Acupuncture and Infertility

There are very few health topics and labels that are as emotionally charged, intensely personal and challenging as infertility. Strict medication and assisted reproductive technique schedules alone can be very stressful. When added on to the expectations and possible fears of living with fertility challenges, they can prove overwhelming.

"In her hands, you will feel better, have hope, and begin to heal. My weekly sessions have kept my immune issues under control. I feel completely supported by her treatments. Rebecca is just…" read more
" An Infertility Story: “The Stram Center has been a haven of support and thoughtful, high-quality care.” " read more
"I firmly believe the reason that my IVF cycle was successful this time was because of my acupuncture treatments with Rebecca. Every step of my IVF cycle I responded more positively, and was much…" read more
" One of her best qualities is as an active listener. I initially sought out acupuncture with  Liza for pre-surgery needs and have continued on as a weekly patient. My mind, body and spirit…" read more
"Before I began working with Liza, I had been suffering with nagging back pain from an old injury.  I was excited to try acupuncture, but skeptical that it would help.  Acupuncture relieved…" read more

Acupuncture is an effective and valuable tool in boosting fertility rates. Since acupuncture is inherently holistic, it also excels at relieving stressful emotional patterns, fatigue, and overall health challenges that can accompany issues of fertility.

The health and success of pregnancy is largely affected by the mother's and father's state of health and well being, both before and after conception.

Our first priority is to serve as a supportive, nourishing, and effective resource for all of our clients' needs. This usually begins with a regimen of acupuncture and herbs designed to strengthen and balance the overall health picture, with a particular emphasis on the functioning of the reproductive system.

These strategies work along with the woman's menstrual cycle to maximize the body's natural reproductive capacity.

In Chinese Medicine, Strategies to Improve Fertility Include:

  • Regulating the menstrual (hormonal) cycle
  • Eliminating or reducing obstructions to proper circulation and implantation
  • Resolving premenstrual syndrome patterns
  • Improving egg/sperm quality
  • Relieving stress, anxiety, depression
  • Mitigating chances of miscarriage
  • Augmenting ART procedure outcomes

Chinese herbs and acupuncture are the most commonly used therapies for infertility. Nutritional recommendations are also encouraged through a visit with Dr. Ronald Stram, M.D.  or Dr. Korey DiRoma, or our dietitician,  but not required.

Our Experienced Acupuncturists

Our Delmar office acupuncturists, Rebecca Rice, L.Ac., MSAOM and Liza Pollock, L. Ac, M.Ac.O.M, treat infertility using Chinese medicine alone or in conjunction with assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF or IUI.

Treatment

General guidelines for duration and frequency of treatments:

Chinese Medicine Alone

  • Weekly treatments for at least 3-6 months


Acupuncture In Conjunction With IUI

  • Weekly treatments at least 3 months before IUI


Acupuncture In Conjunction With IUI

  • Weekly treatments at least 3 months before the month of IVF cycle
  • Two treatments per week before and after retrieval and transfer process


Success Rates

The determining factors of Chinese medicine's efficacy are similar to those of allopathic medicine. Those with tubal factors, uterine scarring and cysts may be treated with Chinese medicine and are encouraged to be examined with western diagnostic methods of exploring the reproductive system.

A 2001 study reported a 16% increase in pregnancy rates for women receiving acupuncture during their IVF cycle.

Make an Appointment

Call the Delmar Stram Center at 518.689.2244 or Click Here to contact us by Email.


Related Blog Posts

The Ren Channel Acupuncture Meridian for Male and Female Fertility

Often called the "conception vessel", the Ren Channel is an important channel for male and female fertility.
Read the Post

The Food and Fertility Connection

Fertility Foods Basics When looking at ways to enhance fertility, the diet is one of our most reachable influences.  To improve the diet it is helpful to consider your specific constitutional needs.  A Chinese medical assessment which includes a tongue and pulse diagnosis will give you a framework to work within.
Read the Post

Acupuncture, Stress and Infertility

Acupuncture has a positive effect on reducing stress in women experiencing infertility One of the reasons people use acupuncture is to help them relax and to reduce stress.
Read the Post

Better Your Birth with Acupuncture

Having a baby requires preparation.  Whether it’s painting the nursery, adding extra house chores, organizing the crib, clothing, bottles, getting those doctor’s and hair appointments in, there is quite a bit of preparatory action that goes into readying oneself and family for the arrival of the new baby (or babies!).
Read the Post

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Can be Treated with Chinese Medicine

In my practice I have worked with a number of patients who have this diagnosis and are trying to conceive.  I chose to write about this topic because it’s a very common condition; and one which can be positively affected by Chinese medicine.
Read the Post

Back to Top