Women, men & hormones
Acupuncture for Fertility and the Wish to Conceive
Every month hoping, waiting and starting again. A wish to conceive that is taking its time can bring a lot of tension, for yourself and in your relationship. Sometimes there is a clear cause, sometimes it remains unexplained. Acupuncture and laser acupuncture can be used to support the body during this period, for women and men, and alongside any medical fertility treatment.
When is fertility considered reduced?
Reduced fertility is spoken of when a couple has had regular unprotected intercourse for a year without a pregnancy. The cause may lie with the woman, the man, both, or no clear cause is found. The latter is called unexplained subfertility.
In women, irregular or absent ovulation, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, thyroid problems and a declining egg reserve can play a role. The woman’s age is an important factor. In men it often concerns a lower sperm count, less motile sperm or abnormal shapes. Smoking, alcohol, overweight, heat, stress and a varicose vein in the scrotum (varicocele) can affect sperm quality.
Many couples go through a medical programme, such as hormone treatment, IUI, IVF or ICSI. That can be physically and emotionally demanding. Many people use acupuncture as support in the run-up to and during such a programme, to experience more calm and to take good care of the body.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Fertility from a TCM perspective
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kidney energy underlies growth, reproduction and fertility, in women and in men. A good flow of Qi and Blood and healthy digestion also play an important role. We look at your cycle, energy, sleep, digestion and the tension you experience.
Kidney deficiency
Shen XuA deficiency of Kidney energy is associated in TCM with reduced fertility. With Kidney-Yang deficiency, feeling cold, fatigue and a weak lower back are prominent; with Kidney-Yin deficiency, rather restlessness, heat and a short cycle. In men this pattern is associated with reduced sperm quality.
Liver-Qi stagnation
Gan Qi Yu JieTension, stress and the emotional burden of a pregnancy that does not come can, in TCM, obstruct the flow of Qi. This is associated with an irregular cycle, PMS, tense breasts and irritability.
Blood deficiency
Xue XuA short or light period, a long cycle, fatigue, dizziness and dry skin are associated in TCM with a deficiency of Blood, leaving the uterus insufficiently nourished.
Phlegm-Damp
Tan ShiA long or absent cycle, weight gain, a heavy and sluggish feeling and a lot of discharge are associated in TCM with Phlegm and Damp. This pattern is often seen in PCOS.
How can acupuncture and laser acupuncture help when trying to conceive?
In the first consultation we look at your cycle, any test results, your energy, sleep and the tension you experience. If you are following a medical programme, treatment is tailored to it. Men are welcome too, alone or together with their partner.
- 01Acupuncture: very fine, sterile needles are used on points on the lower abdomen, lower back, legs and feet, among others. In TCM these are used to regulate the cycle, nourish Kidney energy and support the flow of Qi and Blood.
- 02Tuning in to your cycle or programme: when trying to conceive naturally, treatment is tailored to the phase of your cycle. With IUI, IVF or ICSI, we preferably start a few months in advance and align treatment with the programme schedule.
- 03Ear acupuncture with the laser: points on the ear can be used to calm the nervous system during a period that often brings a lot of tension. At Bai Kang this is always done with the laser, never with needles.
- 04Needle-free alternative: all points can also be treated with therapeutic laser light, for example for those who, after all the injections of a programme, would rather not have needles.
Prefer no needles?
Every treatment can also be carried out completely needle-free with laser acupuncture, in which the same points are treated with therapeutic laser light. Ear acupuncture is always carried out with the laser. Acupressure, which also uses no needles, can be used as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can acupuncture increase the chance of pregnancy?
No promise can be made about that. There has been research into acupuncture and fertility, including around IVF. Early studies were encouraging, but larger recent studies found no clear difference in pregnancy rates. Many women and men do experience acupuncture as supportive, especially for relaxation and coping with the tension of a programme.
Can men be treated too?
Yes. In about half of couples, a male factor also plays a role. Some research has been done into acupuncture for reduced sperm quality, with mixed results. Because sperm production takes about three months, treatment usually spans such a period. See also the page about men’s health.
When is the best time to start alongside IVF or ICSI?
Preferably two to three months before the start of the programme, so there is time to support the cycle and your overall condition. During the programme, treatment is aligned with the schedule, such as stimulation and egg retrieval. Always consult your fertility specialist.
Does acupuncture help with PCOS?
With PCOS, acupuncture can be used to support a more regular cycle. Some research has been done into acupuncture for PCOS, with mixed results. Lifestyle, exercise and nutrition remain important alongside it; your GP or gynaecologist can guide you in this.
What happens if I become pregnant?
Then treatment at Bai Kang stops, as pregnant women are not treated. For care during pregnancy, please contact your midwife or GP. If you are looking for a moment of relaxation, you are welcome to book a pregnancy massage at Sompong Thai Massage.
How many treatments are needed?
Treatment usually spans about three months, because eggs and sperm need roughly that time to mature. After that we review together what a suitable follow-up would be.
Related
Related complaints & patterns
Personal Treatment Plan
Trying to conceive for a while?
During a first appointment, we look at your situation and what plays a role in the body, and how acupuncture can be a support, possibly alongside a medical programme.