Infertility is defined as the inability of a sexually active couple, attempting to conceive, to achieve pregnancy within a one-year timeframe. According to March of Dimes, New York’s fertility rate is 54.1 births per 1,000 women aged 15-44, also lower than the US average and the replacement rate.
If you’re facing infertility or simply looking to enhance your chances of conceiving, acupuncture might be a consideration. But does it really work? And when and how should you incorporate it into your journey of conceiving to boost your chances of getting pregnant?
In this article, we’ll discuss what is fertility, what causes fertility, how acupuncture treats fertility, and some scientific perspectives on acupuncture.
What are some common causes of infertility?
Infertility is a complex issue that can be attributed to various factors affecting both men and women. Some common causes of infertility include:
Ovulation Disorders: such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hormonal imbalances, or thyroid disorders.
Fallopian Tube Blockage or Damage: Blockages or damage to the fallopian tubes may prevent the egg from reaching the uterus as well as hinder the sperm from reaching the egg.
Uterine Issues: Such as fibroids or polyps, can cause fertility by disrupting the normal functioning of the uterus.
Age-related Factors: Female fertility declines after the age of 35 due to a decrease in the quantity and quality of eggs. The same thing happens with male fertility too.
Sperm-related Issues in Male: Including low sperm count, poor sperm motility, and problems with sperm production, function, or delivery can contribute to male infertility.
Lifestyle Factors: Such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, poor diet, obesity, diabetes, and lack of exercise can cause fertility,
Genetic Factors: Such as chromosomal abnormalities or genetic conditions affecting reproductive organs.
Infections: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Hepatitis, Herpes, HIV/AIDS & STDs, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Mycoplasma genitalium affecting the reproductive organs can lead to infertility if left untreated.
Environmental Factors including exposure to environmental toxins, pollutants, or certain chemicals may have adverse effects on fertility.
Infertility is often caused by a multifactorial issue. You should seek medical evaluation to identify the exact cause of infertility.
Acupuncture treatment for fertility
Acupuncture is now widely recognized for its potential to support fertility. While Western medicine (blood tests, urine tests, X-rays, and imaging scans) often focuses on specific reproductive organs, traditional Chinese Medicine takes a holistic approach, addressing the overall balance of the body.
Traditional Chinese medicine views acupuncture as a way to balance the body’s energy flow (Qi) through the stimulation of specific points on meridians. For fertility concerns, acupuncture may target points linked to thyroid regulation, potentially helping to manage under or overactive thyroid and potentially increasing conception chances.
Benefits of acupuncture in fertility treatment:
Acupuncture is increasingly showing promise as a potential complementary therapy for enhancing fertility. Some proposed benefits include:
Regulate hormones: By stimulating points linked to the endocrine system, acupuncture may help balance reproductive hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), creating a more favorable environment for conception.
Improve blood flow: The needles are believed to increase blood circulation to the uterus and ovaries, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen for optimal egg development and uterine lining health.
Reduce stress: Stress hormones like cortisol can negatively impact fertility. Acupuncture’s relaxing effects may help lower cortisol levels, creating a calmer and more receptive environment for conception.
Address underlying conditions: Acupuncture can potentially address issues like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and fibroids, which can hinder fertility.
What to expect during an acupuncture session?
Initial Consultation:
In the initial consultation, acupuncturist gathers some important information about your medical history, fertility challenges, lifestyle, any ongoing fertility treatment, and overall health. They may ask about your menstrual cycle, stress levels, and any specific concerns related to fertility. The more you answers the question, the better it is to prepare your personalized treatment plan.
Treatment Plan Discussion:
Based on the information you provided, the acupuncturist will design a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific fertility issues. Besides, acupuncturists explain how acupuncture can complement conventional fertility treatments if you are undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Comfortable Setting:
Once everything is planned, your first acupuncture session usually takes place in a calm and relaxing environment. Usually, the treatment room is designed in a way that enhances the overall ambiance.
Needle Insertion:
The acupuncturist will use fine sterile needles to stimulate specific acupuncture points on your body. The number of needles and their placement will depend on your individual treatment plan. You may experience sensations such as a tingling, slight pressure at the needle insertion points. But, these are generally not painful and are considered a normal part of the acupuncture session.
Once the needles are inserted, you just have to relax and lie comfortably for about 20 to 40 minutes. This allows the acupuncture points to stimulate.
Follow-Up Recommendations:
At the end of the session, the acupuncturist may provide some useful recommendations for lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, or additional self-care practices to support your fertility journey.
Open Communication:
It is advisable to discuss openly with your acupuncturist throughout the process. If you have any concerns or questions, feel free to discuss them.
It’s important to choose a licensed and experienced acupuncturist who specializes in fertility to ensure the best results. Always consult with both your acupuncture practitioner and health professionals for a comprehensive approach to fertility.
Integrating Acupuncture with Other Practices:
It’s important to choose a licensed and experienced acupuncturist who specializes in fertility to ensure the best results. Always consult with both your acupuncture practitioner and health professionals for a comprehensive approach to fertility.
Integrating Acupuncture with Other Practices:
Dietary Modifications:
Balanced Nutrition: Adopting a well-balanced and nutritious diet plays vital role for supporting overall health and fertility. Add whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in your diet.
Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Such as berries, nuts, and leafy greens, helps protect reproductive cells from oxidative stress.
Hydration: Apart from balanced nutrition, hydration also plays a vital role in various bodily functions, including hormone regulation.
Herbal Medicine:
Consultation with a Herbalist: Consult with a qualified herbalist to explore herbal remedies that may support reproductive health.
Adaptogenic Herbs: Certain herbs, such as ashwagandha, shilajit, and Rhodiola, are classified as adaptogens and may help the body adapt to stress, potentially supporting hormonal balance.
Stress Management:
Mind-Body Techniques: Such as Deep breathing, and yoga can help manage your stress levels, which may positively impact fertility.
Counseling or Therapy: Emotional well-being is linked to fertility, and seeking counseling or therapy can provide support for individuals or couples navigating the challenges of infertility.
Mindfulness and Relaxation: Incorporate mindfulness techniques into daily routines to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
Exercise:
Moderate Exercise: Such as walking, swimming, or yoga, to support overall health and maintain a healthy body weight. Avoid Excessive that can negatively impact fertility, so finding a balance is essential.
Lifestyle Modifications:
Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: Both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can adversely affect fertility. Besides, make sure that you get sufficient and quality sleep. Because inadequate sleep can disrupt hormonal balance and affect fertility.
Nutritional Supplements:
Such as folic acid, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids can help with the prevention of infertility.
Note: Before making significant changes to diet, exercise, or introducing herbal supplements, it is crucial to consult with healthcare professionals to make sure that the chosen practices align with your needs and goals.
Tips for Finding Qualified Acupuncturists Specializing in Fertility in NYC:
Research and Recommendations:
You can do online research to identify acupuncturists in NYC who specialize in fertility. Apart from that, you can seek recommendations from friends, family, or healthcare professionals who may have experience with fertility-focused acupuncture.
Check Credentials:
This is a very important thing to check before visiting any acupuncture clinic. Make sure that the acupuncturist is licensed by the New York State Education Department. You can verify licensure on their official website.
Specialization and Experience:
Look for acupuncturists with specific expertise or certification in fertility-related treatments. Inquire about the acupuncturist’s experience in working with individuals or couples facing fertility challenges.
Reviews and Testimonials:
Read their online reviews and testimonials to measure the satisfaction levels and success stories related to fertility treatments.
Consultation:
Schedule consultations with prospective acupuncturists to discuss your specific fertility concerns, learn about their approach and assess their communication style.
Ask About Success Rates:
Ask them about their success rates in helping individuals or couples achieve their fertility goals.
Interview Multiple Practitioners:
Interview multiple acupuncturists to compare their treatment approaches, philosophies, and how well they align with your preferences.
Collaboration with Medical Professionals:
Inquire about the acupuncturist’s experience in collaborating with other fertility specialists such as reproductive endocrinologists and gynecologists.
Cost and Insurance:
Understand the cost of acupuncture sessions and inquire about insurance coverage or any available payment plans.
Remember, it’s essential to choose an acupuncturist who not only has the necessary qualifications but also makes you feel comfortable and confident in their expertise. Personalized and holistic care can contribute to a positive fertility journey.
Case Study by NIH
Presenting the case of a 28-year-old couple, both facing infertility issues after a year of attempting to conceive. Seeking solutions, they opted for acupuncture treatments at a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture clinic.
The sessions, lasting 35-40 minutes on both sides of the body, were administered over three months. The male partner underwent four treatments to enhance sperm quality, while the female, dealing with ovarian cysts, received seven sessions that resulted in the disappearance of the cysts and a successful pregnancy.
Outcomes:
Acupuncture as a treatment for infertility shows great results both in men and women. Acupuncture can be considered as a successful treatment in restoring fertility in the patients, by improving the sperm quality and ovaries function and balancing the endocrine system and hormones.
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6182526/
Navigating Fertility Challenges: Here’s How you can Start your treatment.
If you are experiencing difficulties with fertility, please know that you are not alone. But, the good news is you can get positive results by following the above recommendations and suggestions. Seeking help is the first courageous step toward conceiving. At Giordano Acupuncture, we aim to provide guidance, support, and valuable insights into fertility solutions, with a particular focus on the benefits of acupuncture. Whether you’re exploring fertility treatments for the first time or seeking complementary therapies, we’re here to offer information, resources, and a sense of community. Let’s start on this journey together. Click here to start your free consultation with our NY-licensed acupuncturist, Robert Giordano.