Acupunture and Fertility
I first became interested in fertility when I was in college. Pregnancy and childbirth were fascinating to me. When I started acupuncture school I quickly realized I could help couples make their dreams of becoming parents a reality. I read books, took extra classes, and got as much information as I could. But nothing prepared me to walk beside women on this journey more than my own journey with fertility. When my wife and I decided we wanted to have a baby we thought it would be easy. It was anything but. We worked with the Fertility Center of Maryland and tried clomid, injectables, and finally moved to IVF, which resulted in our amazing son. 2 years later we did a frozen embryo transfer and have beautiful boy/girl twins. I have a very deep passion and love for this work. I know what it is like from the depths of my being and am so privileged to help couples become families.
Have you been trying to conceive with out success? Whether you have just started trying or working with a fertility specialist, acupuncture can help! It can be a great addition to trying naturally, Clomid, injectables, IUI, IVF, donor programs, or frozen embryo transfers.
How does acupuncture help improve your fertility?
Improved blood and nutrient flow to the ovaries which can help increase egg quality
Improved blood and nutrient flow to the uterus which can help thicken the uterine lining and increase receptivity for implantation.
Balancing the hormones responsible for fertility, such as LH, FSH, E2, and Progesterone
Regulate the menstrual cycle and ovulation
Lower stress hormones
Can help with male factor infertility by increasing count, mobility, and morphology of sperm
Support a healthy pregnancy and reduce the chance of miscarriage
When should I start?
Some people respond to acupuncture very quickly and will become pregnant in the first month or two but it important to remember acupuncture is not an overnight fix. Follicle growth starts 90 days before ovulation, therefore for best results acupuncture should be started about 3 months before you hope to become pregnant. Don’t worry If you are closer to your iui or ivf date, acupuncture can still be beneficial.
How many treatments will I need?
It is recommended to come in for acupuncture treatments once a week when you first start. Depending on your specific circumstances we might space treatments out after the first few weeks. Treatments should be continued until pregnancy is achieved and possibly through the first trimester.
Will Acupuncture cure my infertility?
Acupuncture is not a cure. It will help to get the body to an optimum health therefore increasing the chances of conception. Our bodies are made to reproduce. If we can get the body in balance we can give it the best chance possible.