Acupuncture for Infertility

About one in eight couples in the United States has experienced infertility, the cause of which varies from couple to couple. There are a few common causes of infertility, some of which acupuncture can treat directly.

Acupuncture basics

Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that has been practiced for thousands of years. This popular practice is based on maintaining a healthy flow of vital energy—known as qi—through the meridians of the body. These meridians flow from head to toe and acupuncture aims to unblock that energy flow or refocus the energy on areas of the body that need it.

Acupuncture for hormonal imbalances

For many women and men, infertility may be a result of a hormonal imbalance. Studies have shown that acupuncture can help balance hormones, regulate the menstrual cycle, improve sperm count and motility, improve blood flow to the reproductive organs and even improve the chance of pregnancy for in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Acupuncture for stress reduction

Acupuncture is also widely known to reduce stress and anxiety, a factor that may prevent pregnancy. Stress can interfere with physical health and cause irregular periods, prevent ovulation, and cause hormone imbalances in women, and even reduce sperm count in men. These physical symptoms caused by stress often make the couple even more stressed, making it even harder to get pregnant.

Acupuncture has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety by causing the body to release endorphins. These “feel-good” hormones reduce pain and stress.

Acupuncture with IVF

Some studies have shown that women who undergo acupuncture prior to IVF have higher success rates. Stress is often very high among women seeking IVF; many IVF centers recommend that women who have failed to get pregnant after a cycle of IVF receive acupuncture before starting another cycle.

Acupuncture in Centennial, Colorado

If you or a loved one is suffering from infertility, we recommend talking to your doctor and meeting with a specialist to see if acupuncture can help. If you are in the south Denver Metro Area, Arapahoe Chiropractic & Acupuncture Center would be happy to help. Call us or contact us online today!