Sometimes, against all odds, against all logic, we still have hope. It is with this hope that I am writing this BLOG. Female infertility is on the rise since a decade and various studies and experiments are being undertaken to understand the factors that are responsible for the development of infertility and also the management of the same.  

Female Infertility is a condition of female reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.

Acupuncture Therapy is one amongst many treatment modalities that can effectively enhance fertility in women and thereby manage infertility as well.  Before we understand how Acupuncture works, let us understand the causative factors for infertility.

Causes and risk factors for infertility

• Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome
• Endometriosis/ Uterine Fibroids/ Polyps
• Thyroid gland issues (Overactive or Underactive thyroid)
• Premature ovarian failure
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Certain medications and drugs
• Overweight/ Obesity
• Lack of Physical activity
• Use of contraceptives
• Structural Problems like blocked tubes, cervical stenosis etc
• Unhealthy food habits
• Stress
• Exposure to cold weather and intake of cold foods especially during menstrual cycles

Role of Acupuncture in Management of Female Infertility

Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Medical Science that gives your body an opportunity to heal from within by bringing about harmony and balance in the energy flow. It also brings about neuro chemical changes in the body, reduces inflammation and relaxes the mind. It involves insertion of fine, pre-sterilized needles into specific parts of the body and removed after 30-40 minutes.

Role of Acupuncture in prevention of Infertility

• Acupuncture enhances fertility preparing your body for conception physiologically and psychologically
• It regulates ovulation, endometrial health and menstrual health
• Brings about hormonal balance and physiological homeostasis
• It ensures optimal energy flow and takes care of any energy deficiency or stagnation that can come in the way of natural conception

Role of Acupuncture in Natural Conception

• Most of the risk factors and causative factors like hormonal imbalances, PCOS, stress can be effectively managed with Acupuncture
• Acupuncture helps in management of endometriosis, tube blockages and cervical stenosis
• It can aid reproductive health by regulating ovulation, stimulating ovulation in cases of anovulatory cycles, enhance probability of fertilization.
• It aids to improve the warmth of the uterus to enhance implantation of the embryo.

Role of Acupuncture in assisted reproductive techniques

IUI (Intra-Uterine Insemination) and IVF (In-vitro fertilization) are sophisticated procedures that require constant support.

• Acupuncture therapy is one such therapy which can be scientifically integrated during these procedures of IUI and IVF
• It enhances ovulation and can ease the process of egg retrieval in the follicular and luteal phase
• It prepares the endometrium for implantation. For those who have issue with endometrial thickness, Acupuncture can help with endometrial nourishment.
• It can aid the process of implantation after the Embryo Transfer.
• Acupuncture can help in sustenance of pregnancy once the implantation is completed.

Always remember that infertility does not mean you can never conceive. Conception is a nature’s way to trust you with creation and fertility depends on how we uphold this responsibility.

Change in Lifestyle, Attitude towards life and mental health and therapies like Acupuncture can prepare your body and mind to experience the beauty of creation.

Dr. Deepashree S, BNYS, MSCFT, Consultant, Anandamaya Wellness Center