If you’re curious about trying acupuncture to help you along your fertility journey, let’s take a look at some information that will help you in deciding whether or not acupuncture is a good fit for you!

Hormones and Fertility

For optimal fertility, reproductive hormones need to be carefully balanced. An example of one such hormone is called Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and it can be elevated in conditions such as primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), peri-menopause, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It can also be low if our pituitary or hypothalamus gland isn’t operating properly or you are underweight. And for ovarian follicles to grow and mature, this hormone must be optimized.

 

Numerous other research studies have concluded that the acupuncture benefits improve blood flow to the ovaries and positively alters the secretion of reproductive hormones. This in turn, increases both egg and embryo quality, and prepares the uterus for egg implantation. This also applies to our surrogate mothers who are already on hormones prior and post IVF cycles.

 

So, before you start your acupuncture journey, what do you need to be aware of?

 

Other Important Considerations for Acupuncture:

Speak to Your Doctor

Keep the communication open! We all have your optimal health as our priority. And, while not necessary, prior to starting your acupuncture treatments, having hormonal blood work and pelvic imaging done will give your health care team important information and enables us to rule out any physiological or hormonal blockages to fertility.

 

Male Fertility and Pregnancy

In Canada, 1 out of 6 couples experience infertility and difficulty conceiving. Did you know that 30% of infertility cases are sperm related and that prior history of STIs can be a factor? This includes low sperm count, morphology (poor quality of movement and shape), and hormone imbalances.

 

Find a Licensed Provider

Research your Province’s licensing board to confirm that your Acupuncturist is licensed and up to date on all certifications as some expire after two to four years. If that’s the case for your practitioner, find someone who’s current and meets your needs.

 

Know What to Expect with Acupuncture for Fertility

Your Acupuncturist may ask you to take a basal body temperature reading every morning, check your cervical mucus, tweak your diet, and/or incorporate herbs into your daily routine. Be prepared to make a few changes to your lifestyle if necessary and always ask questions to keep yourself informed.

Before beginning your acupuncture treatments, you will meet with one of our experienced Acupuncturists for an initial assessment. During the assessment they will assess your overall past and present health, and determine which specific acupuncture points and methods will best suit your unique needs.

To prepare for your treatment session, be sure to eat approximately two hours before your appointment. If you don’t eat, you may feel lightheaded during the appointment. You should also avoid caffeine at least two hours before your appointment to avoid stimulating your nervous system. We want you to be able to relax during your sessions!

And, following your appointment, we will ensure that any future appointments are scheduled and timed with your cycle…and don’t forget to stay hydrated by drinking water.

 

Next Steps

Are you ready to give acupuncture a try? Click here to see who on our team specializes in fertility. Once you’re ready, click here to book an appointment with one of our licensed Acupuncturists today, in Edmonton.

We look forward to meeting you!

Ps. The benefits of acupuncture don’t stop at conception! Acupuncture is also a great way to reduce the chances of a miscarriage, help minimize many common pregnancy discomforts, support fetal growth and development, prepare the body for labour and delivery, help turn breech babies, induce labour when recommended, and to support post labour recovery and milk production!