Planning a family is always an exciting time, but if you experience fertility issues it can become very upsetting. The more you try, the more upsetting it can become – and this struggle can lead to other issues in your relationship, pushing you and your partner apart.
It’s important, however, to remember that fertility concerns are relatively common, affecting approximately one in seven couples – so you are by no means alone.
And even if fertility isn’t necessarily a concern, it can still take a surprisingly long time to conceive, with studies showing that more than eight out of ten couples where the woman is under 40 will conceive within a year of having regular unprotected sex.
For couples that have been trying to conceive for over three years, the likelihood of seeing success naturally within the next 12 months is one in four, or less.
If you’ve been trying for at least a year, it is perhaps advisable to go and see your GP to have some tests done and build up a better picture of what’s happening, so you can make more informed decisions about your future.
However, another path to consider alongside this is the use of acupuncture, a form of traditional Chinese medicine where tiny needles are inserted in specific points on the body, with benefits for both men and women.
How does acupuncture help fertility?
In women, acupuncture has been found to:
- help regulate menstrual cycles and ovulation
- balance hormones
- improve blood flow to the uterus
- reduce inflammation
- relieve symptoms of endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome
- increase IVF success rates
In men, the holistic therapy has been found to:
- improve sperm quality and sexual function
- support hormone regulation and testicular blood flow
- improve sperm count (including shape and mobility)
In both partners, acupuncture can help reduce stress and anxiety, support mental and emotional health and wellbeing, and engender a significantly healthier relationship environment, all of which will benefit conception attempts.
What happens during an acupuncture session?
When you come to see us at AcuRestore for your first appointment, you will be greeted by lead clinician Phoebe Yang who will go through your initial questionnaire and discuss your health/medical history with you, asking specific questions about your current symptoms.
From there, a tailored treatment plan can be devised that will address your symptoms and overall health goals.
Often seen as a form of complementary or alternative medicine, acupuncture involves stimulating sensory nerves beneath the skin and within the muscles to trigger the body’s production of natural substances, such as endorphins.
The practice exerts its therapeutic effect on IVF-related infertility through its profound regulatory influence on the female reproductive system.
By skillfully needling specific points, it harmonises the flow of Qi and Blood within the Chong and Ren Mai, which are fundamentally responsible for uterine health and menstrual regularity.
This ancient practice modulates the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis, fostering improved follicular development and endometrial receptivity, a crucial factor for successful embryo implantation.
Furthermore, its renowned ability to mitigate stress and restore physiological equilibrium addresses a significant barrier to conception, thereby creating a more favourable environment for pregnancy to establish.
During your appointment, you’ll be asked to lie or sit down (potentially removing clothing to ensure access to certain parts of your body). Your practitioner will then insert needles either just under the skin or deeper to reach muscle, leaving them in place for a specific amount of time (anything from a few minutes to around half an hour).
You should not experience any pain during your appointment but make sure you let your practitioner know if you are in any kind of discomfort.