Acupuncture for Fertility
San Diego Fertility Clinic – 17 Years of Expertise, Supporting Your Journey to Motherhood and Optimal Health
Reproductive Wellness™ Clinic San Diego
Reproductive Wellness™, is dedicated to providing comprehensive, high quality reproductive health services for our patients. Caring for the needs of patients is an important part of all of our treatments including our fertility treatments and pregnancy support programs.
We believe you can take control over your health and fertility, and we are here to support you on that journey.
What is acupuncture? And how do all of those little tiny needles actually support your health and wellbeing?
Acupuncture is an age-old practice that has been around for thousands of years (and for good reason!).
It is a branch of Chinese medicine that has been used to successfully treat various common health conditions. Contrary to popular belief in the west, acupuncture isn’t a mystical, magical treatment practice to do with invisible lines called meridians. It is actually based on the same physiological principles as western medicine.
How does acupuncture help with fertility?
- Regulating Hormones: Acupuncture may help regulate hormone levels, which is essential for ovulation and overall reproductive health.
- Improving Blood Flow: Acupuncture can improve blood circulation to the reproductive organs, which may enhance the health of the ovaries and uterus.
- Reducing Stress: Stress can have a negative impact on fertility. Acupuncture is known to promote relaxation and reduce stress, which may improve fertility outcomes.
- Supporting Assisted Reproductive Therapies (ART): Acupuncture may improve the success rates of procedures like in vitro fertilization (IVF) by increasing the chances of embryo implantation.
- Balancing the Endocrine System: Acupuncture may help balance the endocrine system, which plays a crucial role in fertility by regulating ovulation, menstruation, and sperm production.
What to expect
This appointment can run between 20-40 minutes depending on your needs and condition. If you are a Fertility/Reproductive patient we encourage you to bring your partner with you to this appointment. This is your chance to see our office, meet our staff and learn how we may be able to help. We want to learn as much about you, your expectations and goals during this visit.
At your first appointment, we will:
- Listen deeply to your needs and expectations; we want to make sure you are heard!
- Explain how Reproductive Wellness may help
- Give you an initial plan and paperwork to be reviewed on your next appointment
1 hour Medical exam and Health History Evaluation & 45 minute Acupuncture treatment.
Our unique approach starts with an in-depth evaluation to uncover any underlying factors that may be preventing you from achieving the level of health and wellbeing desired, conceiving or maintaining a pregnancy. Before your first acupuncture treatment with us, we will review the paperwork for a complete Health History Evaluation. We will also test your urine pH and we will monitor your blood pressure. In some cases your practitioner may suggest further testing to identify any hidden imbalances or deficiencies causing any health problem. If lab work is needed it will be discussed during this visit.
Your personalized treatment plan may include:
- Acupuncture
- Chinese herbs
- A diet plan (that will promote weight loss or gain if needed)
- Lifestyle change
- Emotional support and techniques to manage stress
- Resources and referrals to assist you on your fertility journey (for fertility patients)
We will provide you with a treatment plan so you can know what to expect (approximate numbers of visits, how many times a week, health evaluations,…) In addition to acupuncture, your practitioner will check your progress, adjust your treatment, and discuss any concerns you may have.
We provide you with ongoing lifestyle and diet coaching to help you manage stress and keep on track.
Within a few weeks, you should notice significant changes in your overall sense of well-being, sleep, weight, menstrual cycles and stress.
Serving San Diego County
At Reproductive Wellness acupuncture is one of our most important areas of focus for those in San Diego, Poway, Carlsbad, La Jolla, La Mesa and surrounding areas. While this treatment is effective for those facing fertility issues, it is also effective for a wide array of other issues. Whether you suffer from back pain, chronic fatigue, indigestion, sexual dysfunction, anxiety, depression or other problems, acupuncture can be of great benefit.
While it is known for its use in traditional Chinese medicine, it has been recognized as an effective alternative or adjunct treatment in recent years by those who practice traditional Western medicine. Frequently used to reduce the negative side effects of chemotherapy or for lower back pain, joint disorders or even menstrual cramps, acupuncture helps to balance the flow of energy often referred to as “qi” in the body. Thin needles are strategically placed at specific points in the body to balance hormones and body systems by stimulating the nerve at these specific points. Ultimately this practice helps promote overall well-being both physically and mentally by opening up energy channels and increasing blood flow to vital areas of the body.
Promote Overall Well-Being With Acupuncture
Acupuncture is widely accepted today by both patients and the medical community, and gained approval as a medical device by the FDA in 1996. Essentially, acupuncture works to activate self-healing in the body, a natural approach to many health issues and medical conditions we face today. Whether for irregular periods caused by hormone imbalances, weight loss, thyroid issues, to support IVF or IUI treatment or chronic pain, this treatment is viewed by health practitioners as a component of a comprehensive or integrative approach to resolve these issues. To learn more or schedule an appointment we invite those in San Diego, Carlsbad, La Mesa and nearby cities to contact Reproductive Wellness today at 858-381-2281.
FAQs
Acupuncture is safe and beneficial complementary therapy for individuals undergoing fertility treatments like IVF or IUI.
- Improved Blood Flow to Reproductive Organs: Acupuncture can enhance blood circulation to the ovaries and uterus, potentially improving the health and function of these reproductive organs.
- Hormonal Balance: Acupuncture may help regulate hormone levels, which are crucial for ovulation, menstrual cycle regulation, and overall reproductive health. This hormonal balance can support the success of fertility treatments.
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Fertility treatments can be stressful, and high levels of stress may negatively impact fertility outcomes. Acupuncture is known for its relaxing effects, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and tension, which may enhance the effectiveness of fertility treatments.
- Optimized Uterine Lining: Acupuncture may help improve the thickness and quality of the uterine lining, creating a more favorable environment for embryo implantation.
- Enhanced Response to Medications: Some studies suggest that acupuncture may improve ovarian responsiveness to fertility medications, potentially increasing the number of mature
- upport for Assisted Reproductive Procedures: Acupuncture may increase the chances of successful embryo implantation by promoting relaxation and improving uterine receptivity.
- Overall Well-being: Acupuncture focuses on balancing the body’s energy and promoting overall well-being. By addressing any underlying imbalances or health issues, acupuncture can support a healthier and more receptive state for conception.
- eggs produced during a treatment cycle.
Yes, acupuncture may potentially help with both male and female fertility issues by addressing hormonal imbalances, improving blood flow to reproductive organs, reducing stress, and supporting overall reproductive health.
While acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified practitioner, there are some potential risks and side effects to be aware of. These can include bruising, soreness, or infection at the needle insertion sites.
Acupuncture should be integrated as soon as possible into your fertility care. Your acupuncturist will provide the frequency and timing for your case but in most cases, acupuncture should be included as a weekly appointment in your fertility plan, both for females and males.
- Improved Pregnancy Rates with IVF: Some research studies have reported higher pregnancy rates among women who received acupuncture in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF) compared to those who did not. These studies often focus on the timing of acupuncture sessions around the time of embryo transfer.
- Regulation of Hormones and Menstrual Cycles: Several studies have indicated that acupuncture may help regulate hormone levels and menstrual cycles, which are essential factors in fertility.
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Acupuncture is known for its relaxing effects and has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels in some individuals. Lower stress levels can potentially improve fertility outcomes.
- Regulating Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): Studies have shown that acupuncture, performed twice per week, can regulate ovulation and increase pregnancy outcomes in as little as 8 weeks.
Yes it can, however, to achieve this acupuncture is often combined with herbal medicine, nutritional supplements and lifestyle changes.
It usually takes 9-16 weeks to see results but you may begin to see positive changes in as little as 4 weeks.
Yes, it can. Many research studies show improved cycles and ovulation and reduced pain with acupuncture.
Yes there are and your provider will customize these recommendations once they evaluate your case.
Acupuncture for fertility often involves specific protocols tailored to address individual needs, including traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnosis, focused acupuncture points targeting reproductive issues, and strategic timing of treatments in relation to fertility treatment cycles.
Techniques such as electroacupuncture and moxibustion may also be used to enhance therapeutic effects. Additionally, lifestyle and dietary advice may be provided to support overall fertility and well-being.
