Discover the Best Time of Cycle to get Acupuncture for Fertility

Last Updated on August 28, 2023 by Dr. Tiffany Egan

Welcome dear reader! If you’re here, you’re likely exploring ways to improve your fertility and have come across acupuncture as a potential solution. Perhaps you’re wondering about the connection between fertility and acupuncture. You’re not alone! Many women are turning to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a complementary approach to conventional Western medicine. The question that often arises is, when is the best time of cycle to get acupuncture for fertility?

Introduction to Fertility and Acupuncture

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, in its simplest form, is a health science that is known to be at least 5000 years old. Its main philosophy is grounded in the principles of balance and harmony. When our body is out of sync or unbalanced, health issues, including fertility problems, can occur. Acupuncture, with its unique ability to address the body as a whole, can help restore this balance.

The journey to motherhood is unique for every woman, and fertility challenges can be emotionally and physically taxing. But don’t despair, acupuncture may offer the support you need. It’s a holistic and natural approach that has been proven helpful for many women.

Understanding Menstrual Cycles and Fertility

Understanding your menstrual cycle is the first step to understanding your fertility. The menstrual cycle is a complex symphony of hormones, each playing its part at the right time to prepare your body for potential pregnancy.

The cycle starts with menstruation (day 1), followed by the follicular phase where your ovaries prepare to release an egg. Around the middle of the cycle (day 14 for most women), ovulation occurs. Post ovulation, the body enters into the luteal phase. If pregnancy doesn’t occur during this phase, menstruation begins and the cycle starts anew.

Your fertility peaks around the time of ovulation. However, understanding this doesn’t necessarily make conceiving any easier. Many factors, including stress, age, and underlying health conditions, can affect fertility. This is where acupuncture comes into play.

The Role of Acupuncture in Boosting Fertility

So, how does acupuncture influence fertility? Acupuncture works on the principle of Qi (pronounced “chi”), which is the vital energy flowing through our bodies. When the flow of Qi is smooth and balanced, we experience good health. However, when it is blocked or unbalanced, health problems can arise.

For fertility, acupuncture aims to balance the hormones, increase blood flow to the reproductive organs, reduce stress, and enhance overall health. It works hand in hand with your body, promoting natural fertility.

In recent years, many scientific studies have validated the efficacy of acupuncture in improving fertility. It has been found to increase the success rate of IVF and other fertility treatments, and it can also help those trying to conceive naturally. Acupuncture has also been shown to increase endometrial thickness, boost ovarian function and improve sperm motility.

Determining the Best Time of Cycle to get Acupuncture for Fertility

Now, let’s get into the crux of our topic: the best time of cycle to get acupuncture for fertility. The beauty of acupuncture is that it can be beneficial at any point in your cycle. However, timing your sessions wisely can optimize the benefits.

During the follicular phase, acupuncture can help to develop a healthy, mature follicle and build a strong endometrial lining. Around ovulation, it can aid in the release of the egg. In the luteal phase, acupuncture can help to support implantation and early pregnancy.

Therefore, while you can receive acupuncture at any time, the follicular phase and the luteal phase are considered the optimal time for fertility-focused acupuncture.

How Acupuncture Works During Different Phases of Your Cycle

Just as each phase of your cycle serves a different purpose, acupuncture plays a different role at each stage. Let’s delve deeper into this.

In the follicular phase, acupuncture helps stimulate follicular development by increasing blood flow to the ovaries. This can result in a healthier egg, ready for fertilization.

Around ovulation, acupuncture helps to relax the body and decrease stress, creating an optimal environment for the egg’s release and subsequent fertilization.

In the luteal phase, acupuncture focuses on enhancing the uterine lining (most likely increasing endometrial thickness) and reducing any inflammation, thereby supporting the implantation of the fertilized egg.

Benefits of Acupuncture for Fertility During Specific Cycle Times

The benefits of acupuncture for fertility are myriad and vary based on the timing during your cycle.

During the follicular phase, it can enhance egg health and endometrial lining, which are fundamental for conception. Around ovulation, it can aid in egg release and fertilization. In the luteal phase, it can support implantation and early pregnancy, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Beyond this, acupuncture can help alleviate stress, regulate menstrual cycles, improve blood flow to the pelvic area, and balance hormones—all key to enhancing fertility.

Benefits for Fertility Patients

Fertility Patients can benefit from acupuncture by using it to increase their health and well-being, reduce pain and inflammation, regulate hormones, improve blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, boost fertility success rates, and maintain overall balance throughout their cycle. Acupuncture treatments in conjunction with assisted reproductive technology, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF), can have a positive effect in the chances of achieving a successful pregnancy. Additionally, acupuncture can be used alongside holistic treatments or herbs to boost fertility, improve egg quality and improve sperm quality in men all with very few side effects. 

Acupuncture treatments may also be beneficial for men when it comes to infertility. The treatments can help with sperm production, increase count and motility, as well as improve overall sperm quality. Acupuncture is also helpful in mitigating stress, which has been linked to infertility in men. 

Acupuncture during IUI treatment and IVF treatment can help to reduce stress and anxiety, improve blood flow to the uterus, improve hormone levels, regulate hormonal imbalances, and potentially increase the chances of implantation. It is recommended that fertility acupuncture treatments begin 2-3 months prior to any IVF cycle for best results. The IVF success rates have increased by approximately 65% when regular acupuncture treatments are used in conjunction with conventional treatments. Additionally, if a woman has had multiple unsuccessful IVF cycles, acupuncture can help to create an environment within the body that will better support conception. 

In cases where the cause of infertility is unknown, acupuncture can help to regulate hormones and facilitate the body’s natural cycles so that conception may take place. Acupuncture treatments are also very effective for treating endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and recurrent miscarriages. Working with a fertility specialist, reproductive endocrinologist and an acupuncturist together can help to create a plan that will best support the patient’s individual needs. 

Tips to Optimize Your Fertility with Acupuncture

To optimize your fertility with acupuncture, start by finding a certified acupuncturist who specializes in fertility. Consistency is key, so commit to regular sessions—ideally once or twice a week for about 3 months. It takes about 90 days, 3 months or 3 menstrual cycles to get the best effects of acupuncture and increase the chances of conception. 

In addition to acupuncture, make healthy lifestyle changes. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, lower stress levels, and get plenty of sleep. Acupuncture is a part of the puzzle, and a healthy lifestyle complements its benefits.

The Process: What to Expect During an Acupuncture Session for Fertility

An acupuncture session for fertility should be a relaxing and therapeutic experience. The acupuncturist will start by asking about your health history, reproductive health and menstrual cycle. Based on this, they will create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

During the acupuncture sessions, thin needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points on the body to stimulate energy flow. You may feel a slight prick, but generally, it’s pain-free. The acupuncture needles are left in place for about 20-30 minutes while you rest.

Here are some extra tips on how to prepare for acupuncture!

Success Stories: Women Who Improved Their Fertility Through Acupuncture

There’s nothing more encouraging than hearing real-life success stories. Women around the world have shared their positive experiences with acupuncture for fertility.

I’ve personally used acupuncture to help boost fertility (to increase endometrial thickness and reduce stress), throughout all three of my pregnancies and during postpartum. I can’t imagine not using acupuncture as part of my fertility journey.

And, as an acupuncturist, I’ve thankfully been involved with countless success stories from patients who have used acupuncture to improve their fertility and go on to have a healthy pregnancy and baby!

From women who conceived naturally after months of trying, to those who found acupuncture the perfect complement to their IVF treatments, the stories are inspiring. These experiences show that while acupuncture isn’t a magic bullet, it can play a significant role in the fertility journey.

Conclusion

Navigating the path to motherhood can be challenging, but remember, you’re not alone. Acupuncture offers a holistic and natural approach to fertility, working in harmony with your body.

While the best time of cycle to get acupuncture for fertility can vary, integrating it into your regular routine can offer substantial benefits. Remember, every woman’s journey is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Stay patient, stay positive, and most importantly, stay strong. Motherhood is a beautiful journey, and every step you take is a step closer to your dream.