Does acupuncture help with fertility?
Have you been trying to get pregnant for a while now and just aren’t having any success? Are you looking for natural solutions to help you conceive? Acupuncture is a proven therapy to increase the odds of successful conception as an adjunct to in vitro fertilization or natural methods. Whether you have menstrual irregularities like PCOS or endometriosis, or a healthy cycle, acupuncture might be an appropriate therapy to help you conceive your baby.
Kristin has been helping women and men with fertility through acupuncture, nutrition and herbs for more than 20 years.
It’s true that human fertility globally is declining. There are many exogenous factors at play, increasingly toxic food, water and air supply, stressful lifestyles and nutrient depleted foods to name a few. The unfortunate consequence of a toxic environment on human reproduction is a decline in both male and female fertility.
Acupuncture can help to improve fertility outcomes by regulating hormones, particularly sex hormones. The endocrine system is a sophisticated communication network where a disruption of one hormone in the network can have widespread consequences. If, for example, you are under high levels of stress for extended periods of time, the stress hormone cortisol can disrupt estrogen, thyroid hormone, testosterone and progesterone. All of these hormones play a critical role in fertility.
Acupuncture down-regulates stress hormones, allowing for a more balanced hormone profile when the body is under stress. Stress comes in many forms, physical, psychological, mental and chemical. Mitigating the effects of stress is one of the core strategies to improve fertility outcomes.
When the body is under stress from exogenous chemical influences like BPA, sodium lauryl sulfate, or microplastics which are ubiquitous and unavoidable, or emotional stress from the pressure of modern daily life, interventions like acupuncture can help to balance the scales.
Although acupuncture does little to nothing to prevent microplastics and hormone-mimicking chemicals from entering the body, it can assist the body’s natural detoxification mechanisms to flush those substances from the body. Creating the best environment possible will enhance the likelihood of conception and the development of a healthy baby.
How long will it take to get pregnant once I start acupuncture?
While there is no predetermined timeline for success with acupuncture for fertility, the vast majority of women with no major fertility issues (such as amenorrhea, advanced maternal age) can expect to get regular acupuncture treatments for anywhere between 2-8 months. This timeline is not based on empirical scientific studies: this is anecdotal and based on Kristin’s professional clinical experience.
In addition to acupuncture for fertility, nutritional adjustments may be necessary based upon current dietary habits and behaviors, as well as supplemental nutrition or Chinese herbs.
How much will it cost to do acupuncture for fertility?
The cost per session is the same, but the number of sessions can vary widely. Occasionally health insurance will cover the cost of care, but not always. If you do not have a health insurance plan that covers acupuncture, we offer discounts on packages or monthly subscriptions. Call to find out more about these options.
Should both men and women get acupuncture for fertility?
While acupuncture for fertility can benefit women and men, typically it isn’t necessary for both to get weekly treatments. However, therapies that balance the health of the couple can decrease the time it takes to conceive. Conception is a bit of an odds game, you can increase your odds by decreasing the complicating risk factors. Stress affects all of us, regardless of gender.
Are you interested to learn more? You can set up a free 10 minute phone consultation to address any additional questions you may have.
Are you ready to get started with acupuncture for fertility? Book online now!