Chicago Acupuncture for Infertility

Chicago Acupuncture for Infertility

Acupuncture for infertility

Acupuncture for Infertility: A Natural Approach to Boost Fertility

Fertility issues are becoming increasingly commonplace in the United States as more and more people are postponing parenthood until later in life. It is often recommended to seek help with fertility issues if pregnancy does not occur after 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse if you are age 35 or younger or after 6 months if you are 36 or older. Other reasons to seek help with fertility are irregular menstrual cycles, inconsistent or no ovulation, and male factor fertility issues. Factors of modern living such as more advanced maternal and paternal age, high stress, and unprecedented levels of environmental toxins all contribute to the high number of people in the U.S. experiencing some form of infertility.

Infertility can be a deeply emotional and frustrating journey for many individuals and couples. With medical advancements, there are various treatment options available, including assisted reproductive technologies like IVF. However, more and more people are turning to complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, to enhance their fertility treatment plans.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient healing practice that originates from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It involves inserting very thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of energy, or "Qi" (pronounced "chee"). In TCM, it is believed that blockages or imbalances in the flow of Qi can lead to illness or discomfort, and acupuncture seeks to restore balance and promote overall well-being.

In recent years, acupuncture has become a popular complementary therapy for infertility treatment, helping people improve their reproductive health by balancing hormones, increasing blood flow to reproductive organs, and reducing stress.

How Does Acupuncture Help with Infertility?

Acupuncture can be a very effective and holistic treatment for fertility issues, both on its own and in conjunction with other treatments. Here's how acupuncture works in relation to infertility:

  1. Hormonal Balance
    One of the primary ways acupuncture can support fertility is by helping balance hormones that regulate ovulation, menstruation, and sperm production. By stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities, acupuncture can encourage the production of key hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which are critical for conception.
  2. Improved Blood Flow to the Reproductive Organs
    Acupuncture helps increase blood flow to the uterus and ovaries. This enhanced circulation improves the health of the reproductive organs and may help with egg quality, sperm production, and uterine lining, which are all crucial factors for conception.
  3. Stress Reduction
    Chronic stress is a known factor that can negatively impact fertility. Acupuncture helps activate the body's parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and reduces stress. Reducing stress levels can help regulate the hormonal systems that influence fertility, making it easier to conceive.
  4. Regulating the Menstrual Cycle
    Women with irregular cycles, including those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can benefit from acupuncture. Acupuncture can help restore regular ovulation and menstrual cycles, increasing the chances of conception.
  5. Improved IVF Outcomes
    Many studies have shown that acupuncture can improve the success rates of in vitro fertilization (IVF) by promoting better blood flow to the uterus and improving egg quality. Some studies suggest that acupuncture may even increase the chances of embryo implantation during IVF treatments.

What the Research Says About Acupuncture for Infertility

While acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years, its role in fertility treatment is still being explored by the scientific community. Several studies have shown promising results, though it’s important to note that more research is needed to fully understand its effects.

  1. A Study on IVF Success Rates
    A landmark study published in Fertility and Sterility found that women who received acupuncture before and after their IVF treatments had higher rates of pregnancy and live births compared to those who did not receive acupuncture. Researchers believe that acupuncture may improve blood flow to the uterus, which aids in embryo implantation.
  2. Acupuncture for Women with PCOS
    Women with PCOS often struggle with irregular ovulation, which can make it difficult to conceive. Research suggests that acupuncture may help regulate ovulation and menstrual cycles in women with PCOS, potentially improving fertility.
  3. A Meta-Analysis on Acupuncture and Infertility
    A 2018 meta-analysis of 12 studies published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that acupuncture had a positive effect on improving pregnancy rates for women undergoing IVF. The analysis suggested that acupuncture might help by improving blood circulation to the uterus and ovaries, which could increase the chances of successful implantation.

Should You Consider Acupuncture for Infertility?

If you’re struggling with infertility, acupuncture could be a helpful both on its own or in addition to your treatment plan. It is a safe, natural, and effective treatment to enhance fertility. Acupuncture is often used in conjunction with other fertility treatments, such as IUI or IVF, to enhance overall outcomes.

It’s essential to find a licensed acupuncturist who specializes in fertility to ensure that you receive appropriate and effective care. Acupuncture for fertility should be personalized to your specific needs, which is why working with an experienced practitioner is key.

Why You Should Consider Acupuncture for Infertility with Us

Our compassionate and caring acupuncturists have been specializing in infertility since 2008 and have high success rates when it comes to treating fertility issues. We will carefully go over your health history to uncover contributing factors to infertility from a holistic perspective and come up with a highly customized treatment plan to address each person's unique fertility issues. In addition to acupuncture, the use of herbal supplements and diet/lifestyle recommendations may be incorporated into a patient's treatment plan to promote optimal fertilty. We have many satisfied patients that see us for fertility issues, continue to see us throughout their entire pregnancies, and come back again when trying for their next baby.

While we work with many patients trying conceive naturally, we are also very experienced in working with patients trying to conceive with IVF. Specific acupuncture protocols are used to help increase ovarian response and ultimately boost IVF success. Find out more about how acupuncture can increase IVF success.

In addition to seeking acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, we encourage our patients to be more proactive in promoting their fertility in other ways, such as eating a healthy diet that promotes fertility, becoming more familiar with their menstrual cycles, and managing stress. Below are some resources to help you take a more proactive role in your fertile health.

Conclusion

Acupuncture for infertility is a safe, natural, and increasingly popular option for individuals and couples who are looking to improve their fertility. Acupuncture can enhance reproductive health, reduce stress, and improve the outcomes of fertility treatments like IVF. If you’re struggling with infertility, consider giving acupuncture a try as part of your holistic fertility journey.

To read more about acupuncture for fertility, please see the articles below.

Our Licensed Acupuncturists are board certified and specialize in the treatment of infertility issues. We use acupuncture, electro-stimulation, herbal therapy, and other natural therapies to help boost fertility safely and effectively. Located in the Chicago Loop, our clean and relaxing acupuncture clinic provides a serene environment to get fertility boosting acupuncture treatments. Contact us to start your fertility acupuncture today.

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