So you’ve tried ALL the things and still haven’t gotten pregnant. The frustration builds. Then fear, sadness, and eventually loneliness creeps in. What next?

 

Have you tried adding Acupuncture to the mix yet?

 

As an Acupuncture Physician specializing in Women’s Health & Fertility, I’ve heard all the excuses why you haven’t. But here are several reasons why you should:

 

Acupuncture reduces stress:

This is by far the #1 reason patients seek acupuncture during their fertility journey. Patients undergoing fertility treatments experience immense amounts of stress. Many physicians believe that by addressing this issue alone can boost fertility rates. How does acupuncture help? While acupuncture cannot remove the stress, it can stimulate the release of specific hormones in the body that helps your body adapt to stress better by lowering cortisol levels. These feel-good hormones also help the muscles to relax, the breathing to slow, and the mind to calm. Then that post-acupuncture bliss settles in and you feel amazing.

Acupuncture boosts circulation

The main benefits of boosting circulation and blood flow to the uterus during the stimulation rounds of IVF is to help  boost the quality and quantity of follicular (egg) growth as well as to build a thick uterine lining perfect for implantation of the embryo.

Acupuncture helps boost progesterone levels

Post embryo transfer, acupuncture can help you to “keep what you’ve got”. Low levels of progesterone is a common cause of early stage miscarriage, so adding acupuncture treatments during the dreaded two week wait (AKA the longest wait time ever) can help boost progesterone and calm the anxious mind.

Acupuncture statistically boosts your chances of having a baby with IVF.

Many studies show that having just 2 acupuncture sessions each before and right after IUI and IVF transfers alone boosts successful implantation levels by 20% (compared to those who did not).

Other studies also show that having a series of 8-15 acupuncture treatments before the transfer can boost implantation success as much as 60%.

Further studies show that by adding acupuncture treatments for both partners for a minimum of 90 days prior to IVF can not only boost implantation rates, but also boost live birth rates (not just getting that BFP, but carrying to term a healthy baby). Wow!

Other Ways Acupuncture Can Help

Research clearly demonstrates how acupuncture may significantly improve pregnancy rates when performed right before and after an IUI or IVF procedures.

Acupuncture is also useful throughout infertility treatments and pregnancy to treat other fertility conditions  as well, including hormone related emotional imbalances, pelvic pain, menopausal symptoms, heavy bleeding, irregular periods, postpartum  disorders. Acupuncture also enhances overall fertility as it can:

  • increase IVF success by improving diminished ovarian reserve markers
  • regulate menstruation and hormone balance
  • increase live birth rates by supporting overall health during pregnancy
  • improves pregnancy rates in patients who have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss
  • improves and regulates ovulation in conditions such as PCOS
  • improves semen quality and quantity (yes, we treat the fellas too)
  • improve and correct luteal phase defect (hormonal imbalance that affects a woman’s ability to conceive and carry a pregnancy, and is defined by a luteal phase shorter than 10 days)

 

At Health Pointe Jacksonville we create an individualized treatment program just for your needs that synchronize with your IUI or IVF procedures. Our team works along side your clinical staff to custom-design a course of treatment that is right for you. 

 

If you are on a fertility journey struggling to conceive, we would love to help! Contact us at (904) 448-0046 to schedule a consultation now.