Fertility and Acupuncture

All about fertility and acupuncture

Western physicians are increasingly embracing traditional Chinese medicine, thanks to its beneficial effects. After a 4,000-year history, acupuncture is now being combined with modern infertility treatment to enhance success rates and promote relaxation. To make specialized infertility acupuncture easily accessible for women in our care, we provide an on-site Orange County infertility acupuncture specialist.

Acupuncture may be a valuable add-on treatment for women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Multiple studies suggest this ancient therapy may increase pregnancy rates. By providing this service in conjunction with fertility treatment, here in our office, we offer more options for women who wish to approach their fertility care with a “whole woman” focus on mind, body and spirit.

How acupuncture works

According to traditional Chinese medicine, infertility is related to blocked energy flow in the body. These blockages lead to imbalances along certain zones, or meridians. In acupuncture, the therapist inserts small needles into the skin at precise locations on the body. This provides stimulation that relieves blockages and restores balance.

Western researchers have found that the sensations produced by the needles prompts the release of substances. These include B-endorphin and serotonin, which assist with function of the sympathetic nervous system throughout the body. B-endorphin leads to release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), both of which stimulate the ovaries and ultimately increase production of estrogen.

Together, these effects combine to increase blood flow to the ovaries and uterus. The result is more exposure to gonadotropins and estrogen. Not to mention improved the response to FSH in some women while enhancing the uterine lining for embryo implantation.

Research has shown that acupuncture for women undergoing IVF has no documented detrimental effects and is best used during the stimulation phase of IVF and at the time of embryo transfer to achieve certain benefits.

  • Increased embryo implantation rate
  • Higher IVF pregnancy rate
  • Increased blood flow to the uterus
  • Enhanced follicular development

Studies have also shown that acupuncture has a calming, soothing effect and can relieve stress and anxiety. For many women, an acupuncture appointment provides a quiet escape from the stress of fertility treatment, allowing them to take a much-needed break from the physical and emotional demands of treatment to focus on their own wellness.

Make an appointment

By providing acupuncture as part of a comprehensive spectrum of fertility care, we make it easy and seamless for you to receive perfectly coordinated therapy in conjunction with your fertility treatment.

To learn more or schedule an appointment with our Orange County infertility acupuncture specialist, contact us today.