Affordable Acupuncture for Fertility Support
Acupuncture can increase fertility. Our sliding scale makes regular acupuncture treatment more possible for more people. Since opening in 2013 we have supported many people to conceive and carry healthy pregnancies to term.
How can acupuncture support fertility?
By regulating hormones
Acupuncture is a powerful tool for regulating hormones. We commonly see people get relief from a wide range of menstrual complaints, including menstrual cramps, ovulation pain, heavy flow, PMS/PMDD, bloating, irregular periods and headaches, with regular acupuncture treatment. This means that acupuncture can support regular ovulation, healthier follicular development, and a healthier uterine lining.
By increasing blood flow
Acupuncture can increase blood circulation to the uterus and ovaries, allowing the reproductive organs to receive adequate nourishment. Ovarian follicles grow in response to hormones and nutrients delivered through the ovarian blood supply; healthy blood flow is therefore associated with higher quality eggs. Embryo implantation is dependent on many factors, including healthy blood supply to the uterus.
By reducing the impacts of stress
Chronic stress can lead to the body prioritizing the production of stress hormones over sex hormones, which can throw off the balance of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and cortisol, which can negatively impact fertility.
Because fertility issues are stressful, and because stress can negatively impact fertility, we almost always include stress treatments with our fertility protocols. Acupuncture is very effective at reducing stress and anxiety – so much so that we have many regular patients who use acupuncture primarily for stress relief. Acupuncture can shift the nervous system from “fight or flight” into “safe and social” mode, which can have a very beneficial effect on fertility. It feels good, too!
What can I expect?
We’ll do a complete intake on your first visit, including health history and your current concerns. Your treatment protocol will be tailored to your current condition and where you’re at in your cycle.
Treatment takes place in a large quiet room with lazyboy recliners, and generally lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. Because acupuncture is based on an understanding of how the body is connected, we don’t have to needle into the area of concern in order to help it. Sometimes the points to treat ovarian pain are on the hand or the leg. Sometimes the points to treat migraine are on the wrist or the foot. There is never any need to remove clothing in our shared treatment room.
How often should I come for treatment?
If you have no health issues beyond unexplained infertility, your cycles are regular and you have no history of miscarriage, then we recommend once a week. Otherwise, we generally recommend twice a week, or more if your issues are more complex. We’ll always give a clear treatment plan at your first visit, and reassess as needed.
What about IUI or IVF?
Acupuncture is also a supportive adjunct to reproductive technology. Many patients report a variety of unpleasant side effects with fertility drugs such as abdominal tenderness, bloating, headaches, mood swings and nausea. Acupuncture can provide relief of these unwanted symptoms while supporting fertility procedures whether it be IVF, IUI or egg-donor transfer.
Please note that acupuncture tends to be more effective if it’s used at all stages of IVF, not just at the time of embryo transfer. We recommend starting acupuncture at least one full cycle before the start of medical infertility treatment. But there’s no bad time to start.
If you have questions about how community acupuncture can support you or someone you care about with fertility, please get in touch.
