According to the NHS, one in seven couples in the UK may experience difficulty conceiving, and some reports have suggested there has been a rise in fertility issues more recently.
Men and women can experience fertility challenges, but it is more common for women to have problems with ovulation. As a result, many women and couples are turning to alternative therapies like acupuncture to assist them on their fertility journey.
How does acupuncture for fertility work?
Studies in recent years have demonstrated a link between stress and ovulation issues. It is believed acupuncture can reduce worry, thereby improving the chances of conceiving.
There are many different ways in which acupuncturists will work with patients struggling to conceive, but primarily acupuncture for fertility focuses on promoting a sense of calm and relaxation in the mind and body.
Practitioners attempt to increase blood flow to the reproductive organs, maing it more likely a fertilised egg will be implanted.
Each patient is different, though, and an experienced practitioner will always tailor a course of treatment to their specific needs.
How effective is acupuncture for fertility?
In recent years, acupuncture has become an increasingly popular and widely used practice to assist those wanting to have a baby.
Already able to present promising results, research into the efficacy of this alternative therapy has continued.
Studies from the Pacific College of Health & Science show that when used in conjunction with Western fertility treatments like IVF, acupuncture increases conception rates by 26 per cent.
Acupuncture for fertility is thought to be effective when used in conjunction with traditional fertility treatments.
In those cases, practitioners will tend to focus on needling points at different times, for example both before and after an IVF treatment.
What are the side effects of acupuncture for fertility?
Generally, the side effects of acupuncture for fertility are minimal and, in many cases, can help alleviate some of the symptoms caused by accompanying fertility treatments.
Some patients may experience slight bleeding where the needle enters the skin, light bruising, or feelings of nausea, but these should all subside shortly after a session.
When carried out by a qualified practitioner, acupuncture is seen as an incredibly safe and less invasive means of assisting those with fertility struggles.
Fertility acupuncture is not thought to produce any adverse effects to IVF sessions or cause any harm to the overall health of individuals.
How many sessions of acupuncture should you get to boost fertility?
When it comes to boosting fertility, the number of acupuncture sessions required will vary between individuals.
Your practitioner will always conduct a full assessment before starting a run of sessions, and they will discuss your fertility journey so far, your current health and any concerns you may have.
Afterwards, they will be able to advise you on the best course of action, including how many sessions they believe would be beneficial.
If you would like to learn more about how acupuncture for fertility could be part of your fertility programme, then why not give us a call on 0800 051 76 88 and find out more?