When to start Acupuncture for Fertility

Acupuncture for fertility - when should I start?

Acupuncture for fertility is a complementary therapy that many families are incorporating into their fertility health plans.  But when should you start acupuncture for fertility and how often should you have it?

How acupuncture can support fertility

Acupuncture is a key branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine that focuses on holistic health and keeping the body in balance.  If you are trying to conceive naturally or via other western medicine options such as IVF, you may have started looking into additional ways to support you on your fertility journey.  

Acupuncture aims to balance the body and maximise overall health, which can in turn support your reproductive health.  

By inserting fine and sterile needles into specific parts of the body, acupuncture may help to: 

  • Maximise blood flow to the ovaries and uterus 
  • Regulate the menstrual cycle: research from 2014 included ‘preliminary data indicating that acupuncture may improve menstrual health and coping among women experiencing delays in becoming pregnant.’
  • Support ovulation: research from 2013 concluded that ‘repeated acupuncture treatments resulted in higher ovulation frequency.’
  • Maximise egg quality
  •  Reduce stress and improve emotional and overall well-being: research from 2014 indicates that acupuncture may provide a ‘relative decrease in physiologic stress.’.

When to start Fertility Acupuncture if you are trying to conceive naturally

If your fertility plan is to conceive naturally then it is generally recommended that you start fertility acupuncture at least 3 months before trying to become pregnant.  

This timing is recommended to maximise your ability to : 

  • Regulate your menstrual cyle
  • Balance hormones 
  • Maximise egg quality
  • Reduce stress and maximise well-being

When to start Fertility Acupuncture if you are undergoing IVF

If you are undertaking IVF it is recommended that you start fertility acupuncture 6 to 8 weeks prior to the commencement of your IVF treatment.  

This timeframe provides support to the body in relation to: 

  • Assisting the body’s response to fertility medications 
  • Maximising blood flow to the uterus and ovaries 
  • Reducing stress and anxiety that can often be related to the IVF process 
  • Creating the best possible conditions for implantation
  • Enabling fertility acupuncture for pre and post egg transfer to maximise pregnancy success rates

Research from 2020 observed that ‘sessions of acupuncture before and after egg transfer significantly increased the pregnancy rates in women with unexplained infertility. It was also found that acupuncture significantly reduced anxiety levels that occurred before egg transfer.’

Consistency is key with Acupuncture for Fertility

Acupuncture for fertility is a complementary therapy that aims to balance the body and provide the most ideal conditions for fertility over a longer period of time.  It is generally recommended to book in for weekly sessions if possible, to maximise your fertility outcomes.  

Acupuncture for fertility focuses on a holistic approach and looks to maximise total body health and identify and address any underlying issues that may impact on your fertility. 

Acupuncture for fertility - a complementary therapy to consider

If you are at the start of your fertility journey or are about to embark on an IVF treatment, acupuncture for fertility is a therapy to consider to give you the best chance to maximise your reproductive health. 

Dr Sharlane Aldover has over 15 years working with women to maximise their health and fertility outcomes

and can tailor a fertility acupuncture plan to suit your individual needs.

0403 524 893

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