Enhancing Fertility Naturally: The Role of Acupuncture
Struggling to conceive can be an incredibly isolating experience. It’s a topic that people have historically shied away from discussing, and many women grapple with feelings of shame or anxiety that only worsen as time goes on. At EleVis Wellness Collective, we want you to know that you do have options, and acupuncture for fertility is one of them.
Many people hold the mistaken belief that pregnancy comes easily for everyone. In reality, nearly 20% of women will not conceive after a year of trying (and around 26% will have difficulty getting pregnant and carrying the pregnancy to term).
Because infertility is so common, science has developed many potential treatment options, including medication, to address underlying conditions that might contribute to infertility and in vitro fertilization (IVF).
However, you also have all-natural options, such as acupuncture. While acupuncture can’t cure infertility, it can help address certain underlying issues and help improve the odds of conception.
Keep reading to learn more–and if you think you might benefit, request an appointment at our Chicago clinic today.
Understanding Infertility
Getting pregnant is a more complicated process than many of us realize. A woman’s egg and a man’s sperm need to both be in the right place at the right time for the process to even start. Then, the fertilized egg has to make a long journey up a woman’s fallopian tubes before finally implanting itself into her uterus.
If there’s an issue at any one of these steps, fertility can result. A woman may have an underlying condition that disrupts the process, such as PCOS or endometriosis. Or there may be an issue on the man’s end.
The other thing to keep in mind is that a woman can only get pregnant while ovulating. That’s why fertility is officially defined as failure to conceive after a year of trying (or after six months of trying if the woman is over 35). However, once you’ve passed that mark, it may be time to start the treatment process.
Acupuncture for Fertility: How It Helps
Acupuncture is a widely practiced form of Chinese medicine that involves inserting thin, sterile needles into key points of the body (called meridians). Traditionally, it was believed that this practice redirected energy flow, helping to boost health and wellness.
Modern science has shown that acupuncture has benefits, even if we don’t fully understand why. One such benefit may be improved fertility. Studies reveal that women who undergo acupuncture may have a higher chance of conceiving.
There are a couple of potential reasons for this. One is that acupuncture can help lower stress and anxiety levels–and anxiety, unfortunately, can contribute to infertility. Another explanation is that acupuncture can increase blood flow to the uterus, helping create a thick lining for the implanted egg to call home. Finally, acupuncture might help improve the overall function of the ovaries.
Acupuncture for fertility is most effective when paired with medical treatments, as those treatments address the underlying cause of infertility. However, acupuncture can enhance your body’s ability to conceive, increasing the likelihood of a successful implantation.
Is Acupuncture for Fertility Right For You?
If you think you might benefit from acupuncture treatment at EleVis Wellness Collective, schedule an appointment! Our compassionate staff can offer personalized guidance and help you know what to expect.