Can Acupuncture Help With Infertility?

• Approximately 1 in 6 couples worldwide experiences infertility.

• About 12-15% of couples in the United States are unable to conceive after one year of unprotected sex.
• The prevalence of infertility increases with age, with about 10% of couples under 35 experiencing infertility compared to 25% of couples over 40.
• Among women, the infertility rate is around 13.4% for those aged 15-49.
• Among men, the infertility rate is around 9% for those aged 15-49.

Causes of Infertility from a Western Medical Perspective

Ovulatory Disruptions – Challenges with egg release from the ovaries can stem from multiple factors including:

• Hormonal imbalances, particularly polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Abnormal prolactin levels interfering with reproductive processes
• Thyroid dysfunction (both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism)
• Additional potential triggers include:

       – Extreme physical training

       – Nutritional disorders

       – Endocrine system tumors

Uterine Complications – Structural and functional issues within the uterus can impede fertility:

• Uterine polyps
• Anatomical uterine abnormalities
• Cervical structural problems
• Uterine fibroids which can:
  • Block fallopian tubes
  • Prevent fertilized egg implantation
  • Disrupt reproductive organ functionality)

Fallopian Tube Disorders –Key reproductive pathway challenges include:

• Salpingitis (tube inflammation)
• Blockages resulting from pelvic inflammatory disease
• Scarring that prevents egg and sperm interaction

Endometriosis – A condition where uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus, potentially:

• Interfering with ovarian function
• Disrupting fallopian tube effectiveness
• Compromising overall reproductive system performance

Premature Ovarian Insufficiency – Characterized by:

• Ovarian function cessation before age 40
• Unexplained reproductive system shutdown
• Potential triggers:
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Genetic conditions (e.g., Turner syndrome)
  • Cancer treatment side effects

Pelvic Adhesions – Scar tissue formation resulting from:

• Pelvic infections
• Appendicitis
• Endometriosis
• Abdominal or pelvic surgical procedures

Cancer-Related Fertility Challenges –Reproductive system cancers can:

• Directly reduce fertility potential
• Compromise reproductive organ functionality
• Treatment methods like radiation and chemotherapy may further impact reproductive capabilities

What does Chinese medicine say about infertility?

From a Chinese medicine perspective, there is never a one-size-fits-all approach to any condition, particularly infertility. Remember, Chinese medicine does not treat any disease; it works by treating people and their unique health conditions. All cases of infertility often have one or a combination of these four causative factors.

• Lack of Blood and Body Fluids: Hundreds of years ago, before modern medicine, there was little understanding of hormones and how they function. If you look at the function of hormones in the body, there is significant overlap with what Chinese medicine calls blood and body fluids. Chinese medicine examines the signs and symptoms of a patient, as well as observing the tongue and pulse, to determine the state of the blood and fluids in the body. Blood and body fluids nourish all the tissues in our bodies; they are our hormones. The health and strength of our body are determined by the status of these substances, including the eggs in the ovaries. They are the oil that keeps our bodies running and healthy. 

   

  Lack of blood can show up as anemia, but not necessarily. Signs that the body lacks enough blood to nourish its tissues include cramping during menses, muscle cramping in general, dry eyes, dry skin, thin hair, lack of menstrual bleeding, a pale face, poor sleep, cravings for sweets and meat around the menstrual period, dizziness when standing from a sitting position, cold hands and feet, and some types of insomnia, to name a few.

  Lack of body fluids can manifest as vaginal dryness, some forms of constipation, weak digestion, poor immunity, weakness, and fatigue.

• Poor Digestion: Your stomach is where all your blood and body fluids are produced to nourish the tissues of your body. Your food is turned into nourishment for every part of your body in the stomach. Healthy digestion ensures that all parts of your body receive the nourishment they need and that waste is removed properly. In some cases chronic loose stool is all that may be necessary to derail a couples hopes of starting a family.  The stronger the digestive function the stronger your reproductive health will be.  
• Stress: Like poor digestion, stress can impact your health and fertility in many ways. Poor sleep, poor digestion, anxiety, and depression are all products of stress. Stress can even disrupt the menstrual cycle, leading to infertility. A relaxed body is a suitable place for new life to grow.
• Poor Circulation and Blockage: From a Chinese medicine perspective, there can be a blockage of fluids or blood. Often, a blockage of one will lead to a blockage of another. It is common to have both blood and fluid blockages simultaneously, as seen in cases of fibroids, for example.
  • Blockage of blood will manifest as dark menstrual blood, lack of menstrual bleeding, and in many cases, excessive menstrual bleeding, clots in the menstrual blood, purple veins under the tongue, sharp or stabbing menstrual pain, and in severe cases, growth of tissue, including endometriosis or adenomyosis, as examples.
  • Blockage of fluids will manifest as a heavy sensation in the body during menses, fatigue, abdominal bloating during menses, vaginal discharge, a feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen during menses, a thick tongue coating, cysts, fibroids, etc.

• Cold Accumulation in the Uterus: Cold, in general, will cause circulation in the body to slow. Cold is characterized by a feeling of cold or a lack of warmth in an area. Symptoms of cold affecting menstruation and fertility include a cold lower abdomen, waist, and buttocks, painful periods that respond to warmth. Cold can affect all aspects of health, not only the menstrual cycle.  To ensure the body is warm enough to create a new life all cold influences on the body should be eliminated or greatly reduced.  These include iced drinks, iced foods or deserts, cold left overs, etc.  Just doing this alone can help. to transform health.

The goal of treatment is to make both patterns of trying to conceive as healthy as possible by focusing on these keys to success:

• Balancing digestion
• Healthy, nutritious food
• Improving sleep
• Regulating the menstrual cycle
• Balancing emotions
• Reducing stress
• Removing cold
• Changes to diet and lifestyle

How Acupuncture May Benefit Reproductive Health

Acupuncture presents various potential advantages for individuals facing fertility issues through several interesting mechanisms:

Hormonal Balance
Traditional acupuncture methods may help foster a more balanced hormonal landscape. By potentially affecting critical reproductive hormones such as Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH), these therapies could assist in optimizing the intricate endocrine system essential for conception.

Enhanced Blood Flow
Boosting blood circulation to reproductive organs represents another promising aspect. By potentially increasing blood supply to the uterus, ovaries, and testes, acupuncture may create more favorable conditions for reproductive health and heighten the chances of successful conception.

Stress Alleviation
Emotional and physical stress can greatly affect fertility. The well-known relaxation benefits of acupuncture may help reduce anxiety and promote a more favorable internal environment for reproductive functions.

Improvement in Reproductive Cell Quality
Recent studies indicate that acupuncture could positively impact the quality of eggs and embryos, especially for those with particular reproductive health issues. This may provide extra support during fertility treatments.

Men’s Reproductive Health
For male patients, specialized acupuncture techniques targeting the lower abdominal area may enhance sperm production and mobility, providing a holistic approach to reproductive health.