Having a baby is an amazing experience, but not every couple finds it easy to get pregnant. Couples are considered infertile if they have been actively trying to get pregnant for at least one year without success, but that period goes down to six months if the woman is older than 35. According to the CDC, approximately 12% of women between the ages of 15-44 struggle to get or stay pregnant.
Women who struggle with multiple miscarriages might also be diagnosed with infertility. And for one out of every eight couples, infertility plays a role in whether they can get pregnant. What are some of the factors that impact fertility, and how can fertility acupuncture help?
Factors Impacting Fertility
While it is commonly assumed that fertility issues are solely a female problem, the truth is that about 40% of fertility issues are related to men and 40% related to women, with the rest being a mix of both partners’ conditions or unknown causes. For women, there are a number of factors that can play a role in their fertility.
- Maternal age
- Fallopian tube damage
- Endometriosis
- Ovulation problems
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Uterus problems
- Autoimmune disorders
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Being over- or under-weight
- Tobacco or alcohol consumption
- Environmental hazards
For men, the factors are related to sperm production and motility, which can be impacted by the following:
- Smoking and alcohol use
- Certain drugs and medicines
- Toxic substances
- Obesity
- Heat exposure, such as frequent use of saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, and hot baths
- Some medical conditions
- Sexually transmitted diseases
A combination of these factors can come into play, making it more difficult to determine what could negatively impact your fertility, thus adding to your stress levels. What can you do to help your fertility?
Get a Physical Checkup
For many women and men, the cause of their fertility issues might be easy to address, but it starts with making an appointment with your doctor. A complete physical will make it easier to pinpoint potential causes of infertility and, once identified, allow you to start addressing them.
Plus, your physical exam can assure you that your body is healthy and ready for pregnancy when it occurs. You can also learn what vitamins and dietary goals you should set to help support your body while trying to get pregnant.
Consider Holistic Methods
In addition, you can opt for holistic methods to help your body increase fertility. Traditional Chinese medicine provides multiple holistic methods to deal with various health issues, including fertility. Science has shown that fertility acupuncture can positively influence ovarian and follicular function while also increasing blood flow to the endometrium.
Regular acupuncture appointments can also reduce the increased anxiety and stress surrounding your ability to get pregnant. Trials have also demonstrated that fertility acupuncture can help improve the chances of success when combined with other methods for pregnancy, such as IUI or IVF.
Acupuncture also has negligible risks, meaning you can still enjoy its benefits even after getting pregnant. Some women can struggle with uncontrollable bouts of nausea throughout their pregnancy, potentially risking their health. You can address nausea through fertility acupuncture and reduce the need for prescription interventions.
If you are trying to get pregnant, consider utilizing a holistic approach that aligns with your medical doctor’s recommendations and make an appointment for a fertility acupuncture treatment today. You might be surprised at how it can benefit you physically and mentally while trying to get pregnant to grow your family.
MK Integrative Wellness offers various natural health medicine options that use naturopathic medicine principles, from consultations, acupuncture, customized herbal formulations, natural pain management, and more. Our team can help you to manage your health and wellness through natural and herbal medicine options proactively.