Acupuncture for fertility

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Acupuncture, as one of the central tenets of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is becoming more and more recognized as a beneficial complementing treatment for pregnancy and infertility. In fact, many couples seeking to improve their odds of conception and support pregnancy are turning to acupuncture for fertility, while others worldwide deal with infertility issues.

To maximize reproductive health, this ancient treatment involves placing thin needles into designated points on the body to increase energy flow and restore balance.

Although acupuncture cannot treat structural infertility problems, many studies with practical evidence indicate its possible advantages for female (and male) fertility and its function during assisted reproductive treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF). Notably, a systematic review of 27 RCTs involving over 7,600 participants found acupuncture improved live birth rates, clinical pregnancy rates, and implantation rates when compared to control groups (1). These findings support acupuncture’s potential value in fertility-focused care.

How acupuncture works for fertility

Acupuncture improves circulation and hormone balance and stimulates the body’s natural energy (Qi), which is crucial for fertility.

Also, from hormone problems to stress to even male infertility, this holistic approach can help cure a range of fertility-related conditions.

Menstrual Regulation and Hormonal Balance

Menstrual cycle regulation is one of the main advantages of acupuncture for women, which can be disrupted by conditions like endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and thyroid abnormalities (2,3,4). Through hormone regulation—such as decreasing FSH and LH while increasing estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P)—acupuncture promotes optimal follicle development and ovulation (5)

Acupuncture enhances the body’s natural reproduction by helping to balance hormones like prolactin, oestrogen, and progesterone.

This regulation can also improve egg quality and the thickness of the uterine lining, which is essential for conception and a healthy pregnancy (6,4).

Enhancing sperm and egg quality

Acupuncture is believed to improve ovarian function by improving blood flow to the ovaries, promoting healthy egg’ development. It also helps optimize the endometrial lining, making it more receptive to an embryo in IVF (3,7,8). Studies also show that acupuncture may help improve embryo implantation rates and outcomes during IVF cycles (1).

When it comes to men, acupuncture has also been demonstrated to increase sperm count, motility, and general reproductive health, therefore improving sperm quality (6,4). These improvements make acupuncture an appealing choice to treat infertility.

Stress relief

Stress can reduce fertility by raising cortisol levels, therefore upsetting hormone balance and reproductive capacity.

In this regard, acupuncture can relieve tension and anxiety by promoting relaxation and also stimulating the release of oxytocin and endorphine which boost mood and lower stress levels effectively (9,10).

Moreover, for those undergoing IVF or other fertility therapies, where success depends on emotional and psychological well-being, the emotional advantages of acupuncture can be especially beneficial (9,10).

Better IVF Success Rates

Studies confirm that acupuncture can increase IVF success rates by enhancing the implantation process. Specifically, studies have indicated that acupuncture might raise pregnancy rates by increasing uterine blood flow, improving egg quality, and balancing hormones during the IVF cycle (6,7). Moreover, meta-regression analyses have shown a particularly significant benefit in women undergoing repeated IVF attempts, especially when acupuncture is administered consistently over multiple sessions (11).

Additionally, acupuncture may help lower the risk of miscarriage in early pregnancy, which is an essential point for couples undergoing assisted reproduction (3,6).

Timing and frequency of fertility acupuncture

The timing and frequency of acupuncture are crucial for patients undergoing fertility treatments. When it comes to the timing of fertility acupuncture, it is usually advised to start acupuncture at least three to four months before trying to conceive or undergoing treatments such as IVF or intrauterine insemination (IUI) (6,3). This gives the body enough time to respond to the treatment and enhance reproductive health.

Preconceptions and IVF Support

Starting early helps acupuncture regulate the menstrual cycle, balance hormones, and enhance general reproductive health.

For women undergoing IVF, acupuncture is usually recommended one to two times a week before and during the treatment cycle (3,6). Especially, a treatment plan should be tailored to the individual’s specific needs and cycle stages to provide the best results.

Post-conception care

After conception, acupuncture points must be adjusted to avoid any possible risks to the pregnancy, including miscarriage. Moreover, specialized acupuncture treatment conducted by a licensed professional guarantees safety and effectiveness during pregnancy (2). Furthermore, seeing a licensed acupuncturist specializing in fertility and pregnancy is crucial to obtaining individualized treatment and personalized care.

Advantages for men’s fertility

Although acupuncture is mainly associated with female fertility, it can also play a crucial role in male reproductive health, as well. In particular, studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can improve sperm quality by enhancing sperm count, motility, and morphology (4, 7). Moreover, acupuncture helps lower stress, which proves especially helpful for men undergoing infertility treatments because stress is known to impact sperm health negatively(9).

Accordingly, including acupuncture in a fertility plan for men can improve the chances of conception and improve overall reproductive function.

Considerations and safety of acupuncture for fertility

Even though acupuncture is usually considered safe when conducted by a licensed practitioner, there are also a few crucial considerations. First and foremost, it is essential to work with a qualified acupuncturist who specializes in fertility treatments, as acupuncture done without expertise and experience in fertility could result in adverse effects, including incorrect needle placement, which can be ineffective and even harmful (2).

Secondly, acupuncture is usually not recommended for individuals with specific medical conditions, such as bleeding conditions, metal allergies, or infections. In addition, it is essential to consult a reproductive specialist before starting acupuncture if you are undergoing in vitro fertilization or other fertility treatments. This ensures that acupuncture can effectively complement the overall treatment plan just for you (6, 4).

Finally, it is to be noted that acupuncture cannot resolve structural fertility issues, such as blocked fallopian tubes or fibroids, as these conditions might require medical interventions like surgery or assisted reproductive technologies (ART) (4, 7). As noted in recent systematic evaluations, safety and efficacy can vary based on practitioner experience, treatment frequency, and patient-specific factors (2, 11).

Costs and Insurance Coverage

The cost of acupuncture for fertility treatments can vary depending on location and practitioner. Basically, initial visits typically range from $125 to $300, with follow-up treatments costing between $75 and $150 per session (10, 8). Moreover, these treatments are often not covered by insurance, so it is important to check with your provider for coverage options. Nonetheless, many patients find acupuncture as a worthwhile investment thanks to its potential improvement in fertility outcomes and also emotional benefits.

Conclusion

Acupuncture is a holistic, natural approach to fertility, which can complement other treatments like IVF, IUI, and medication. Specifically, it can help regulate hormones, improve blood flow to the reproductive organs, and reduce stress, which is crucial for conception and a healthy pregnancy. On the whole, while more research is needed to understand its effectiveness fully, acupuncture has shown promising results in enhancing fertility and supporting IVF success (7, 4). In fact, with growing scientific support—including systematic reviews and meta-analyses validating its effectiveness in women with infertility and those undergoing IVF (1, 11, 5)—acupuncture stands out as a promising option for those on the journey to parenthood.

As with any fertility treatment, it’s essential to consult with a licensed fertility specialist before beginning acupuncture. Choosing a qualified acupuncturist with experience in fertility care is critical to achieving the best possible outcomes.

At Juvemedwellness, we specialize in integrative medicine and offer personalized acupuncture in Newport beach designed to complement your unique journey. With the proper guidance and care, acupuncture can be a powerful ally on the path to conception and pregnancy.