Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive for one year (or longer) with unprotected sex. If you are the 1 in 5 women aged 15-49 years old who have never been pregnant and possibly experiencing complications with fertility, Essence Acupuncture & Wellness is here to help you. Infertility can be caused by a variety of factors including a disruption to the ovarian function, irregular menstrual cycles, dysfunction of the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, a diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), or endometriosis. Risk factors that may decline fertility include smoking, alcohol consumption, significant weight gain or loss, excessive physical exertion or emotional stress.
How Acupuncture Fertility Treatments Work
Acupuncture and integrative medicine have proven to be highly successful for addressing fertility conditions in both men and women. Whether you are on the path to parenthood through natural fertility or assisted reproductive technology, acupuncture can be a powerful tool for balancing the body and promoting optimal reproductive health. Acupuncture fertility treatments work by increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs, removing blockages within the reproductive system, reducing stress, and balancing hormones. Acupuncture can improve fertility in various ways, including:
- Regulating menstruation
- Reducing anxiety and stress relating to fertility
- Balancing hormones and function of endocrine system
- Improving sperm quality, quantity, and motility
- Reducing risk of miscarriage
- Increasing clinical pregnancy rate especially among women undergoing IVF ● Improving egg and embryo quality
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) with Acupuncture
Can you improve your chances with your IUI, IVF treatments in San Antonio and other ART treatments? Fertility acupuncture can increase the success rate of conception after an embryo transfer or insemination process. Research has shown a 65% increased success rate for women who incorporated acupuncture with IVF treatment. Implementing acupuncture before and during ART can significantly improve egg and embryo quality, as well as provide therapeutic support during pregnancy leading up to childbirth. Acupuncture for fertility treatment in San Antonio is aimed to alleviate stress, regulate hormones, and decrease symptoms associated with fertility medicine. Starting treatment at least 3 months prior to starting ART is recommended for optimal results.
Male Fertility
Can acupuncture help with male infertility? Yes, fertility-focused acupuncture is not just for women. In fact, between 40-50% of infertility cases are due to male contributing factors– this can mean compromised sperm quality, reduced sperm production, or sperm dysfunction. Essence Acupuncture can improve sperm quality, and it is important to strengthen both the womb and the seed when it comes to fertility. It is highly recommended that both male and female partners receive acupuncture for fertility to further increase the chances of getting pregnant.
How many treatments will I need?
Because there are so many factors corresponding with infertility, the number of treatments can vary with each person. At Essence Acupuncture & Wellness, we recommend that you prepare for a minimum of 3-6 months of treatments to start. Some acupuncture for fertility treatment plans may require more time depending on health history and risk factors such as experiencing recurrent miscarriages, diagnoses of PCOS or endometriosis, obesity, or certain medications causing sterility. It is important to stay consistent with your fertility treatments as recommended by your San Antonio acupuncturist in order to progress and increase your ability to conceive.
Boost Fertility Treatments with Food
Did you know that specific foods can help boost your fertility treatment? Here at Essence Acupuncture & Wellness we offer TCM dietary and lifestyle advice. Some of the foods we recommend to implement into your diet are:
- Blackberries are filled with antioxidants and are blood nourishing, making them a great resource for supporting male and female fertility.
- Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E, which can help sperm motility and quantity, along with being an essential resource for folate, selenium, omega-3 fatty acid and omega-6 fatty acid.
- Salmon offers ample nutrition for the body and is packed with selenium and vitamin D, both of which support male and female fertility. It is also rich in omega-3s and other essential fatty acids.
- Walnuts are a great source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and can be especially beneficial for supporting sperm quality.
- Cinnamon is a warming supplement that offers great support to the reproductive system. It can be beneficial for individuals with irregular menstrual cycles or PCOS.
- Beans and lentils contain high levels of polyamine spermidine, which may support the fertilization between sperm and egg. They are also high in fiber which can promote healthy ovulation.
- Pomegranates are filled with antioxidants which can support sperm quality. They also contain folic acid, which is essential for women’s reproductive health and can be supportive during pregnancy.
Essence Acupuncture & Wellness offers the best acupuncture for fertility and integrative medicine conveniently located in Alamo Heights. Call today at 210.236.5862 or schedule your consultation online. We look forward to helping you grow your family!
References
- Gurevich, RN., Rachel “Try These 15 Superfoods to Boost Your Fertility.” Verywell Family, Rachel Gurevich, RN , 15 Sept. 2020,
https://www.verywellfamily.com/fertility-foods-recipes-1959903.
- “Infertility FAQs.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 Mar. 2022,
https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/infertility/index.htm.
- Kumar, Naina, and AmitKant Singh. “Trends of Male Factor Infertility, an Important Cause of Infertility: A Review of Literature.” Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences, vol. 8, no. 4, Dec. 2015, p. 191., https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-1208.170370.
- Manheimer, Eric, et al. “Effects of Acupuncture on Rates of Pregnancy and Live Birth among Women Undergoing in Vitro Fertilisation: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” BMJ, vol. 336, no. 7643, 2008, pp. 545–549.,
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.39471.430451.be.
- Stener-Victorin, Elisabet, and Peter Humaidan. “Use of Acupuncture in Female Infertility and a Summary of Recent Acupuncture Studies Related to Embryo Transfer.” Acupuncture in Medicine, vol. 24, no. 4, 2006, pp. 157–163.,
https://doi.org/10.1136/aim.24.4.157.
