Fertility, IVF & Pregnancy Acupuncture

Acupuncture has gained popularity for supporting fertility and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). As couples increasingly turn to other treatment modalities to improve their chances of conception, acupuncture has emerged as a popular choice that increases success rates. Our acupuncturist, Naomi Graham, L.Ac., has extensive training, years of experience and success helping women get pregnant and families grow.

BENEFITS OF ACUPUNCTURE FOR FERTILITY AND IVF

Improved Blood Flow to the Uterus & Ovaries: Acupuncture has been shown to increase blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, which enhances the health of the endometrial lining and improves ovarian function to aid in ovulation. This is critical for both natural conception and IVF, where a receptive uterine lining is essential for embryo implantation.

Improvement in IVF Outcomes: Several studies have explored the effects of acupuncture on IVF outcomes. A notable study published in Fertility and Sterility found that women who received acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer had higher pregnancy rates compared to those who did not. Another meta-analysis concluded that acupuncture improves pregnancy rate and live birth rate.

Hormonal Balance: Hormonal imbalance can be a common cause of infertility. Acupuncture helps regulate the endocrine system. Studies show that acupuncture can modulate the levels of reproductive hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estrogen, thereby improving ovarian response in women undergoing IVF.

Reduction of Stress and Anxiety: Infertility and IVF treatments can be emotionally taxing to say the least, and stress has been shown to negatively impact fertility. Acupuncture is well-known for its calming effects, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. This can be particularly beneficial during the IVF process, as stress reduction can improve IVF success.

Reduction of Side Effects from Fertility Medications: Fertility treatments often involve the use of medications that can cause side effects such as bloating, mood swings, and fatigue. Acupuncture helps mitigate these side effects, making the overall IVF experience more manageable.