Acupuncture & Fertility FAQ.
By Kari Pettersen
FAQ
Why is fertility declining?
Roughly 16% (or 1 in 6) couples in Canada experience infertility. This number has doubled since the 1980s. Stress, environmental factors such as pollutants in food and products like plastics, birth control and starting families later in life can all be contributing factors. The term infertility is used if a couple has been trying unsuccessfully for 1 year or over 35 and have tried for 6 months or longer.
How Can Acupuncture help increase Fertility?
Acupuncture can help increase fertility by
Increasing blood flow to the uterus and ovaries
Regulating the menstrual cycle
Promoting ovulation
Supporting a healthy luteal phase for successful implantation
Increasing libido
Reducing stress and anxiety surrounding fertility challenges
Increasing sperm count and motility
Decreasing Inflammation
When should I come during my cycle?
You can start your initial consult and treatment at anytime in your cycle. Your treatments are tailored to you as an individual. I do a detailed consult with you then a treatment plan is made based on your needs. Everything is taken into account including diet and lifestyle. The goal is to get your body at the optimal health to allow pregnancy to happen. To essentially fertilize the soil to help plant the seed.
Can men be treated for fertility?
Yes, according to stats Canada , 3 times out of 10 the cause is in men, 4 times out of 10 the cause is in women and 2 times out of 10 the cause is a mix of factors from both male and female. In some cases it is essential that both partners come together. Here are some ways acupuncture can increase male fertility.
increase libido
increase sperm mobility and sperm count
decrease stress
What should I do before considering Acupuncture treatments?
It is important for you and your significant other to get tested if you have not conceived in a year to see why you are not conceiving. Knowing whether the imbalance is hormonal or structural can aid in the success of your acupuncture treatments. This can also determine who needs treatment; in some cases both partners may have to come for acupuncture.
What does a fertility treatment plan look look like?
Fertility is complicated and treatments take time, sometimes 4- 6 months on average. It is important to understand that commitment to treatments is essential. Treatments are typically once or twice per week. To make physiological changes in the body it can take time.
Can Acupuncture work with IVF and IUI?
Yes, to help regulate cycle and work on egg quality the best time to start coming would be 2-3 months before you start IVF or IUI, however, acupuncture can have a positive effect on your IVF cycle anytime.
Should I take supplements and when should I start taking them?
Yes, there are lots of supplements including a good quality pre-natal, fish oils, probiotics, antioxidants, herbs, Co-Q10 etc.. that you can start taking as soon as you decide you want to start trying. In fact, supplements with diet and lifestyle changes 3 months before you start trying can greatly impact fertility. To learn more about supplements for fertility check out my blog How Increasing Egg Quality Boost Fertility.
Do you have additional courses to work on fertility issues?
I have several certification in treating fertility issues in areas of IVF, Advanced Maternal Age, PCOS and Endometriosis with the goal of continuing education in this area and also writing the ABORM exam. I also have a certificate in Tui Na Massage and Moxibustion for Menstrual and Fertility issues.