Infertility & Treatments
For thousands of years Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AOM) have been used to help couples conceive. Research in both the US and abroad has shown the use of acupuncture, and sometimes herbs, can increase success rates for women in almost every category of infertility; whether trying on their own naturally or using forms of Assisted Reproduction such as clomid, stimulating hormones, artificial insemination (IUI), or In-vitro fertilization (IVF). For more than a decade our team has helped guide hundreds of couples through this process with less stress and better results.
Infertility
Our Co-Founder Steve Mavros, L.OM. pioneered bringing Acupuncture to all the major fertility clinics in the Philadelphia area and it has become our main Acupuncture specialty at the Healing Arts Center. We've helped over 2000 couples and individuals conceive over the last 15+ years either on their own or with the help of physicians and assisted reproductive technologies like IUI and IVF.
For thousands of years Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AOM) have been used to help couples conceive. Research has shown the use of acupuncture in the correct dosage, and sometimes herbs, can increase success rates for women in almost every category of infertility; whether trying on their own naturally or using forms of Assisted Reproduction such as medication, stimulating hormones, artificial insemination (IUI), or In-vitro fertilization (IVF).
What Stage Are You In?
Trying on Your Own
Before taking the jump to using oral medications or doing IUI’s or IVF, trying on your own with acupuncture and herbs is a great option. As long as there is nothing physically impeding you from getting pregnant (e.g., tubal blockage or problematic uterine environment), acupuncture can generally help regulate your cycle and optimize every month’s chance of being the one that works.
Artificial Insemination / IUI
If you've been trying on your own for more than a year (or 6 months if you're over 35 years old), that's usually when a fertility specialist is recommended. One of the first treatments they often try is an IUI or Intra Uterine Insemination. This is usually paired with a hormonal ovulation inducer. On their own, this combo of treatments seems to only work about 20% of the time, and the medications can be difficult to deal with.
In Vitro Fertilization
In-Vitro Fertilization or IVF can be both scary and hopeful all at the same time. For some, it's a great option and for others it can be the only option for conception. Though the success rates are continually improving, there is still room for help and that's where Acupuncture comes in. Our team at HAC pioneered bringing Acupuncture to all the major fertility clinics in Philadelphia since 2001 and have been a guide and partner to patients through over 2000 IVF cycles.
Take the next step on your fertility journey.
If you are ready to take the next step on your journey, contact us for an initial consultation to see how we can best help.
How can acupuncture help my infertility?
We still don’t have a complete understanding as to the exact action of acupuncture’s effects on the body. However, clinical studies and 2000 years of empirical research have given us clues to what internal changes are occurring. Studies have shown that acupuncture and herbal medicine:
Increase blood flow to the uterus – thickens endometrial lining + aids implantation
Increase ovarian blood flow – better ovarian response + more mature follicles
Increases live birth rate (prevents early miscarriage)
Increase male sperm count and motility
Reduce stress + promote relaxation (modulating cortisol)
Regulate irregular menstrual cycles from PCOS or other causes
Reduce pre-menstrual symptoms and pain during the period
Lessen side effects from hormone treatments
Acupuncture has been clinically shown to promote timely ovulation and an ideal luteal phase, seems to have a regulating effect on the body’s hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and can help make an irregular or anovulatory cycle closer to normal. We have seen great success treating infertility issues such as High FSH (Follicle Simulating Hormone), Low AMH (anti-mullerian hormone) advanced maternal age, unexplained infertility, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), Endometriosis, Ovulatory dysfunction, Decreased Ovarian Reserve, poor egg quality, Luteal Phase Defect, thin endometrium, irregular periods, fibroids, immunologic reaction, recurrent miscarriage, and Amenorrhea.
Acupuncture and herbal medicine isn’t just for women. Male factor can also be addressed. For men, there is evidence showing our ability to increase sperm count, as well as improve motility percentages. We have yet to directly see evidence that it helps with morphology, unfortunately.
As specialists in the treatment of reproductive enhancement, we recognize that every person and couple having difficulty conceiving need individualized treatment because no two people present with the exact same issues. With that customized approach, acupuncture treatment can be an effective means to aid conception in most cases of infertility.
Testimonials
“I looked forward to my weekly treatments, and was really glad I went for the pre-transfer session as well; it made the experience so much more peaceful and relaxing. Would definitely recommend to anyone undergoing IVF!”
“I was terrified of acupuncture but chose to do it because I was willing to try almost anything to have a child. Not only did I discover that it’s not scary or painful, but also I found the environment at Healing Arts to be calming. The staff are supportive and really understand the medical and emotional aspects of infertility and IVF. I now have a beautiful seven-month-old baby boy who is the center of my world.”
“In addition to the physiological benefits acupuncture offered, the support, expertise, and confidence Steve instilled in me during my cycle provided invaluable stress relief and optimism that was critical to the cycle’s success!”
Penn Medicine Patient? Check out the Penn Fertility Wellness Program!
An 8 week program combining mindfulness based stress reduction, fertility coping skills, acupuncture and yoga.
Other Resources
Books, Podcasts
& Grants
Podcast hosted by HAC Co-Founder
Steven Mavros, L.OM.
Recommended
Supplements & Home Tests