The journey to parenthood is a rocky road for millions of couples. For the entire first year after going off birth control, Western medicine doesn’t even consider infer tility treatments.  Perhaps this is because a successful pregnancy is a complex combination of body processes easily disrupted by our daily lives and environment.  Current estimates are that 40% of infertility is caused by problems in the female, another 40% by male factor problems, and the remaining 20% due to unknown factors. Acupuncture and other practices of East Asian Medicine have a long history of improving chances of conception, having a healthy full-term pregnancy, and delivering a healthy baby.  What does acupuncture do for women wanting to conceive?

·       Increases blood flow to the reproductive organs

Acupuncture can provide better blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, creating a stronger chance for an egg to be nourished and carried to term.  It also helps to relax muscles which can improve the chance of an embryo implanting.

·       Balances the endocrine system

The most common cause of female infertility is an ovulation disorder, often due to a hormone imbalance. These imbalances can prevent mature eggs from being released by the ovary.  High prolactin levels, for example, can prevent ovulation.  Low progesterone can impede the fetus from attaching to the uterus.  There is a delicate balance between the hypothalamus, pituitary, and reproductive glands.  Acupuncture can effectively stimulate the hypothalamus to effectively balance the endocrine system and its hormones to improve chances that each step of the complex process is successful

·       Reduces stress

Stress alone is capable of preventing a woman from ovulating entirely.  High levels of cortisol are produced during stress and anxiety, disrupting the body’s proper production of all other hormones, including reproductive hormones.  Stress also disrupts sleep and digestion, both of which are crucial to optimal health for conception and pregnancy.  Acupuncture helps modulate stress responses so that cortisol doesn’t skyrocket and alter the brain’s neurochemical balance.  Commonly, acupuncture sessions in the US last about an hour; a one hour “time-out” to recenter and regenerate the body’s healthy responses to daily life.

·       Tackles other causes

Endometriosis and PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, are common impediments to conception, as are overactive or underactive thyroid glands.  If birth control has recently been stopped, regular ovulation may still be delayed.  Digestive issues, poor nutrition or other poor health habits can strengthen the roadblock.  An experienced acupuncturist will work on all these areas to boost fertility.TheNational Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine(NCCAOM)can help to locate NCCAOM certified acupuncturists and practitioners of Oriental medicine who are in good standing throughout the nation and worldwide.

·       Reduces male factor issues

Low sperm counts, low sperm motility, and abnormally-shaped sperm are the primary male factors contributing to a couple’s difficulty with conception.  Sometimes there is a concurrent sexual dysfunction adding to the problem. High stress contributes to all these issues in men.  Sometimes a small boost in healthy sperm production is enough to cross the threshold to a successful conception.  Acupuncture, especially in combination with carefully-selected herbal preparations, can dramatically improve sperm quality.

About the Author

Michael L. Fox, PhD., Dipl. O.M. (NCCAOM), L.Ac.is a California licensed acupuncturist with a PhD in Oriental Medicine.  He currently serves as the president of the California Acupuncture Association, and practices at Silverlake Acupuncture.