Acupuncture is an ancient practice that uses very thin needles inserted into specific points on your body that can help regulate your bodily functions. When used for fertility, acupuncture can help address problems like under or over-functioning thyroid. Acupuncture is relatively painless and can help relieve you of stress, which can also boost fertility. The process releases endorphins into your body, which has positive effects on fertility.
Does it Work?
Acupuncture and herbal medicines cannot change things like tubal adhesions, but it might improve your ovular and follicular functions. These treatments can also increase blood flow to the endometrium, which promotes a thick and healthy lining.
When Should the Treatment Begin and End?
Since acupuncture is an in-process treatment, more is better than less. You’ll want to begin the treatment a few months before you plan on participating in fertility treatments like insemination, IVF, or donor-egg transfer. Acupuncture is proven to have a therapeutic effect, and treatment is encouraged before and after embryo transfer. The most effective form of fertility treatments is a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicines, and traditional medicine. It is also possible for conception to occur with only acupuncture and herbal medicines and no traditional medicinal practices.
Treatment should end around twelve weeks into pregnancy to help move past the stage where you are most at risk for miscarriages.
What are the Risks?
Risk is very minimal for acupuncture treatments of any kind. For fertility specifically, the risk of miscarriages increases depending on where the needles are inserted after you’ve become pregnant. This is why you must find an acupuncturist that specializes in fertility disorders. Overall, the treatment is generally safe for patients regardless of their medical history.
Who are the Typical Patients Regarding Fertility?
Acupuncture can help treat many different fertility disorders. However, one disorder that acupuncture can’t help relieve is blocked tubes. This condition does not usually respond to acupuncture very well. However, below is a list of fertility conditions that acupuncture treatments could help improve:
- Spasmed tubes
- Elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
- Repeated pregnancy loss
- Unexplained infertility
- Luteal phase defect
- Hyperprolactinemia
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
Infertility can be a difficult thing to deal with. That’s why Tieperman Health and Wellness wants to be there for you! If you are looking to try acupuncture for fertility, give us a call. We can help you set up a consultation and get your treatment started.