Conceiving Naturally

Acupuncture has evolved to become an important part of fertility enhancement.  Acupuncture can help to increase fertility by:

*Reducing stress, anxiety and the hormones secreted during stress - including cortisol.  Studies have shown that high stress levels decrease the likelihood of conceiving.

*Regulating the menstrual cycle.

*Balancing the endocrine system and ovulation.

*Increasing blood flow to the uterus thus improving chances of ovum implantation.

*Normalizing dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis.

*Triggering the release of prostaglandins into the bloodstream.

When trying to achieve a natural pregnancy, the average treatment course takes 3-6 months.  Treatment frequency depends on many factors including age, previous pregnancy history, menstrual irregularities and general health.  The goal of treatment is to strengthen and rebalance the body.  This helps to increase fertility and carry a healthy baby to term.

In addition to acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine plays a large role in increasing fertility. Individual Chinese herbal formulas may be prescribed.  Important lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, sleep and stress levels are also discussed. A healthy more balanced body is more likely to conceive naturally.

Assisted Reproductive Technology

Ideally, you should start acupuncture treatments 3-4 months before beginning any fertility treatment involving Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).

This allows adequate time to strengthen and rebalance the body in preparation for conception and pregnancy.  Chinese herbal formulas may also be prescribed during this time.

Acupuncture protocols are tailored according to your individual diagnosis, medical history and constitution.  Treatment protocols are unique to you, and modified throughout your cycle according to what phase of the treatment you’re in. Generally, acupuncture treatments are given every week for 3 months prior to the ART procedure.  Treatment frequency may be increased as the procedure date approaches or if there is a time limitation. It is also recommended during an IVF cycle to receive an acupuncture treatment 12-48 hours both before and after the embryo transfer.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help improve your chances of conception when using Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) by:

*Improving the function of the ovaries to produce better quality eggs.

*Regulating the hormones to produce a larger number of follicles.

*Increasing blood flow to the uterus and increases the thickness of the uterine lining

*Relaxing the patient and decreasing stress.

*Helping prevent uterine contractions

*Lessening the side effects of western drugs used in IVF

*Strengthening and regulating the immune system

*Improving male semen to create better quality and quantity of embryos.

*Decreasing chances of miscarriage.