Fertility Acupuncture – How Does It Work?

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Everything You Need to Know About Acupuncture and Fertility

Many women dream of the day when they’ll learn that they’re pregnant and will soon become a mother.

Sadly, becoming pregnant is far more difficult for some women than others. For those who can’t wait to someday welcome a new life into the world, finding out that they’re infertile is some of the worst news they’ll ever receive.

Infertility is not uncommon, either. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 12% of women between the ages of 15-44 struggle to get or stay pregnant.

So, it should come as no surprise that there are countless options available for treating infertility.

Unfortunately, if you’ve tried treating your infertility before, it probably also doesn’t come as much of a surprise to learn that many of these options fall short of expectations.

The good news is that there’s a promising solution based on a methodology that goes back thousands of years: fertility acupuncture.

Does Acupuncture for Fertility Work?

Fertility Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that has been practiced for millennia.

As the Mayo Clinic explains:

“Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body.”

Traditionally, acupuncture was used as a means to improve the flow of energy in one’s body. However, modern practitioners may also use acupuncture to address issues like:

  • Tension and Migraine Headaches
  • Neck and Back Pain
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Respiratory disorders, etc.

Utilizing acupuncture to help infertility has also become increasingly popular.

The main reason is simply that modern science has caught up to the ancient practice. As more studies have been done, more objective proof has surfaced that acupuncture can have a positive effect on infertility.

For example, back in 2002, a study titled, “Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy” found that incredibly:

“Clinical pregnancies were documented in 34 of 80 patients (42.5%) in the acupuncture group, whereas pregnancy rate was only 26.3% (21 out of 80 patients) in the control group.”

A more recent study done in 2018 that looked at “acupuncture treatment for fertility” concluded that “Acupuncture as a treatment for infertility shows great results.”

There are many reasons acupuncture may help with infertility. Most notably, it seems to positively influence ovarian and follicular function. Acupuncture may also help to increase blood flow to the endometrium, which in turn could improve its lining.

Interestingly, acupuncture’s effectiveness at reducing anxiety may also go a long way toward helping women become pregnant. Given how stressful pregnancy can be for every woman – even those not struggling with infertility – it makes sense that so many are turning to acupuncture simply to help relax.

However, the psychologically beneficial effects of acupuncture on women with infertility are especially compelling. One study examined how acupuncture influenced “self-efficacy for women seeking fertility support.” The researchers concluded that:

“We have preliminary data suggesting that acupuncture improves self-efficacy and psychological coping for women experiencing delays with falling pregnant.”

As you can see, acupuncture doesn’t just help women overcome infertility, it also helps them cope with the stress and duress that often comes with it.

Acupuncture and IVF Implantation

Of course, another popular method of overcoming infertility is in vitro fertilization (IVF).

This form of assisted reproductive technology (ART) involves extracting a woman’s eggs, combining them with a sperm sample in a laboratory setting, and then transferring the embryo(s) into the woman’s uterus.

Despite the impressive amount of technology involved, though, IVF is still no guarantee that a woman will become pregnant. That’s why so many who are struggling with infertility use acupuncture with IVF implantation to improve their chances.

One meta-analysis on IVF and acupuncture reviewed 7 trials that included 1,366 women who were using IVF to get pregnant. It found that:

“Complementing the embryo transfer process with acupuncture was associated with significant and clinically relevant improvements in clinical pregnancy.”

Yet another meta-analysis included an even bigger data set – 30 trials that included 6,344 women – and found similar effects regarding clinical pregnancy rate (CPR):

“Based on an analysis of the studies, acupuncture improves CPR among women undergoing IVF.”

Fortunately, acupuncture is extremely affordable when compared to the price of IVF, so if you’re thinking about undergoing the latter, it’s worth adding acupuncture to potentially see better results.

Acupuncture and IUI

Another method some women consider when they’re facing infertility is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI). During this process, sperm is placed into a woman’s uterus while she is ovulating.

Once again, it seems as though acupuncture is extremely effective at increasing the success rate of this procedure.

For example, during one study that looked at IUI and TCM – which included the use of acupuncture – Dr. Lev-Ari observed the progress of 29 females as they used both methods to try to get pregnant. The women – who were between 40 and 45 years of age – had their results compared to a control group of 94 who were between 28 and 46 years of age and only relying on IUI.

Out of the 29 women who were receiving acupuncture once a week, 65.5% conceived compared to just 39.4% in the control group.

Furthermore, 41.4% of the women receiving acupuncture delivered healthy babies, compared to only 26.9% of the control group.

Again, acupuncture is extremely affordable when compared to the much higher cost of IUI, making it an easy solution for improving your chances of conception.

Does Acupuncture for Fertility Have Side Effects?

One of the many reasons acupuncture has survived as a methodology for so many centuries is because of how safe it is.

When a 2006 study examined 66,229 acupuncture treatments that took place between 1998 and 2000, the researchers found that:

“The risks associated with acupuncture can be classified as negligible, and acupuncture is a very safe treatment in the hands of competent practitioners.”

More recently, a 2017 study looked at whether or not acupuncture could be used in intensive care units (ICUs) to help relieve patients of their pain and nausea symptoms. Not only did the majority of patients report that the practice helped, but the study also concluded that:

“Acupuncture is feasible, safe, and acceptable in an ICU setting by patients from diverse backgrounds.”

With that being said, you could experience very minor side effects if you use acupuncture to help with infertility. The most common side effects of acupuncture are soreness, bruising, or bleeding at the point of the needle’s insertion.

However, as long as you’re seeking treatment from a licensed practitioner who is using sterile needles, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.

Here in California, local regulations govern acupuncture practices, which requires that among other things:

  • The acupuncturist’s hands must be “brush-scrubbed with soap” before examining a patient
  • “All instruments shall be sterilized before and between uses”
  • Any points where a needle will be inserted must first be “cleaned with an appropriate antiseptic.”

In short, as long as you see a licensed acupuncturist, the likelihood of suffering any adverse side effects is minimal.

What to Expect from Your First Acupuncture Appointment

Every doctor will have their own unique routine for helping a first-time patient feel comfortable and prepare for their appointment.

However, there are some steps that are so important that you should consider them mandatory.

Reviewing Medical Records

For example, you should consider accepting the services of a doctor who does first ask to see recent lab reports and any medical notes relevant to your status, especially if you’re seeking help with infertility.

Just because fertility acupuncture is safe doesn’t mean it’s something that should be practiced without sufficient preparation first. Reviewing your medical records would definitely be considered part of that preparation.

Initial Consultation and Physical Examination

This first step should also include an initial consultation, where the doctor asks you about any current health issues other than infertility. They’ll also conduct a physical examination of their own to be sure there aren’t any issues of which you aren’t currently aware.

Answering Your Questions

Ask any questions you have during this initial consultation, as well. It’s normal to have concerns about such an important procedure and, again, an experienced doctor should have no issue addressing them.

Once your doctor has all the information they need to address your infertility issues, they will recommend a treatment plan. Aside from acupuncture, an experienced practitioner should also make recommendations about your nutrition and lifestyle.

Further Lab Tests

Sometimes, the doctor may discover such an issue during this first step and order further lab tests to make sure it isn’t the type of underlying problem that would make it inappropriate to proceed. These tests could include any of the following:

  • Functional Lab Tests
  • Epigenetic Tests
  • Salivary Hormone Tests
  • Urine Hormone Metabolite Tests
  • Food Sensitivity Tests
  • Allergy Tests
  • Micronutrient Test
  • Toxicity Test
  • Urine Heavy Metal Test
  • Comprehensive GI Stool Tests

Consider working with a doctor who is able to order any of these tests from reputable laboratories. This will give you complete peace of mind that your doctor is working in your best interest and truly cares about your desired outcome.

Acupuncture Procedures

Finally, you will be cleared to experience your first procedure. Expect that this first one will be one of many. You could need anywhere between three and six months of procedures to help your body prepare for becoming pregnant. Your doctor will be able to tell you how long the process should take after your initial consultation, though.

 

Get Started Using Acupuncture to Increase Your Fertility

Don’t give up on the incredible experience of becoming pregnant and giving birth. If you’ve been struggling with infertility, I would love to help. As a licensed naturopathic doctor who was raised in a family that appreciated the power of acupuncture, I can help to increase your chances of becoming pregnant.

Contact us today and I will be more than happy to go into greater detail about how I use acupuncture and other modalities to overcome infertility. It would be an absolute honor to help you with the amazing experience of becoming pregnant.

Healthy Pregnancy and Fertility Care

– Acupuncture / Ear Acupuncture
– Customized Herbal Formula
– Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy
– High Quality Supplementation / Detox / Cleanse Program

Specializes in:

– Acupuncture
– Herbal Formula
– Naturopathic Medicine
– Functional Medicine

Our Patient’s Stories

“Dr. Kim is phenomenal. I started seeing him a few months ago to improve my fertility and I’m happy to say that he has helped me dramatically improve with his treatment approach. I used to only have 1-2 follicles and now have 9 follicles. In addition to his fertility knowledge, his knowledge of overall health and well being is great and he is often sharing insights with me during my visits. I would highly recommend Dr. Kim.”

– J. C.   Carlsbad, CA

“I started seeing Dr. Kim after being diagnosed with premature ovarian failure, ovarian cysts, and fibroids at the age of 32. I went through two rounds of injectable fertility drugs and, inter-uterine insemination. Both failed. I was told that I was a “poor responder” and I should consider in-vitro fertilization with donated eggs. I was heartbroken. My instincts told me that there was a more natural way to improve my odds. I began to eliminate environmental toxins from the products I used and the food I ate. I started ordering supplements and became very overwhelmed with all the information I was researching. I really didn’t know if what I was doing on my own was effective. It was at that point that I decided it was time to seek help from a professional outside of traditional western medicine. Dr. Kim was recommended to me by my mother. I was nervous at my first visit, but Dr. Kim’s optimistic outlook on my ability to conceive was refreshing. He started by treatment with acupuncture and a close evaluation of my diet and nutritional needs. My treatment then ramped up as the months passed. He recommended specific supplements and created a custom herbal tincture for me. After 4 months of treatment, I felt a renewed vitality and physically felt great. But, I started to doubt that my body was capable of creating a viable pregnancy. I was ready to just give up. I expressed my doubts to Dr. Kim and he maintained his confidence in the process and treatment. I can’t say how much it meant to have someone in my corner encouraging me and giving me hope. I continued for another two months and I found out I was pregnant! After almost 3 years of struggling and riding a roller coaster of emotions the impossible happened. The 6 months of treatment and care I received from Dr. Kim were by far the most effective. Not to mention the positive influence on my overall health and well-being, not just fertility. I can’t say enough how grateful I am to have had the opportunity to work with Dr. Min Kim. I would recommend his expertise to anyone looking for a natural and effective path of healing.”

  – L. R.  La Mesa, CA

What is the Process?

Contact us to schedule an initial appointment.
Bring recent lab reports and relevant medical notes.
At the initial consultation, the doctor will review your past medical history, thorough current health issues, and lab results and conduct a physical exam.
The doctor will order additional lab tests if further testing is needed. We use state-of-the-art laboratories that provide comprehensive lab tests such as functional lab tests, genetic tests, salivary hormone tests, comprehensive GI stool tests, urine hormone metabolite tests, food sensitivity tests, allergy tests, micronutrient tests, toxicity tests, and urine heavy metal tests.
The doctor will decide on the treatment plans including acupuncture, nutrition and lifestyle recommendations, herbs, and supplements, and make follow-up appointments for review.

Fee Schedule

Initial Visit for acupuncture

$ 150

For an initial visit and treatment for acupuncture

Follow Up Consultation

$ 50

For follow-up consultation, per 10 minutes

Lab Test

$ 60

Blood draw & processing

Lab prices vary based on the patient’s insurance coverage.

Acupuncture for Fertility

$ 99

For follow-up acupuncture treatment

Package discount is available for acupuncture treatments

Phone and telemedicine consultation fees are identical to the above

Customized Herbal Formula

Based on a thorough assessment, diagnosis, and pattern recognition with high-quality herbs (TCM and Western Botanicals).
Customized herbal formula price range $250-$500 for 20-30 days

If you have a Health Savings Account or a Flexible Spending Account, you may also be eligible to cover the cost of our services and lab tests.

-Success rates vary in the context of patient and treatment characteristics. Patients should consult with their doctors to understand their specific medical situation and their chances of pregnancy.

Bastyr University

The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians

CNDA Certified

Pacific College of Health And Science