Acupuncture for fertility: you're not alone

Acupuncture for fertility

Fertility struggles can often be a very lonely and isolating issue. I've talked with countless women who are in the middle of their fertility journey, just started trying, or haven't even tried to conceive yet but are just thinking about it and almost all of them are anxiety ridden with every single "what if" running through their mind. And my heart is with them while we navigate these "what ifs" because the reality is that we can't predict how your fertility journey will go. However, we can support it, both physically and emotionally.

When people think of acupuncture, they often think of pain relief, as it is widely recognized for its effectiveness in alleviating various types of discomfort, including chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, migraines, and back pain. However, a close second in the realm of acupuncture's benefits—and one that seems to be gaining prominence and attention every day, almost breathing down the neck of pain relief—is fertility acupuncture. This specialized practice of acupuncture focuses on enhancing reproductive health and addressing fertility challenges. Having been a fertility specialist for the past 7 years, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative effects that acupuncture can have on individuals and couples who are trying to conceive. The success stories speak for themselves but still it brings a lump to my throat when I think of my lovely patients who thought, "this will never happen for me" or "I'm too old" or "I was told I can't get pregnant" and had successful outcomes.

It's not uncommon for many people to seek out acupuncture for the first time when they are ready to have a baby, driven by the hope of improving their chances of conception and having a healthy pregnancy. With approximately 1 in 6 people globally struggling with fertility issues, the conversation surrounding reproductive health has become more urgent and prevalent than ever before. Many people don't talk to others about their fertility struggles so it can often feel like people are navigating unfamiliar territory, like no one knows their pain or desire for something that isn't happening yet. As society becomes more aware of the emotional and physical toll that infertility can take, an increasing number of people are turning to acupuncture as a way to support their minds and bodies.

Fertility acupuncture can help with regulating hormonal imbalances, improving blood flow to the reproductive organs, and reducing stress, all of which can play a crucial role in enhancing successful outcomes. Hormonal imbalances that acupuncture can address include issues like irregular periods, PCOS, painful periods, luteal phase defect, lack of periods (amenorrhea), and unexplained infertility. Acupuncture is also excellent at improving fertility outcomes in people with endometriosis or other issues of the uterine lining.

Moreover, acupuncture is often integrated into various fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), where it is used to support the body during the process and improve outcomes. Acupuncture can help boost follicle production during stimming, improve lining before a transfer, and reduce many of the side effects of the hormones taken during IUI/IVF. Many patients report feeling more balanced and relaxed after acupuncture sessions, which can be particularly beneficial during what is often a stressful time. The calming effect of acupuncture may help to alleviate anxiety and emotional distress associated with fertility challenges, creating a more supportive environment for conception, as cortisol (the body's stress hormone) acts as a natural birth control.

I typically recommend starting acupuncture 3 months prior to trying to conceive, though if you're already well into your fertility journey, that's okay too! We recommend starting before because it take about 3 cycles for your hormones to become regulated after starting acupuncture. That's also the approximate time it takes for the egg to mature leading up to ovulation. So the egg you ovulate with this cycle, actually started it's maturation about 90 days prior.

As the demand for fertility acupuncture continues to rise, it is essential to recognize the importance of finding an acupuncturist who understands the nuances of reproductive health, overall wellness, and the emotional toll the fertility journey can take. Each of my patients receives a tailored treatment plans for your specific fertility needs and also guidance on lifestyle and dietary changes that can further enhance your outcomes. From there, we embark on a journey together that, fingers crossed, leads to two pink lines and a lifetime of memories. It's always my honor and pleasure to be there with you on that journey, as your cheerleader, hand holder, shoulder to cry on, and recipient of all news, good and bad. I'm here for it all.