Find out whether there’s value in pairing acupuncture with IVF

When you want nothing more than to become a parent, you’re willing to try just about anything. From certain sex positions to proven fertility treatments, we know there are a lot of options out there that promise to help you conceive. You shouldn’t put your faith in everything though, especially unproven advice from the internet and well-meaning friends and family. However, some fertility options can be complementary. One example is combining acupuncture with IVF and other fertility treatments.

We know that patients like you often have a lot of questions about the value of acupuncture for infertility. That’s why our Austin infertility specialists are here to explain what you need to know about utilizing this ancient form of Chinese medicine.

What is acupuncture and how does it work?

Records show that people in ancient China started practicing acupuncture about 2,000 years ago. However, many experts believe that this practice started as far back as 4,000 years ago.

Practitioners believe that energy flows through certain pathways in the body. These pathways are called meridians. The goal of acupuncture is to rebalance the flow of energy by placing tiny, thin needles at specific points along these meridians.

People seek out acupuncture for many reasons, including pain management and stress reduction. Some patients even decide to pair acupuncture with fertility treatments in hopes of increasing their likelihood of conceiving.

What do I need to know about pairing acupuncture with IVF and other treatments?

Supporters of acupuncture believe that it can help with several causes of infertility.

• Endometriosis
• Ovarian reserve issues
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Sperm quality problems

Some patients also state that pairing acupuncture with IVF and other fertility treatments helps with some side effects of fertility drugs. Additionally, because acupuncture can help people relax, it may help with stress management during fertility care. However, our Austin infertility specialists stress that not all medical studies have shown these benefits for fertility patients.

If you want to pursue acupuncture for infertility, our team recommends speaking with your fertility doctor first. Not only can your doctor help you decide whether it will be a good fit with your current treatment plan, he or she may be able to recommend a qualified acupuncturist.

If you have questions about pairing acupuncture with IVF and other treatments, our Austin infertility specialists can help. We invite you to contact us to schedule an appointment and discuss your options.