Fertility

Acupuncture and herbal medicine has a long history when it comes to enhancing reproductive health and fertility for both men and women. In fact, evidence that acupuncture and herbal medicine have been used to aid fertility can be found in early medical literature dating back to 3 AD.

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Statistics state that one in five couples over the age of 30 have difficulty conceiving after one year of trying. A combination of factors can contribute delayed motherhood, toxins in the environment, and stressful lifestyles that affect the balance of hormones. Many of these couples are turning to acupuncture and herbal medicine for a safe, effective and natural solution to have a healthy baby.

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How common is Acupuncture used to aid in fertility?  More often than you may think.  Celebrities such as Celine Dion and Mariah Carey have delivered healthy babies through the use of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. 

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Popular television host Dr. Oz also recommends the use of acupuncture for women who are seeking fertility treatments.  

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Some studies show that acupuncture can help fertility by reducing the effects of stress and balancing the hormones. It may increase blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, increase the uterine lining, prevent the uterus from contracting, lessen the side effects of drugs used in IVF, strengthen the immune system, decrease chances of miscarriage, and improve quality, quantity, and motility of sperm.

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A leading review article posted by Cornell University provides a summary of current research that supports acupuncture has potential benefits for fertility treatment, including the stimulation of increased uterine blood flow and fertility hormones. It reports that acupuncture treatment has the following potential fertility-boosting benefits:

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• Increased blood flow to the uterus and therefore uterine wall thickness, an important marker for fertility

• Normalization of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, a key process in fertility

• A positive effect for women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, a hormonal imbalance present in three percent of adolescents and adults

Other benefits listed by similar researches include:

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• Improved pregnancy rates during IVF treatment cycles, when acupuncture takes place on the day of embryo transfer

• Increased blood flow to the uterus, leading to an improved endometrial lining

• Reduced stress and anxiety levels

• Possible improvement in ovulation for women with PCOS and Anovulatory cycles

• Possible improvement in sperm count and quality in men with infertility

• Possible regulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which in turn could help regulate ovulation

• Help those with thyroid problems because thyroid can lead to problems with fertility.

• Increased number of follicles produced during an IVF treatment.

• Is also commonly used to induce labor.