Acupuncture for fertility support

Let your hopes not your hurts shape your future

DO I HAVE FERTILITY ISSUES?

You have been trying to conceive for a while and it does not work and now you are starting to be worried there is something wrong with you (women and men alike).

Fertility issues encompass a variety of problems, for Women it can be a low ovarian reserve, lack of ovulation, repeated miscarriages, hormonal unbalance, conditions such as endometriosis, infections and many more.

For Men it can be due to a low sperm count or sperm abnormality.

Sometimes there is no medical explanation at all.

WHY DO I FEEL SO MISERABLE?

Long standing fertility issues are a major problem which, apart from not resulting in a beautiful planned (first or second) pregnancy can create tension within the couple as well as problems of self-esteem.

One can feel very lonely when month after month it doesn’t work, sometimes despite heavy treatments or in the context of MAP/IVF protocols.

The feeling can even get worse if the partner/spouse already has children of their own.

There is still a certain pressure from society depicting family values and related happiness only attainable if one has children.

And there are the dreaded questions: “do you have children?”; “when do you make the second one?”; “wouldn’t she like a little sister?” etc.

And the answer “we are trying”, “it’s taking some time”, “all the tests are all right though” uttered with a smile to show that there is still hope.

Shall we mention the sadness and envy when colleagues or relatives announce that THEY are pregnant?

So yes, let’s admit it, fertility issues can make someone feel pretty miserable and lonely.

HELP, AM I THE ONLY ONE WITH FERTILITY ISSUES?

Even though it doesn’t make one feel better, according to the WHO, over 17% of the adult population suffers from infertility during their lifetime, about 1 in 6 people.

No, you are definitely not alone.

COMMON CAUSES FOR INFERTILITY ACCORDING TO TCM

COLD OR/AND DAMPNESS

Been eating too many salads and drinking smoothies? You may be a bit too cold inside and will benefit from TCM dietary advice. We need to ensure you are “warm” inside because you cannot grow a bun in a cold oven. In this case dietary changes must be provided along with acupuncture and herbs.

STRESS/HEAT

Are you struggling to find time to unwind? Or maybe you are used to suppressing your emotions and keep everything inside? Could it be you experience frequent sighing or taking deep breaths? Maybe you are not getting enough sleep? Stress can lead to hormonal disruption and we need to ensure you maintain a healthy balance of Yin and Yang.

STAGNATION

Sluggish blood circulation Dark menstrual blood and stabbing menstrual pain? Maybe you experience breast tenderness, uterine fibroids or endometriosis?

Or maybe you experience fatigue, weight gain or polycystic ovarian syndrome?

We need to get rid of the obstruction and resume a good flow of blood and Qi in your body.

BLOOD DEFICIENCY

Finding it hard to fall asleep? Difficulties to focus? Feeling a bit depressed? Maybe you look a bit pale too? Are your periods late or scanty? Any digestive issue? Maybe your hair is a little too thin?

We need to make sure your body produces good quality blood.

These and many other possible causes for fertility issues can be diagnosed by an experienced acupuncturist who will give you relevant advice (diet, lifestyle) and proper treatment adapted to your own case.

HOW DOES TCM WORK?

TCM takes a holistic approach and the balance of your whole body impacts fertility.

YOU are unique and even though fertility struggles may affect millions of people, the root cause must be understood as it varies from person to person.

Picture your body like a machine with liquids and electricity (yin and yang) going through complex mechanics and circuits. We need to make sure yin and yang are balanced, that the flow of energy (Qi) and blood are smooth so your egg quality and uterine lining are well nourished and hormones balanced.

ACUPUNCTURE INCREASES BLOOD FLOW

Stress and/or aging can lead to a decline in blood flow to the uterus and ovaries. Acupuncture slow down down the central sympathetic nervous system which then causes the blood vessels to dilate. Increased ovarian blood flow may help with response to fertility medications. Increased uterine blood flow ensures a thick uterine lining and sets up an ideal environment for implantation. Better response, better eggs, better lining.

ACUPUNCTURE REDUCES STRESS

Research shows that when needles are placed in the skin, the body releases its own natural pain killers (endorphins) which are responsible for the relaxed feeling one gets after a session. Muscles relax, your breathing slows down, and your mind is quieter.

ACUPUNCTURE BOOSTS IVF SUCCESS RATES

For those facing challenges with conception or sustaining pregnancy, combining Eastern and Western medicine is the most effective approach. While distinct in their methods, they are highly complementary and, when used together, can enhance the chances of success.

By combining treatments like IUI, IVF, or egg donation with acupuncture and herbal medicine, you can often achieve better outcomes than with Western medicine alone – especially for women trying to conceive in their forties.

REMEMBER

A good acupuncturist will diagnose your individual issue and explains it to you. They will not substitute your gynecologist or prescribe supplements (other than Chinese herbs).

A good acupuncturist will also tell you about limitations (i.e. it cannot help azoospermia in men or increase sperm count in cases of genetic abnormalities).