Acupuncture and Fertility

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to promote health and treat various medical conditions, including infertility and preconception care.

Acupuncture may help regulate hormones and improve the menstrual cycle, both of which are important factors in fertility. It can also help to regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, which is responsible for regulating hormone production and promoting regular ovulation.

Acupuncture is also helpful to reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can have a positive impact on fertility. Stress can interfere with ovulation and hormone production, which may lead to irregular menstrual cycles. Acupuncture can help reduce stress levels and improve overall mental and emotional well-being, which can in turn improve fertility outcomes.

Acupuncture may also help improve blood flow to the reproductive organs, which can improve their function and increase the chances of conception. By promoting blood flow, acupuncture may also help reduce inflammation, which can be a contributing factor to infertility.

Overall, acupuncture can be a beneficial form of preconception care for couples trying to conceive. It can help regulate hormones, improve the menstrual cycle, reduce stress levels, improve blood flow, and promote relaxation. However, it's important to note that acupuncture should be used in conjunction with other forms of preconception care, such as a healthy diet, exercise, and regular visits with a healthcare provider.

Pregnancy

Regular acupuncture treatments throughout pregnancy are associated with fewer adverse events during pregnancy.  
Some of the potential benefits of using acupuncture during pregnancy are as follows:

1. Reducing Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms during the first trimester of pregnancy. Acupuncture may help reduce the severity and frequency of these symptoms, allowing pregnant women to feel more comfortable and maintain adequate nutrition.

2. Managing Anxiety and Depression: Pregnancy can be a stressful time, and many women experience anxiety and depression. Acupuncture has been shown to help reduce stress and anxiety levels, promoting feelings of relaxation and wellbeing.

3. Improving Sleep: Many pregnant women experience difficulty sleeping, either due to physical discomfort or anxiety. Acupuncture may help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, allowing expectant mothers to feel more rested and refreshed.

4. Relieving Pain: Pregnancy can be accompanied by a variety of aches and pains, including back pain, sciatica, and pelvic pain. Acupuncture may help relieve these symptoms, reducing discomfort and improving overall quality of life.

5. Preparing for Labour: Acupuncture can be used to prepare the body for labour and delivery. It helps by improving circulation, promoting relaxation, and encouraging the baby to move into the optimal position for birth.

Assisted Reproduction (IVF & IUI)

Research has shown that acupuncture can assist with fertility treatments such as assisted reproductive technology (ART) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). In ART, acupuncture can be used to improve the quality of the eggs, increase blood flow to the uterus, and balance hormones. In IVF, acupuncture can reduce stress, improve blood flow to the ovaries, and increase the chances of embryo implantation.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 30 randomized controlled trials, published in the journal Reproductive Biomedicine Online, found that acupuncture can improve pregnancy rates and live birth rates for couples undergoing ART. The study found that acupuncture can increase the odds of a clinical pregnancy by 65% and the odds of a live birth by 91%.

Another study, published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, found that women who received acupuncture before and after embryo transfer during IVF had higher pregnancy rates than those who did not receive acupuncture. The study found that acupuncture increased the pregnancy rate by 12% and the live birth rate by 14%.

Overall, the research suggests that acupuncture may be a useful adjunct therapy for couples undergoing ART or IVF. It may improve the chances of pregnancy and live birth, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve overall well-being.

Evidence suggests, acupuncture given alongside embryo transfer improves rates of pregnancy & live birth among women during in vitro fertilisation and Chinese herbs have been found to:

• Increase endometrial thickness

• Enhance the success rate in vitro fertilisation

• Improve the quality of fertility & embryo

Our Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners

Learn more about our trained and experienced Traditional Chinese Medicine specialist Kylie Stabler.