How acupuncture can help with fertility

Acupuncture, a core component of traditional Chinese medicine, has been used for thousands of years to promote health and well-being. In recent years, it has gained significant popularity as a complementary therapy for infertility, offering hope to many couples seeking to boost their chances of conception. Both women and men are increasingly turning to acupuncture as part of their fertility journey, either as a standalone approach or in conjunction with treatments like in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

How can acupuncture support fertility?

Acupuncture is based on the concept of energy flow or Qi (pronounced "chee") that runs through the body along channels called meridians. According to traditional Chinese medicine, when this energy flow is disrupted or blocked, it can lead to illness or pain. Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific points along the meridians to help restore the proper flow of energy.

In the context of fertility, acupuncture can be used to address a range of issues that may be affecting a woman's ability to conceive. Some potential benefits include:

• regulating the menstrual cycle
• reducing stress and anxiety
• improving blood flow to the reproductive organs

These factors can help create a more conducive environment for conception, whether through natural means or assisted reproductive techniques like IVF.

Acupuncture and IVF success

One of the most common uses of acupuncture for fertility is to support the process of in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Studies have shown that acupuncture may help to increase the success rate of IVF by:

• reducing stress and promoting relaxation
• improving blood flow to the uterus
• regulating hormones that are involved in the menstrual cycle and ovulation

In one study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, women undergoing IVF who received acupuncture before and after embryo transfer were more likely to have a successful pregnancy than those who did not receive acupuncture. The researchers suggested that acupuncture may help to improve the environment in the uterus and increase blood flow to the developing embryos.

Natural conception and acupuncture

Acupuncture may also be helpful for women who are trying to conceive naturally. One study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that women who received acupuncture twice a week for 10 weeks were more likely to become pregnant than those who did not receive acupuncture. The researchers suggested that acupuncture may help to:

• regulate the menstrual cycle
• reduce stress
• improve the quality of the eggs and the lining of the uterus

By addressing these aspects, acupuncture may help women trying to conceive naturally by optimising their reproductive health.

Acupuncture for male fertility

In addition to its potential benefits for women, acupuncture may also be helpful for men who are experiencing fertility issues. Some studies have suggested that acupuncture may help to improve sperm count, motility, and morphology, although more research is needed in this area.

Fertility issues can be extremely stressful and can put a lot of pressure on your relationship if you are trying to grow your family. The average time for someone with no fertility issues to become pregnant can be as long as a year. If you are over 32 years of age, it can be worth considering freezing some eggs to ensure you have stock of the highest quality should you want to try at a later date.