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Fertility & Pregnancy

Studies have shown that Acupuncture is effective for addressing fertility and works well in conjunction with Western fertility treatment such as IVF. Acupuncture is safe during pregnancy, so continuing with acupuncture after conception is a natural progression in your pregnancy journey. 
Happy belly
How Can Acupuncture Assist Fertility?
  • ​Regulates menstrual cycle improving ovarian and follicular function.

  • Increases blood flow to uterus and ovaries, improving egg quality and increasing the chances of successful implantation.

  • Increases blood circulation to the pelvis and uterus to support healthy ovarian follicle growth.

  • Normalizes the effect on reproductive hormones, which can correct hormonal imbalances that prevent conception.

  • Increases blood flow to the endometrium, which improves the environment and possibility for successful embryo implantation.

  • Assists with improving diminished ovarian reserve markers.

  • Reduces inflammation in the body, which can hinder embryo implantation.

  • Lowers stress and cortisol levels, responsible for many fertility issues.

  • PCOS, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, PID, endometriosis, and other diagnoses that can interfere with conception.  Acupuncture and herbal medicine can address these and other issues, which affect fertility.

  • PCOS
  • Endometriosis

  • Ovarian Cysts

  • Uterine Fibroids

  • Elevated FSH

  • Hormone Imbalances

  • Idiopathic Infertility

  • Recurrent Miscarriage

  • Thyroid issues
  • Constipation
  • Painful Intercourse

  • Interstitial Cystitis

  • Diminished Ovarian Syndrome - DOR

  • Dysmenorrhea - painful menses

  • Amenorrhea - cessation of menses

  • Spotting or frequent menses

Acupuncture Can Assist With These Issues & More

Lower Your Stress Levels

One significant way that acupuncture can assist with increasing fertility is by reducing stress, which is very often a key factor of fertility of both men and women.  Acupuncture can help balance cortisol levels, the hormone secreted when the body is under stress.  Acupuncture calms the body by releasing endorphins and in turn balancing hormones. 

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Cortisol is the stress hormone of the body.  In women, high cortisol levels can disrupt the pituitary glands secretion of fertility hormones FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone).  FSH and LH hormones need to be balanced for normal follicular growth to occur. In men, stress can affect sperm counts, motility, and cause impotence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Acupuncture Safe If I Am Having IVF or Other Fertility Treatments?

Yes.  Acupuncture has become a routine addition to Western fertility treatments and can improve conception results.  For example, research shows that acupuncture treatments before and after IUI and embryo implantation can significantly improve pregnancy rates by increasing blood flow to the uterus, regulating hormone levels, reducing stress, and improving male sperm counts.  Acupuncture can only benefit your fertility!

 

When Should I Begin Acupuncture Fertility Treatment?

It really is never to soon to begin acupuncture treatments for fertility.   Women with fertility challenges should ideally begin acupuncture prior to beginning Western treatment, if possible.  A general timeframe of 3 to 6 months is not uncommon to regulate fertility issues with acupuncture and herbal medicine or to prepare for Western interventions, such as IVF or IUI as it will increase success rates. 

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For those with no fertility issues a shorter time frame of 3 months is suggested to prepare your body for conception and manage stress. 

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For those with PCOS, or ovulation issues, more time may be necessary to regulate your menses and ovulation.  The use of Chinese herbs paired with acupuncture is strongly recommended to address long-standing fertility issues.

 

How Often Do I Need to Come For Acupuncture?

As with any therapy, acupuncture is a cumulative medicine and treatments build upon each other, so it is important to keep regular weekly visits to improve consistently and maintain results.  Frequency of visits taper down as results improve and are maintained.  You cannot have too much acupuncture, but one can have too little; meaning that commit to therapy on a regular weekly basis is necessary to improve and see results.  If treatment is infrequent, such as skipping weeks of treatment, particularly in the beginning, results will not be evident.  

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Is Acupuncture Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes.  Acupuncture is safe, beneficial, and effective during pregnancy and increases the odds for a successful birth by supporting the body's overall health during pregnancy.  For those with recurrent miscarriage, the addition of acupuncture to their health routine is recommended as it helps to support and nurture the pregnancy, which is especially important during the first trimester.  Acupuncture also helps to nourish the body, and assists with issues of fatigue, nausea, heartburn, sleep and more.  As the pregnancy progresses acupuncture can assist with low back pain, or other body pains that may arise.
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Can Acupuncture Assist with Breech Presentation?
White Lotus uses a combination of acupuncture and moxa for breech presentation.  We recommend sessions of once to twice per week; treatment is safe and natural with a very good success rate, depending on specifics of pregnancy.  We recommend that pregnant patients feel free to bring any pregnancy pillows or such to make them comfortable during the session.
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Does Chinese Herbal Medicine Assist With Fertility Treatment?
Yes.  Chinese herbal medicine is quite effective with fertility and women's health issues.  Herbal formulas are often necessary to achieve ideal results, as sometimes acupuncture treatment is not enough, particularly with long-standing fertility issues.  Herbal formulas are customized to each patient's pattern of illness.  Herbs need to be taken daily, 2 to 3 times per day; compliance is imperative for results.
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