with Western medicine. Acupuncture helps regulate the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian Axis. This helps to explain why acupuncture is incredibly effective at addressing a wide array of women’s health and fertility issues. It has been shown to:
- Regulate the menstrual cycle
- Acupuncture improves egg quality
- Increase testicular blood flow
- Improve uterine lining
- Improve success rates of IVF
- Increase blood flow to the uterus and ovaries
- Regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis
- Reduce stress linked to fertility problems
- Improve sperm count and motility
- Decrease uterine contractility
- Decrease chances of miscarriage
Acupuncture for fertility, how long does it take?
We wish we could give an exact date, but what we can give patients are more specifics based on your individual presentation and health history. It is also dependent on your willingness to make changes.
From my experience it can take any where from 1-6 months of regular treatments for fertility acupuncture to work in women with infertility problems. (It takes 3 months to develop new eggs). Together with improved digestion and energy levels, better sleep, increased blood flow, regulation of hormones, and a better diet, it will lead to improved fertility success.
Acupuncture for fertility, how often do I need to come in?
Treatment plans are varied based on each individual. As part of our initial consultation we will create a treatment plan specific to you and your needs. In general, I see patients twice a week to once a week. I like to be able to closely monitor their cycles and progress. Acupuncture works cumulatively and I believe in building a strong foundation, then moderating from there.
Acupuncture points for fertility- where do the needles go?
There are many acupuncture points that help with fertility. We place ultra thin acupuncture needles in points on the body that stimulate the reproductive organs, such as the ovaries, the uterus and the fallopian tubes. These points are located on the lower abdominal area and are complemented with points on the arms and legs.
A benefit of the Chinese medicine system is that it does not focus on solely one organ or one disease. Instead we see the body as a whole, which also includes mental health. Stress and anxiety are easily triggered n women trying to conceive. Thus part of our work is to ease their nerves and relax the central nervous system and spirit.
Needles are left in the body 20-25 minutes as you rest on a massage table. Most of my patients take a little cat nap during this time!
Acupuncture for male infertility – how does it help?
According to the July issue of Fertility, acupuncture helps some men overcome infertility problems by improving the quality of their sperm.
Researches found that after five weeks of treatments, receiving acupuncture twice a week, greatly reduced the number of structural abnormalities in sperm. It was also shown to increase the overall number of normal sperm in a group of men with infertility problems.
When is the best time for acupuncture for fertility?
I recommend beginning your acupuncture treatments three months prior to conceiving. I like to think of this time as your “premester”. Your premaster is a time where we lay the foundation for a fertile environment for your baby.
It takes three months for new eggs to fully mature and your “premaster” is a time where we focus on improving your egg quality among other things.
Acupuncture can be either the primary care for fertility, or it can be a supportive tool in conjunction to Western medicine. If you choose to utilize it as a complementary method you can receive:
- Acupuncture before IVF
- Acupuncture after IVF
- Acupuncture before IUI
- Acupuncture after IUI
- Acupuncture before or after retrieval
- Acupuncture before or after implantation
I recommend receiving acupuncture throughout your fertility journey.
Can I get acupuncture while pregnant?
Many of my patients desire to continue to get acupuncture throughout their entire pregnancy. This is usually because acupuncture helps with nausea, insomnia, cravings, and hip and joint pain. I usually recommend that once patients are pregnant, they continue to come in for treatment once a week through their first trimester. This helps to support the pregnancy and helps with any of the common symptoms associated with early pregnancy. Many of my patients also use acupuncture as a baby-safe way to treat other health concerns.
Can acupuncture help with pregnancy?
Yes! Acupuncture is a holistic, baby-safe way to treat some of the undesirable symptoms of pregnancy such as:
- Morning sickness
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Joint pain
- Sciatica
- Back Pain
- Sleep issues
Let me know if you have any more questions!
I am happy to answer any other questions you may have about acupuncture for fertility or acupuncture in general. Visit my contact page to drop me a line.
