The fertility process can be stressful and heartbreaking when it takes many months or years. Thankfully, acupuncture is a modality that can support your fertility journey.
Acupuncture supports fertility
Acupuncture works in several ways to enhance fertility because it:
- Improves blood flow to the uterus and ovaries
- Likely enhances egg quality
- For men, may improve sperm quality
- Reduces release of stress hormones
- Improves production of sex hormones
- Improves immune function and digestion as needed
Acupuncture is helpful for fertility via intercourse as well as assisted fertility in cases of intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and egg freezing.
Improving Blood Flow to the Uterus and Ovaries
Acupuncture has been shown in studies to affect blood flow. For the enhancement of fertility we place needles on the lower abdomen as well as locations on the lower legs that impact health of the uterine region. Increased blood flow to the uterus and ovaries means that there is more oxygen and more vital nutrients available to the developing egg cells and the uterine lining to support enhanced fertility.
Enhancing Egg & Sperm Quality
We also know that egg and sperm quality are a major factor in the success of pregnancies. Increased blood flow to reproductive organs, along with an appropriate diet and supplementation if needed, can enhance egg and sperm quality to improve the likelihood of a successful pregnancy and reduce risk of miscarriage.
Reduce Release of Stress Hormones, Improve Release of Sex Hormones
Acupuncture is known for bringing the body from a state of “fight or flight” stress into a state of “rest and digest” relaxation. When the body is in a more relaxed mode there is a lower release of cortisol (one of the primary stress hormones) which in turn improves the production of sex hormones. Acupuncture along with herbal medicine can significantly reduce stress and anxiety — not only does that improve fertility but helps you feel better in your day to day life!
Improves Immune Function and Digestive Function
In some cases women are repeatedly sick with infections. Often these moms are those who work with small children and are exposed to many viruses or they already have a young child or two in their house bringing home infections. When the body is busy fighting infections over and over it is harder for the body to focus on reproduction. Acupuncture (along with herbal medicine as needed) can help to improve immune system function and reduce the duration of illnesses. When women are less frequently sick their bodies are then more able to focus on reproduction. Better immune function also enhances overall quality of life!
Some women also have chronically weak digestive function. Either their peristalsis (movement through the digestive tract) is slow and they’re not having complete bowel movements daily, or they have impaired absorption or leaky gut which can raise the body’s inflammation and reduce nutrient absorption. Acupuncture along with herbal medicine can increase peristalsis and help to heal impaired gut lining to enable better nutrient absorption. Better nutrition should help with ovarian function and improve egg quality.
TTC? Try Acupuncture.
If you have been trying to conceive for a while without luck, or you have struggled with repeat miscarriages, acupuncture is a great way to improve your fertility without taking medications. You can always call us at Inspire Family Acupuncture to see if acupuncture is the right path for you!
