You may have stopped birth control, started to prepare your body, and begun tracking your cycles. You may have started fertility treatment.
You may also turn to alternative methods such as acupuncture. This is a natural, thousands-year-old practice.
It can be very frustrating to be unable to conceive when you really want to, says reproductive endocrinologist Jenna Rehmer MD. People who are trying to get pregnant will often do anything possible to achieve their goal.
Dr. Rehmer, licensed acupuncturist Megan Scott and LAC Megan Scott explain whether or not acupuncture can help you conceive.
Can acupuncture help you get pregnant?
You might have heard that acupuncture can help you finally become pregnant. The science is still evolving and contradictory. Acupuncture can be used to improve sperm and ovarian functions, but there is no conclusive proof that it can help with infertility.
One study found that acupuncture did not result in a significant difference in the live birth rate of women who underwent in vitro fertilisation.
Many people have reported that acupuncture is beneficial when trying to get pregnant. Many licensed acupuncturists work with couples and individuals who want to become pregnant.
Scott explains that patients seek acupuncture in all stages of their fertility journey, whether it’s after they stop using birth control or after trying for months without success. They may also seek support following failed IVF treatments. “Acupuncturists are able to support patients at any stage of their fertility journey.”
Can acupuncture be used to help you get pregnant?
Yes, in a nutshell. Acupuncture, a widespread ancient practice, is considered to be overwhelmingly safe. It can be used alongside almost all other conventional therapies.
In Chinese traditional medicine acupuncture helps balance qi, a force of energy that is believed to flow along pathways called meridians in the body. The acupuncturist will insert fine, sterile needles at “acupoints” in your skin to trigger your body’s natural healing response. These acupoints, which are usually located in the abdomen and target your reproductive organs, are used for acupuncture to promote fertility.
Scott states that the benefits of acupuncture in fertility treatment may include:
- How to regulate your menstrual cycle
- Improve sperm motility and count.
- Increase blood flow to the reproductive organs.
- Stress and anxiety can be reduced.
If you’re interested in acupuncture, check with your primary care physician, Ob/Gyn or reproductive endocrinologist/fertility specialist to be sure it’s OK for you to try.
Why should you consider acupuncture to improve fertility?
Stress relief is a major benefit of acupuncture for those trying to conceive. Acupuncture is an effective way to reduce stress, and infertile people may have a great deal of it.
a study has found that women with an infertility diagnoses and those who were assigned as female at birth experience the same level of stress.
Scott says that the emotional and mental strain of infertility, and its treatment, is hard to bear. “Acupuncture is a great tool to relieve stress and provide comfort.”
Dr. Rehmer agrees: “I tell all my patients that if you are in a situation where you feel significant stress and anxiety and you can find a way to reduce this burden, then go for it.”
When to visit an acupuncturist when you are trying to get pregnant
The majority of fertility specialists will recommend that you make an appointment if you have been trying to conceive unsuccessfully for at least six months or a year. You can begin seeing an acupuncturist much earlier.
Most acupuncturists recommend coming in a couple of months before you plan to conceive. This is true whether it’s through IVF, IUI or IVF ( intrauterine sperm insemination) so that they can evaluate your body response over a number of menstrual periods.
Scott explains, “We will do a comprehensive review of your reproductive and health history to create a plan for you that is best suited to your needs.” Infertility is often treated with weekly acupuncture, but the plan you choose will depend on what works best for you.
