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Acupuncture for Infertility

Acupuncture for infertility is an option for patients on the path to parenthood

Patients who visit Texas Fertility Center sometimes have questions about treatments outside of options like intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Often, these men and women want to learn more about acupuncture for infertility. Our Austin infertility doctors tell patients that these options can be a great way to deal with infertility stress. There’s also evidence that they can help address some infertility causes when used with fertility treatments.

Understanding the basics of acupuncture from different perspectives

There are two ways to look at acupuncture. The first is from the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) perspective, and the second is from the Western medicine viewpoint.

Chinese medicine describes channels of energy called Qi, which run through the body. When Qi cannot flow freely, it can cause emotional and physical problems. Acupuncture needles can clear Qi blockages to help solve these issues, including infertility and stress.

Western medicine has shown that acupuncture can increase beta-endorphins in the body. These are the feel-good hormones that cause a “runner’s high.”

Exploring the benefits of acupuncture for infertility and stress

Chinese medicine believes that each patient is completely unique, so no two people receive the same acupuncture treatment. As a result, it has been difficult to perform randomized, double-blind studies that look at acupuncture and infertility. Thankfully, some studies have been able to examine this form of complementary medicine and they have found several benefits.

  • Improved pregnancy rates when using IVF
  • Increased blood flow to the uterus to help with embryo implantation
  • Reduced levels of anxiety and stress
  • Fewer side effects (bloating and nausea) from fertility medications

Some proponents of acupuncture for infertility find that it can help with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis as well as issues with sperm quality and ovarian reserve (egg supply).

Learning how to incorporate this option into fertility treatment

Most experts recommend that women start acupuncture about three months before they get started with IUI or IVF. However, some patients do acupuncture while undergoing these treatments.

Established infertility patients who are interested in exploring acupuncture for infertility and stress should talk to our Austin infertility doctors first. The goal is to ensure that acupuncture won’t interfere with any of the other fertility treatments that the patient is receiving.

If you have more questions about acupuncture and how it can help you on your journey to conceive, contact us today. We can help you learn more about all your treatment options.