Frequently Asked Questions

How does acupuncture help treat infertility?
From a western medical perspective, research has shown that acupuncture can help improve fertility by the following:

• Increasing blood flow to the uterus and ovaries
• Enhancing follicle/egg quality and production
• Thickening the endometrial lining to promote implantation
• Decreasing stress and anxiety, which can lead to hormonal imbalance and failure to ovulate
• Increasing the effectiveness and successful outcome of IVF and other ART procedures as well as treating the side effects that are common from the drugs used in these procedures
• Improving sperm count, quality, motility and morphology for male factor infertility
• Improving overall health and well-being to help naturally facilitate conception and a healthy pregnancy

Specific conditions that acupuncture can treat:

• Hormonal imbalance, i.e. elevated FSH levels, high prolactin levels, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels
• Poor egg quality
• Ovulatory problems
• Irregular menstrual cycles and amenorrhea
• Cervical mucus problems
• Fallopian tube blockage
• Ovarian cysts and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
• Endometriosis and fibroids
• Thin endometrium lining
• Infertility in woman over 35
• Luteal phase defect
• Recurrent miscarriage
• Unexplained infertility
• ART support
• Male infertility
• Stress, depression and anxiety surrounding fertility issues

What is a typical course of treatment for fertility?
Expect a minimum of 3 consecutive months of regular treatment to help regulate the menstrual cycle and improve the quality of eggs, or for any kind of menstrual difficulty or to improve sperm quality. For ‘unexplained fertility’ or infertility due to stress, results are often seen sooner.

Ideally treatment is given weekly but an individualized treatment plan can be done to fit your needs. In these cases, I will advise you the most critical times to come in during the month.

If you are undergoing IVF, acupuncture can be given throughout the whole process, and ideally coming in a few months prior to the procedure will increase your chances of success. Treatment is given on the day of retrieval and on the day of the transfer both prior to and after the transfer.

Should I continue getting acupuncture after I find out I am pregnant?
In the case that you become pregnant, I recommend coming in throughout the first trimester to minimize chances of miscarriage and to facilitate a healthier and more comfortable pregnancy. Acupuncture can help alleviate morning sickness, fatigue, insomnia and other first trimester concerns.

Second and third trimesters acupuncture can help with the following conditions:

• Uterine ligament pain
• Low back pain
• Heartburn
• Insomnia
• Edema
• High blood pressure
• Breech position of fetus
• Labor preparation and induction

Overall, regular acupuncture throughout pregnancy can help produce a healthy mom and healthy baby! Stressed mom = stressed baby. Stress hormones, i.e. cortisol, circulate through the placenta to the baby. By addressing this, you are more likely to have a healthy, calm baby.

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