Support your fertility with acupuncture!
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine are wonderful at balancing the cycle and hormones. We can help you whether you're just thinking-about-trying soon or are going through IVF or IUI.
Studies show that acupuncture, compared with control treatment involving standard care, doubles the odds of becoming pregnant.
Another study showed that women are 60% more likely to become pregnant when receiving regular acupuncture with their fertility treatments vs. IVF alone.
Holistic Fertility Acupuncture & Care from a Compassionate Team
Acupuncture can have a powerful effect on the reproductive system, alone or in conjunction with Western medicine. As explained in this study here, acupuncture can regulate the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian Axis. I think this helps to explain why acupuncture is incredibly effective at addressing a wide array of women's health and fertility issues. It has been shown to:
- Regulate the menstrual cycle
- Improve egg quality
- Improve uterine lining
- Increase blood flow to the uterus and ovaries
- Regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis
- Reduce stress linked to fertility problems
- Improve sperm count and motility
- Improve success rates of IVF
- Decrease chances of miscarriage
What's the process?
- Schedule an Initial Acupuncture appointment
- Allow us to get to know you and ask you tons of questions in order to identify the imbalance at the root of your symptoms/struggles, and come up with a customized plan for you.
- Let's execute the plan together with acupuncture and herbs, supplements, diet, and lifestyle changes that we may recommend for you.
What else is included in fertility acupuncture treatment at The Point?
Our Denver fertility acupuncture patients also get discounted access to the Becoming Mama online program(opens in new tab) - our signature online program that provides a complete blueprint to diet & lifestyle practices that restore and improve your fertility.
We take a holistic approach to fertility
You’ll receive a personalized assessment and we'll cover nutrition, lifestyle, fertility-enhancing foods specific to your condition, and herbal and nutritional supplements if needed. Only supplements which are safe to take during pregnancy will be recommended.
Your first visit will be 90 minutes in length and will include your first fertility acupuncture treatment. During this visit we’ll talk about your medical history, lab results, lifestyle, diet, and menstrual cycle details. All follow-up visits are approximately one hour.
Acupuncture to Support IVF
For some, the journey to parenthood might involve IVF. It’s not an easy decision to make, and the process can be physically and emotionally stressful. We've supported so many women through this process and would love to support you through the IVF process, maximizing your success of welcoming a happy, healthy baby into your life.
When we work together with your body and your current IVF cycle, we can maximize your chances of achieving results. Acupuncture works by stimulating the flow of blood to the uterus, making the lining of your womb more receptive to the implantation of an embryo.
We use a research-based methodology that has been scientifically proven to increase your chances of pregnancy. Numerous studies have shown that acupuncture significantly improves IVF outcomes with increased number of births and lowered miscarriage rate. In one well-known German study (Paulus and Zhang), pregnancies were documented in 34 out of 80 patients (42.5%) in the acupuncture group as compared to 21 out of 80 patients (26.3%) in the control group.
A 2005 study in Fertility and Sterility demonstrated that sperm quality and motility was improved after men received acupuncture treatments. The men treated experienced increased sperm motility levels, increased number and percentage of healthy sperm, and significant improvements in sperm structure and quality as compared to a control group.
Interested in more research studies on acupuncture and fertility? I've got you!
The IVF Acupuncture Process
Fertility Acupuncture Prior to Starting Your IVF Cycle
We recommend getting fertility acupuncture before your IVF treatments begin to help prepare your body. This will help regulate your menstrual cycle, help with ovulation, boost egg quality, improve your uterus lining and ensure your hormones are in tip-top shape. It's ideal to start at least two to three months before retrieval.
Acupuncture During the Stimulation Phase
Uncomfortable IVF drug side effects can be alleviated with acupuncture. It can also help to improve follicle development and reduce anxiety during this stressful period.
Acupuncture After Embryo Transfer
After the fertilized embryo has been transferred to your uterus, we recommend a round of acupuncture to help with a successful implantation. Fertility cupuncture can also decrease the possibility of miscarriage and help support the growth of new life!
If your pregnancy test is positive – (HOORAY, BIG HUG!) – we strongly advise getting regular prenatal acupuncture during the first semester of your pregnancy. This will help to strengthen and maintain vital progesterone levels needed to support your growing baby.
Acupuncture and Fertility: What You Need to Know
Wondering, “Can acupuncture help me conceive?” Have questions about how acupuncture can help fertility? Want to learn more about acupuncture and fertility? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
Can acupuncture help me conceive?
Yes! Research shows that acupuncture can improve fertility. It can improve common underlying issues like hormone imbalance, poor circulation, and stress. Acupuncture supports healthy blood flow to the ovaries, growing follicles (eggs), uterus, and brain – all of which support a healthy reproductive system.
Can acupuncture help male infertility?
Yes! Acupuncture can improve sperm count, morphology, and motility. It drives blood flow to the area, reduces stress and inflammation, and improves male fertility.
Can I use acupuncture along with medication, IUI, or IVF?
Yes! There is a lot of research showing that acupuncture supports IUI and IVF outcomes. It not only improves chances of a successful pregnancy, but it also reduces the side effects of medications, reduces the chance of miscarriage, and supports a more stress-free cycle.
When should I start acupuncture for fertility or infertility?
Ideally, it's best to start acupuncture six months prior to trying to conceive. The longer the runway, the better. Research studies show that a series of eight acupuncture treatments drives blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, improving fertility outcomes and IVF success. So hopefully you'll get at least eight treatments in. But it's never too late. Even if you come in the day before your IVF transfer, it can help.
What should I expect at my fertility acupuncture visit?
At The Point, we aim for all our treatments to be gentle, effective, and enjoyable. Most of our patients fall asleep and walk out feeling incredibly relaxed.
During your first visit, we will ask you about your health history, lab results, lifestyle, diet, and menstrual cycle details before getting you onto the comfy treatment table for acupuncture. You’ll receive an acupuncture treatment customized to you, and lie on the table for about 25 minutes. Afterward, you’ll leave feeling rested and empowered with knowledge and action steps you can take to support your fertility.
Can I use my health insurance for acupuncture treatments?
We cannot bill your insurance directly, but we can provide you with a Superbill receipt you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement, and you may use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
