If you’re having difficulty conceiving, you’re not alone. According to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, one in seven couples have fertility issues. [1].
Common conditions we see in clinic are:
There can be many causes of sub-fertility in both men and women, however in 30% of couples the cause remains unexplained, in western medical terms [2].
How acupuncture can help
Clinical trials have demonstrated that acupuncture is significantly better than drugs at achieving pregnancy rates [3]. Some studies have shown that acupuncture can almost double the likelihood for pregnancy when used in conjunction with the assisted reproductive technology [4]. Other research shows that acupuncture regulates fertility hormones, increases the blood flow to the reproductive organs, and counteracts the effect of polycystic ovarian syndrome, a common cause of infertility [5].
Whether you are trying to conceive naturally, or are looking for support alongside assisted fertility protocols, acupuncture can offer you the support you need, before, during and after pregnancy.
Reference
[1] Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) Facts and figures for researchers and the media. (2006) www.hfea.gov.uk
[2] National Collaborating Centre for Women’s and Children’s Health Fertility (NCCWCH) Fertility: assessment and treatment for people with fertility problems (full NICE guideline). Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. www.rcog.org.uk (2004)
[3] Huang ST, Chen AP. Traditional Chinese medicine and infertility. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2008 Jun;20(3):211-5.
Kewei Quan, Chuyi Yu, Xiaohui Wen, Qiuping Lin, Naiping Wang, Hongxia Ma. Acupuncture as Treatment for Female Infertility: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2022 Feb 16; 2022https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8865966/
[4] Paulus WE.et al, Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy. Fertility & Sterility 2002 Apr; 77(4):721-4.https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(06)00215-9/fulltext
[5] Lim CE, Wong WS. Current evidence of acupuncture on polycystic ovarian syndrome.Gynecol Endocrinol. 2010 Mar 16. [Epub ahead of print]
[6] Ng EH, So WS, Gao J, Wong YY, Ho PC. The role of acupuncture in the management of subfertility. Fertil Steril. 2008 Jul;90(1):1-13.
[7] Stener-Victorin E, Humaidan P. Use of acupuncture in female infertility and a summary of recent acupuncture studies related to embryo transfer. Acupunct Med. 2006 Dec;24(4):157-63.
[8] Stener-Victorin E, Jedel E, Mannerås L. Acupuncture in polycystic ovary syndrome: current experimental and clinical evidence. J Neuroendocrinol. 2008 Mar;20(3):290-8.
[9] Zhang WY, Huang GY, Liu J. [Influences of acupuncture on infertility of rats with polycystic ovarian syndrome] [in Chinese] Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2009 Nov;29(11):997-1000.