Acupuncture Support for Fertility
Dec 12, 2024
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Acupuncture Support for Fertility
Infertility can be an incredibly challenging and emotional journey, but gaining insight into its causes and exploring how treatments like acupuncture can provide support may help you navigate this experience.
What is infertility?
Infertility refers to the inability to conceive while actively trying for one year. It’s a deeply personal and often emotional experience that many individuals and couples face. There are two types of infertility:
- Primary: When conception hasn’t occurred after 12 months of trying (if under 35) or 6 months (if 35 or older).
- Secondary: When it’s difficult to conceive again after having at least one successful pregnancy and birth.
You’re not alone—infertility is more common than many realize. Studies show that at least 10% of women and men experience infertility at some point in their lives, and the risk increases with age.
On average, couples actively trying to conceive are successful about 20-25% of the time each month, which highlights the challenges many face while trying to grow their family.
What causes infertility?
Infertility can have many causes, and it’s often not a straightforward journey. In about one-third of cases, the challenge is related to female factors, another third to male factors, and the remaining cases are due to a combination of factors or remain unknown.
Female factors may include ovulatory disorders, endometriosis, pelvic adhesions, tubal blockages, uterine abnormalities, or hormonal imbalances.
Male factors may involve issues with sperm quality (motility, shape, or count), varicocele, structural challenges, or hormonal imbalances.
What steps are involved in treating infertility?
If infertility is suspected, the first step is to consult with a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist (RE) with monitoring facilities that are convenient for you. They’ll run tests and labs to help uncover the cause and recommend next steps.
For women, testing may include bloodwork and an HSG (hysterosalpingogram), a specialized X-ray that evaluates the uterus and fallopian tubes. For men, a semen analysis helps determine sperm quality and may guide further treatment, such as addressing varicocele. Depending upon your situation, your RE may prescribe intrauterine insemination (IUI) and/or in vitro fertilization (IVF).
How can acupuncture support fertility?
Acupuncture is a holistic, supportive treatment option for men and women facing fertility concerns, and it can complement medical interventions by balancing hormones, improving circulation, and reducing stress. While the scientific evidence on treatment outcomes is still evolving, acupuncture has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine to enhance fertility. Additionally, growing data suggests that acupuncture may positively impact reproductive health.
For women, acupuncture can help regulate hormones, which are essential for ovulation and menstrual cycles. It also promotes healthy blood flow to the reproductive organs, improving the function of the uterus and ovaries, and can support the pelvic floor, which plays a key role in fertility.
For men, acupuncture can improve sperm quality by enhancing circulation.
In addition to its physical benefits, acupuncture is well-documented for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety, which can have a positive impact on fertility. By calming the nervous system, acupuncture helps create a more supportive environment for conception.
If you or a loved one are facing fertility concerns, please reach out to us at 973-910-1441 to schedule a consultation.
About the Author
Jason Sargis, DAOM, Dipl Ac (NCCAOM), C.SMA, LAc, is an acupuncturist and herbalist at Total Acupuncture and Physical Therapy in Cedar Grove, New Jersey. He earned a Master of Science in Acupuncture in 2008 and a Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2009 from the Tristate College of Acupuncture in New York, NY. Jason went on to earn his Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in Portland, OR. Dr. Jason Sargis is committed to excellence in the clinical space by expanding his knowledge base and skill set, and provides well-rounded and thoughtful treatment for all patients.
Dr. Sargis’s approach to acupuncture is informed by his clinical studies in Beijing and his background as a biology major at the University of Chicago, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree. Dr. Sargis’s practice focuses on helping people achieve optimal health and well-being in every phase of their healing journey.