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Acupuncture and Fertility


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Is it time to start a family?

Has it “been time” for a while and you still haven’t been able to conceive?

Or are you turning to IVF in the hopes of success?

The miracle of life can truly feel magical when it happens, but much has to take place before that phenomenon transpires. There are normal cyclical patterns, healthy hormone levels, regulated times of ovulation, good egg quality, and a smooth transit process that need to be present - just to name a few!

Erin Heidrich, L. Ac. specializes in women’s health at The KOA Clinic, working to increase fertility chances through acupuncture.

Whether you are ready to start trying, have been trying for a while, or are in the process of IVF treatments, acupuncture can help prepare your body for conception as well as for a healthy pregnancy altogether.

Following, Erin answers common questions about fertility and shares how acupuncture can enhance it.

What should a woman do prior to trying to conceive?

Erin: First, a woman should go off birth control and let her cycles become regular.

While that happens over the course of 1-3 months (and up to a year), it’s important to treat any painful periods, PMS, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and any other hormonal irregularities.

The goal during this time is to develop a 27-31 day cycle with 4-5 days of bright red bleeding that is not painful.

Acupuncture can help treat hormonal dysfunctions as well as regulate cycles, both of which can be beneficial for conception.

Lifestyle factors should also be optimized during this time in which nutrition, exercise, stress management, and even oral health should be at healthy levels.

What can inhibit fertility?

Erin: These days, stress is a big one!

Stress can inhibit the flexibility of the fallopian tube catching the egg from the ovary.

Considering the pandemic alone is enough to bring on an overload of anxiety, it’s crucial to manage stress in healthy and appropriate ways such as walking, journaling, and sharing with others.

Other hormonal disruptions such as PMS and endometriosis can also hinder the chances of getting pregnant, which is why it is important to address any issues prior to trying to conceive.

What can acupuncture do for fertility?

Erin: Acupuncture initiates a response that goes deep within the body. Specifically, it can:

- harmonize menstrual cycles

- balance hormones

- decrease stress levels

- decrease PMS symptoms

- strengthen the body’s ability to embed an egg into endometrial tissue

- increase the quality of an egg

- hold a pregnancy

Needle points have a direct impact on the mitochondria and DNA of a follicle which can raise the percentage that a healthy and viable egg be available for natural conception as well as for IVF collection.

How can acupuncture help with IVF?

Erin: Acupuncture can have an influential affect on the IVF process. It can increase egg health for a higher percentage of chance that it will be strong and healthy when collected as well as prepare the body for implantation.

I perform acupuncture treatments both before (ideally at least 3 months prior) and after IVF treatments.

Are you, or someone you know, interested in starting a family or have had challenges conceiving? If so, acupuncture may be the naturopathic means to achieve your dreams.

For those in the Kailua-Kona area, please call us at (808) 638-3343 or email us at admin@thekoaclinic.com with any questions you may have. To schedule an appointment with Erin, please click here.

Best wishes as you embark on your journey of creating a family; please know that we are here to help you along the way.

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