Infertility is a challenge many couples face. Traditional Chinese Medicine has a long history of helping those trying to conceive, using acupuncture and herbal medicine to balance the body, increase chances of natural conception, or complement Western treatments like IVF or IUI.
In women, acupuncture helps stimulate ovarian function, balance hormones, increase blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, thicken the endometrial lining for embryo implantation, and reduce stress that may affect conception.
In men, acupuncture helps improve sperm quality including count, motility, and morphology by stimulating blood flow to the testes, balancing testosterone levels, and reducing oxidative stress that damages sperm.
Acupuncture points used for fertility include Guanyuan (關元), Zigong (子宮), Sanyinjiao (三陰交), and Guilai (歸來). Treatment is planned according to the woman's menstrual cycle, focusing on periods before and after ovulation.
Treatment typically takes 3-6 months or longer, depending on the cause and condition. It's recommended to start treatment at least 3 months before planning conception. For IVF patients, acupuncture before and after embryo transfer is recommended to improve success rates.