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Infertility, IUI and IVF Support and Acupuncture

Infertility in the U.S. is on the rise. There are several factors that have been researched and linked to this increase. These include poor diet, lack of sleep, obesity, excessive exercise, substance use, heavy alcohol consumption, high blood pressure, chronic stress, environmental pollution and a busy, demanding lifestyle.

There are also physiological causes such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders, endometriosis, infections and obstructions from fibroids, polyps, scaring or tumors. Male health needs to be assessed as well to determine sperm quantity, quality and motility, anatomical blockages and lifestyle factors. Statistics vary, but the best estimate is that 1 in 7 women in the U.S. between the ages of 15-49 have trouble getting pregnant or sustaining a pregnancy.

An increase in infertility and the desire for IVF support with acupuncture has been reflected in my Scottsdale and Paradise Valley patient base. In consulting with women, I see three other possible contributing causes. (1) Today’s medical contraception methods and their impact on women’s hormones making it difficult for them to restore a natural and healthy menstrual cycle. (2) The length of time a woman uses medical contraception. (3) The delay in pursuing maternity to later in life when other contributing factors can play a role in female fertility.

"I've lived with anxiety and depression for many years. It's difficult to feel motivated, even to do the things I love. I also have Fibromyalgia which exacerbates the problem causing aches, foggy head and fatigue. There are times when I can't get out of bed. I've tried many anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications, but still didn’t feel as good as I know I could. I was skeptical that acupuncture would help. After my first treatment, I felt relaxed and less anxious. After several weeks of treatment, I am sleeping better, have more energy and I'm now working. Acupuncture has made a big difference in my life. Linda has been a great help to me, making me feel relaxed and comfortable to receive treatment. I look forward to continued treatments and starting herbs." -F.E.

Western Medicine Fertility Treatment

The standard medical treatment for infertility in women is medication, surgery and assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such intrauterine insemination (IUI) and invitro fertilization (IVF). These procedures can help a woman conceive and birth healthy babies. However, women should be aware that IVF success rates for women under age 35 range 32%-35%, and over age 35 from 4% - 25%, decreasing with age. Success rates for IUI for women under age 35 range from 13%-17% and over age 35 from 4% to 13%, again decreasing with age.

Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine for Fertility Treatment

There are few studies researching just acupuncture treatment for infertility, therefore the benefits of acupuncture alone are inconclusive. However, Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) in combination with acupuncture has shown remarkable results. According to a PubMed meta-analysis review from 2015, “management of female infertility with Chinese herbal medicine can improve pregnancy rates 2-fold within a 3–6-month period compared with Western fertility drug therapy. In addition, fertility indicators such as ovulation rates, cervical mucus score, biphasic basal body temperature, and appropriate thickness of the endometrial lining were positively influenced by CHM therapy, indicating an ameliorating physiological effect conducive for a viable pregnancy.”

Western Medicine Treatment with Acupuncture Support

A PubMed meta-analyses review from 2019 “found acupuncture [in conjunction with IVF and in some studies in conjunction with IUI] is effective to increase live births by 30% when acupuncture was compared with no treatment in nine trials of 1,980 women.” Additionally, it was found that “acupuncture was 42% more effective to increase live births when women had previously failed a [IVF] cycle…”

My Approach to Fertility Treatment with or without IFV or IUI

Traditional Chinese medicine has treated infertility for well over 2000 years, helping women conceive and deliver healthy babies. More recently acupuncture and herbs have been used to support IVF and IUI efforts, increasing successful outcomes.

Ideally, I prefer my patients to have three consistent and healthy menstrual cycles before any attempt to conceive, whether natural or with assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Why? In simple terms, nature knows when a woman’s body is strong and healthy enough to conceive and carry a fetus to term. Women push these parameters to fit their desires, lifestyle and health conditions at the cost of reduced success rates and in some cases, further reduced chances for viable pregnancies after repeated failed IFV attempts. IVF is a great example where, whether or not the woman’s condition is healthy to conceive, fertility specialists can manipulate the entire process to help women have children. (See success rates earlier in this article.)

I advocate for women to be in the best possible fertile health because it is healthier for them and the baby. They have easier pregnancies and child births, and if they are using IUI or IFV, more successful outcomes. Provided there are no physical blockages, many women can conceive and birth healthy babies with just acupuncture and herbal medicine alone. I highly recommend attempting this process before turning to ART. In this way, they save on the cost of ART therapies and the toll they take on women from the administration of excessive hormones and possible repeated failures. Having said that, I enjoy with women employing ART and suggest starting early with acupuncture to enhance success.

If you are having difficulty getting pregnant, call for a free consultation to talk through your situation and options.