Infertility is an issue for more than 12% of women ages 15 through 44. Not only is it a major challenge for some women, but 7.3 million hopeful mommies reported that they used fertility services between 2011 and 2015, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you’ve been waiting to see that little pink plus sign cross the pregnancy test, but haven’t had any luck, you have options. There are plenty of fertility services that can help couples to successfully conceive.
Along with assisted reproductive technology (in vitro fertilization, embryo transfer and other medical techniques), acupuncture can help couples who are struggling to get and stay pregnant. Keep in mind, acupuncture doesn’t have to be a stand-alone choice. Some parents choose to use acupuncture as a complimentary technique, helping to improve the odds of a successful embryo transfer or increase the chance of implantation.
If you’re one of the many women who is experiencing fertility issues, take a look at what you need to know about using acupuncture as part of the ‘getting pregnant’ process.
Early Start
Women who are planning to undergo IVF, egg transfers, artificial insemination or another ART (assisted reproductive technology) process don’t need to wait until the procedure date to get the benefits of acupuncture. Research shows that starting acupuncture during the pre-procedure period can increase its effectiveness.
When used in combination with IVF, acupuncture can help to increase uterine blood flow and treat the anxiety that often comes with infertility. Reducing the stress early on can help to open the woman up to getting pregnant. An anxious mommy-to-be may find it harder to conceive than one who has let go of the stress.
Potential Risks
You may be wondering what, if any, the risks are when using acupuncture as part of a fertility treatment. Medications and other western treatments typically come with side effects and possible problems. In most cases, acupuncture doesn’t come with these same issues. There is some evidence that incorrect use of acupuncture points may increase the risk of miscarriage. This is why it’s absolutely essential that you choose to work with a qualifies acupuncture professional who has extensive experience working with women who are trying to get pregnant and are pregnant.
Other than acupuncture gone wrong, you won’t find many risks associated with this fertility treatment. This has definite advantages over other processes that can potentially harm your body. This makes acupuncture a relatively safe choice for many women.
Ovulation Helper
Acupuncture isn’t just a fertility treatment that women use along with ART. Yes, it can complement these techniques. But it can also help you to get pregnant naturally. There are some studies showing that acupuncture can improve ovulation. The theory behind how this works is that it helps to modulate the nervous, neuroendocrine and endocrine systems. It also affects the ovarian blood flow and metabolism.
Obviously, ovulation is necessary to get pregnant naturally. If you aren’t ovulating regularly, acupuncture is a first step to trying to conceive naturally and without medication.
Men and Infertility
Infertility isn’t just a woman’s issue. You need both an egg and the sperm to conceive. In some studies, acupuncture has been associated with a positive effect on men and their ability to reproduce. Researchers and doctors aren’t completely sure why this is. But they do know that some men are able to overcome fertility challenges after seeking acupuncture treatment. Are you trying to get pregnant? If you need extra help to get started or as a compliment to ART, Palmetto Acupuncture has fertility acupuncture and other Oriental reproductive medicine techniques that can help.
