Acupuncture and Fertility

Acupuncture has been used in Chinese Medicine to increase fertility for centuries. Chinese Medicine theory is based on the concept of free flowing “Qi”, if there is disruption to this flow of Qi an imbalance arises that leads to illness, pain as well as fertility struggles.

Does acupuncture really help with Fertility and what is the success rate?

In short, yes Acupuncture can help with fertility and increase your change of conceiving naturally as well as increase your IVF success rate.

Acupuncture and fertility success rate:  Acupuncture can increase the chances of getting pregnant for women undergoing fertility treatment by 65%. (1)

There is plenty of anecdotal evidence and some research to back this claim. In 2008, researchers at the Center for Integrative Medicine, at the University of Maryland’s School of Medicine found that when acupuncture took place on the day of embryo transfer, there were significant improvements in the rates of clinical pregnancies. (2)

In fact, now Acupuncture is being recognised for its various health benefits by the WHO.

In another study published in 2002, a German fertility clinic offered IVF patients who had good-quality embryos opportunity to participate in acupuncture.  In the acupuncture group 34 of the 80 patients got pregnant. (3)

How does acupuncture for fertility work?

During acupuncture for fertility, very fine needles are inserted into the skin to stimulate specific points (known as acupuncture points).  When these acupuncture points are stimulated, it readjusts the flow of Qi by removing any blockages. In other words, Acupuncture promotes the release of chemicals called neurotransmitters that send messages from the brain to the reproductive system. Acupuncture for fertility works by promoting blood flow to the uterus increasing the likelihood of embryo implantation. 

One of the major causes of infertility, which often gets overlooked, is stress. (4) Acupuncture for fertility can reduce stress, which in turn, could fertility. (5)

Acupuncture and fertility issues due to Egg Quality:

Acupuncture normalizes the dysfunction of the Hypothalamus – Pituitary-Ovarian Axis.  This improves ovarian function creating more follicles and better egg production.  (6) Ovulation is also a crucial process for you to get good-quality eggs, if you have struggled with ovulation and want to find a solution, read more here.

Acupuncture for fertility issues to due to hormone imbalance:

Acupuncture promotes the release of beta-endorphin, which works to influence the source of women’s ovulatory and fertility hormones (the hypothalamic pituitary ovarian axis ) and control hormones that regulate a woman’s ovulation and fertility that includes follicle stimulating hormone ( FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) (6)

Acupuncture for embryo transfer:

Acupuncture can improve the rate of successful implantation by boosting blood flow to the uterus, regulating immune system as well as the menstrual cycle. Read more about how acupuncture can help embryo transfer here. If you are going through IUI, find out more about best time to have acupuncture for IUI here. Read more here.

Acupuncture for unexplained fertility issues:

There is acupuncture success with unexplained infertility. Looking at the research, it provides great promise for couples that have been trying for years to conceive. Read more here. 

Acupuncture and Fertility in Men:

35% to 40% of infertility problems among couples are actually caused by male conditions. Researchers found five weeks of acupuncture treatment reduced the number of structural abnormalities in sperm and increased the overall number of normal sperm in a group of men with infertility problems. (7)

When should you get acupuncture for fertility?

If trying to conceive, for acupuncture and fertility we recommend having weekly acupuncture to boost fertility with a course of 6-10 treatments with review of your progress.

• During the follicular phase (day 5, 6, 7 or 8 of your menstrual cycle)
• During ovulation (the day of ovulation, the day before or the day after)
• During implantation time (6 – 10 days after ovulation)

The exact number of acupuncture session and the duration of it differs from person to person, especially if you are trying to conceive with endometriosis, fibroid or similar.

More Alternatives to Boost Fertility? Try Herbal Supplements!

GinSen supplements have been specially formulated to gently optimise the correct functioning of the key organs involved with creating a new life – the Kidneys, Liver and Spleen. Natural herbs are used to help boost and balance the Qi in these organs. Some recommendations are as follows:

Women Over 40 & Infertility Kit supports eggs health, a regular menstrual cycle, promotes a healthy uterus and balances your hormone levels. Together these factors will increase your chance of getting pregnant.

Fertility Remedy No 2 promotes natural conception. This natural herbal formula treats infertility due to PCOS and irregular periods. It also boosts ovulation giving you the greatest chance of conception.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We can’t guarantee the treatment result, as the symptoms of conditions are unpredictable and vary greatly from person to person. The treatment length and recovery time also varies for individual. Please visit our clinics website: GinSen where a specialists will discuss your care and provide a consultation, and the treatment will be designed to meet your individual needs.