Acupuncture, a traditional form of Chinese medicine that’s over 3,000 years old, has long been used to treat various conditions, from pain relief to anxiety. Could it also be a viable option to boost fertility naturally? With so many treatment options available, you might wonder—does fertility acupuncture really work? Below, we’ll explore how acupuncture may support fertility and if it's worth pursuing on your journey.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a system of healthcare that evolved from ancient China to prevent, diagnose, and treat various ailments and conditions.
The basis of TCM and acupuncture is the body’s vital energy, called qi (pronounced chi), which flows around specific channels in the body.
During an acupuncture session, the acupuncturist carefully inserts tiny metal needles at specific points in the body. Practitioners believe each point corresponds to certain pathways in your qi and helps regulate various bodily functions. Sometimes, the needles are further activated through gentle hand manipulation or electric stimulation. This process is thought to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities, promoting overall health and wellness.
What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?
While the idea of tiny needles piercing the skin may seem painful, most people agree that the sessions aren’t painful at all. The needles used in acupuncture are very thin, roughly the width of a single human hair, and solid, unlike the hollow needles used for injections. Due to the size and construction of the needles, they typically cause minimal discomfort, if any at all. Some report a slight pinch, pressure or aching sensation upon insertion but don’t find the overall process painful.
Some report a temporary emotional response to acupuncture, such as feeling energized, happy or even sad. In addition to traditional acupuncture, alternative methods may involve heat (moxibustion), pressure (acupressure), suction (cupping), or a mild electric current through the needles. These methods are also regarded as painless.
Can Acupuncture Help You Get Pregnant?
The jury is still out on whether or not acupuncture can help you get pregnant. Acupuncture has several studied health benefits that can support boosted fertility:
- Studies show that acupuncture can help improve blood flow, which may include extra flow to the uterus and ovaries, as well as a chance of increased responsiveness to fertility treatments.
- Acupuncture has been shown to help with relieving stress and anxiety–both of which can negatively impact your menstrual cycle.
- There is evidence that in women with certain conditions like PCOS and hypothyroidism, acupuncture demonstrated improved fertility.
A few studies have demonstrated fertility improvements following acupuncture treatments, though the results have been mixed. While it’s not entirely clear how acupuncture works to boost fertility, these findings suggest it could be a helpful complementary treatment for certain individuals.
How Effective is Acupuncture for Fertility?
The research on the effectiveness of acupuncture for fertility is inconclusive, but there have been some promising results. In one randomized study, women who received acupuncture before embryo transfer were twice as likely to get pregnant compared to those who didn’t. Another study found that for women undergoing IVF, receiving acupuncture both before and after the embryo transfer increased the pregnancy rate from 26% to 42%.
What’s not understood is acupuncture’s effect. Some research theorizes that the belief in acupuncture may boost its effectiveness. While the research isn’t 100% clear, many argue that if acupuncture increases pregnancy rates, whether through belief or physical effects, it remains a valuable treatment option.
What’s the Science Behind Acupuncture for Infertility?
While the overall health benefits of acupuncture have been extensively studied, the science behind acupuncture for infertility is still being explored. One of the prevailing theories is that certain qi points improve blood flow to the reproductive organs, reduce stress and balance hormones. It’s also thought that acupuncture reduces stress and anxiety by increasing the production of hormones. While more research is needed to understand how acupuncture impacts fertility fully, these theories provide insight into the potential science behind acupuncture’s popularity with many people.
Does Acupuncture Help Increase Fertility in Men?
We’re not sure if acupuncture is effective for male infertility, and the research has mixed outcomes. Some studies suggest that acupuncture can enhance sperm quality, but there simply isn’t enough research to back up that claim. We know that acupuncture has both physical and emotional benefits, and healthier bodies tend to have a higher sperm count and more sperm motility. Although some forms of acupuncture look promising (such as laser acupuncture, which uses lasers and has shown potential in improving sperm motility and concentration), more research is needed to understand its impact fully.
What Other Treatments Can You Combine With Acupuncture for Fertility?
Acupuncture isn't the only thing you can do to help boost fertility. Both men and women can make specific lifestyle changes to improve fertility. If you want to enhance your chances of conception, consider the following tips:
- Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity (about one hour three times per week) has been linked to better fertility outcomes.
- Maintain a healthy BMI: Keeping your BMI between 18 and 25 is associated with improved fertility.
- Eat a balanced diet: Prioritize a diet rich in fruits and vegetables to support overall reproductive health.
- Reduce stress: Research shows that women in stress-reduction programs have better outcomes, and men who experience more stressful events have lower sperm quality.
- Take vitamins: Consider fertility supplements, such as Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which have been shown to improve sperm and egg quality in various studies.
FAQs
How many sessions of acupuncture do you need for fertility?
It depends–usually, you will meet with an acupuncturist who will create a personalized plan based on an assessment. However, a general guideline is 10-12 appointments, which are usually done one to three times per week.
When should you begin and end acupuncture for fertility?
The best time to have acupuncture sessions is during ovulation since the increased blood flow to the ovaries and uterus is one of the purported benefits. Most experts agree that the best time to start acupuncture to support fertility treatments is three to four months before any traditional methods, such as assisted reproductive therapies (ART).
Is acupuncture a licensed profession?
Yes, in most states, certified acupuncturists are licensed professionals. They must complete a certain number of hours of training and pass an examination–though the requirements vary in each state. You can visit www.nccaom.org to find a licensed and board-certified acupuncturist in your area. However, being a licensed practitioner doesn’t mean they are a fertility expert, so always consult a fertility specialist when undertaking a new treatment plan.
