Reproductive health can be a deeply emotional and stressful process to face alone, especially when things are not going as planned. For those of us looking into in vitro fertilization (IVF) in response to fertility issues, we know that treatments can be stressful and expensive. It is understandable to want to have a guarantee of assurance that these treatments will work, especially when so much time, effort, and resources are being poured into them. On average, the percentage of success for IVF in Canada is 47.5% for individuals under 35 years of age, which means that over half of the couples using IVF do not achieve pregnancy through these means (BORN Ontario, 2023). To help increase success rates, we want to introduce acupuncture as an alternative medicine treatment to increase health and wellbeing for both men and women struggling with fertility problems. By integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) techniques into modern technological advances in fertility and conception treatments, couples can maximize their chances for success.
What Can Acupuncture Do?
Acupuncture treatments involve inserting very small, stainless steel needles into specific points of the body in order to stimulate specific nerves, connective tissues, and muscles. The result of this stimulation is to encourage the body to enhance its own innate systems and processes. These treatments can be accompanied by the prescription of herbal remedies, and the use of different tools such as gua sha and cupping instruments. Acupuncture treatments can help with a variety of physical and mental health ailments, including fertility problems, by using a natural and holistic lens to treat the body.
Specifically for those struggling with fertility, acupuncture treatments can help both partners in different ways.
1. IVF Support for Women
- Improves blood flow to the ovaries and uterus
- Increases chances of implantation by supporting endometrial lining thickening
- Stimulates ovarian responses, supporting system functions
- Encourages follicular development, which improves the rate of egg maturation
- Regulates hormones to support egg quality
- Supports emotional resilience during the stimulation and retrieval phases
2. IVF Support for Men
- Increases sperm motility and sperm count
- Improves the shape and structure of sperm (morphology), which can increase the rate of fertilization
- Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress
- Encourages balanced testosterone levels
3. Help for Both Partners
- Reduces stress and its physical side effects
- Promotes healthier sleep cycles, digestion, and energy levels throughout the IVF process
- Provides general health and wellness support in a caring and safe environment
At EvolveTherapeutic in Richmond, BC, our acupuncturists are experienced infertility-support treatments. They areable to provide customized care for you and your partner throughout your IVFjourney, which can compliment your unique fertilization timeline. These gentle, holistic, and naturaltreatments can not only improve your natural bodily functions, but also providepeace of mind in a caring and encouraging space. Our practitioners combinetheir knowledge of ancient eastern medicines and western technological advancesin fertilization treatments to optimize your chances for conception.
Whether you're preparing for IVF, undergoing IUI, or trying to conceive naturally, our professional acupuncturists at Evolve Therapeutic in Richmond, BC, are here to guide you with skill and compassion. Book an appointment at our clinic today to experience how acupuncture can greatly benefit you and your reproductive health.
