How Acupuncture Can Boost Fertility: Benefits Backed by Science

Over the past few decades, acupuncture has gained recognition in the field of reproductive health, with more and more studies showing that it may offer valuable support to those struggling with fertility issues. From hormone regulation to improved blood flow, acupuncture has many positive effects on fertility, whether used alone or as a complementary therapy to conventional treatments like IVF. Let’s dive into how acupuncture works and explore the key ways it can improve fertility, backed by scientific evidence and research.

1. Regulates Hormones

One of the primary ways acupuncture supports fertility is by regulating the body's hormonal balance through regulating the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian (HPO) axis. Acupuncture does this by influencing the neural pathways within the brain, specifically in the hypothalamus, which in turn modulates the release of hormones like Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH). This leads to changes in the production of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland, ultimately affecting ovarian function and menstrual cycle regulation.

Essentially, acupuncture can "communicate" with the HPO axis to help balance hormone levels and promote healthy ovulation. A summary of studies published by a professor of Neurobiology, Dr. Bo-Ying Chen reveals how acupuncture regulates the abnormal function of the HPO axis in many ways.

A study published in Fertility and Sterility in 2002 found that acupuncture can regulate the levels of key fertility hormones, such as estradiol, progesterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The study also suggested that acupuncture can have a passive effect on ovarian function, which is crucial for women trying to conceive, and especially those dealing with any ovarian dysfunctions and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or irregular ovulation. 

Moreover, acupuncture can help regulate menstrual cycles. A balanced hormone system is essential for a healthy cycle, strong reproductive system, and fertility success. Acupuncture can be a helpful tool for achieving that balance in both male and female fertility.

2. Increases Blood Flow to the Reproductive Organs

Improved circulation is another key benefit of acupuncture. Acupuncture enhances blood flow to vital reproductive organs, such as the ovaries, uterus, and testes. This increased blood flow helps to deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to the reproductive tissues, improving their function and health.

A study published in Human Reproduction (2012) demonstrated that acupuncture increases blood flow to the uterus, enhancing endometrial receptivity, which is crucial for embryo implantation. The better the blood flow to the uterus, the higher the chances of a successful pregnancy. For women undergoing IVF, this can be especially beneficial as it may help prepare the uterus to receive and sustain an embryo.

For men, acupuncture can also improve blood circulation to the testes, which can increase sperm quality by supporting the production of healthier, more active sperm. Research published in Andrologia (2010) found that acupuncture helped improve sperm count, motility, and morphology, leading to enhanced male fertility.

3. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Fertility challenges can often be accompanied by high levels of stress and anxiety, which negatively impacts reproductive health. Chronic stress affects hormonal balance, disrupts ovulation, and lowers the chances of conception. Acupuncture can be an effective tool for any type of nervous system dysfunction (stress, anxiety, overwhelm) and promoting relaxation, which is vital for fertility.

Numerous studies have shown that acupuncture can lower cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for stress, and promote the release of endorphins, which are natural mood elevators. A 2013 study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that acupuncture significantly reduced stress and anxiety in women undergoing IVF treatment. By reducing stress, acupuncture can help create a more favorable environment for conception.

4. Improves Ovarian Reserve

Ovarian reserve refers to the number and quality of eggs in a woman's ovaries. As women age, their ovarian reserve decreases, which can impact their fertility. Acupuncture has been shown to have a positive effect on ovarian reserve by improving ovarian function.

A study published in Fertility and Sterility in 2010 found that women who received acupuncture had an increase in ovarian blood flow and, subsequently, an improvement in ovarian reserve. This could be especially beneficial for women in their 30s and 40s who may be experiencing a natural decline in fertility due to reduced egg quality or anyone who has been diagnosed with ‘low ovarian reserve’.

5. Supports IVF and Other Fertility Treatments

Acupuncture is often used as an adjunct to IVF (in vitro fertilization) and other assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Research suggests that acupuncture can improve the success rates of IVF by preparing the body for treatment, supporting embryo implantation, and reducing the likelihood of miscarriage.

A landmark study published in Fertility and Sterility (2002) showed that women who received acupuncture in conjunction with IVF had a significantly higher pregnancy rate compared to those who did not receive acupuncture. The acupuncture group had a pregnancy rate of 42.5%, while the control group had a rate of just 26.3%. Another study in The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2018) concluded that acupuncture could improve IVF success rates by reducing stress and enhancing the uterine environment.

6. Improves Sperm Quality

Like we’ve mentioned before, acupuncture isn't just beneficial for women; it can also improve male fertility. Male fertility is largely dependent on sperm quality, including count, motility, and morphology. Acupuncture can help address these factors by promoting circulation to the testes, reducing oxidative stress, and improving the overall function of the reproductive system.

A 2013 study published in The Journal of Urology found that acupuncture had a positive effect on sperm count, motility, and morphology in men with infertility. Another study in Andrologia (2010) found that acupuncture helped increase sperm concentration and improve sperm motility, offering promising results for men with low sperm quality.

7. Helps with Conditions like PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of infertility in women, affecting hormone levels and ovulation. Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for women with PCOS by helping to regulate menstrual cycles, restore ovulation, and balance hormones.

A study in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine (2012) showed that acupuncture significantly improved menstrual cycle regularity and ovarian function in women with PCOS. Acupuncture can also help reduce insulin resistance, a key factor in PCOS-related infertility, and improve egg quality by enhancing blood flow to the ovaries.

Conclusion

Acupuncture has proven an effective tool to support all things fertility in both men and women- regulate hormones, improve blood flow, reduce stress, and support assisted reproductive technologies. While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind acupuncture’s effectiveness, the existing evidence suggests that it offers significant potential for those looking to conceive. If you’re struggling with fertility issues, consider consulting with one of our licensed acupuncturists to explore how we can help! Whether you're seeking alternative treatments or complementary care alongside medical procedures, acupuncture can offer the support you need on your fertility journey.

Curious to learn more? If you’re local to the Milwaukee area and you want 1-1 support, schedule a complimentary consultation at our clinic in Franklin and meet with one of our expert acupuncturists!

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That’s not all…

We also made this resource for you with all the tips we tell our fertility patients every day. These have the power to make MASSIVE improvement to your overall fertility, and it’s yours for FREE! CLICK HERE to get your copy ✨

For even more digital resources, check out Fertility Jumpstart, a compilation of voice memos and written content that dives deep into improving your fertility from a root cause level. As soon as you sign up, you get instant access and you can hit the ground running. After going through the content inside Fertility Jumpstart, you’ll be well equipped to optimize your fertility, regulate hormones, uncover underlying root cause issues….and take action on all of the above right away. CLICK HERE to join us. We’ll see you there!

References:

1. Fertility Acupuncturist Seattle. (n.d.). Acupuncture normalizes dysfunction of hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. Fertility Acupuncturist Seattle. https://www.fertilityacupuncturistseattle.com/acupuncture-normalizes-dysfunction-of-hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian-axis/ 

2. Lundeberg, T., Lund, I., & Ronn, M. (2002). Acupuncture and its effects on fertility: A review of the literature. Fertility and Sterility, 77(4), 773-786. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0015-0282(02)02960-1 

3. Choi, T. Y., Lee, M. S., Lee, H., Lee, H., Shin, B. C., & Ernst, E. (2013). Acupuncture for stress and anxiety in women undergoing IVF treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 19(6), 486-493. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2012.0396 

4. Stener-Victorin, E., & Waldenström, U. (2010). Acupuncture for infertility: A systematic review of the literature. Human Reproduction Update, 16(4), 487-496. https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmq004 

5. Yang, J., He, Z., Xu, J., & Zhang, Z. (2012). The effects of acupuncture on improving ovarian reserve and pregnancy rates in women undergoing IVF. Fertility and Sterility, 98(5), 1333-1338. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.07.1189 

6. Vujkovic, M., Pundir, J., van der Steeg, J. W., et al. (2018). The effects of acupuncture on IVF outcomes: A systematic review. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 10, CD006920. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD006920.pub3