- Improves blood circulation in the uterus and ovaries, creating a more favorable environment for embryo implantation.
- Regulates the endocrine and hormonal system, supporting ovulation and oocyte maturation.
- Reduces stress and anxiety, factors that can negatively influence fertility and the success of MAR.
- Increases the quality of oocytes and embryos, improving the response to hormonal stimulation.
- Reduces the side effects of hormonal therapies, such as the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation.
- Increases the success rate of embryo transfers.
From Frustration to Joy: The Power of Acupuncture in Fertility
When trying to conceive and the journey becomes more complicated than expected, you enter a world made of hopes, waits and, unfortunately, also disappointments. Medically assisted reproduction (MAR) represents a great opportunity for many couples, but it is also a long and often emotionally testing path. The first attempt does not always succeed, and sometimes, you start wondering if there is something more you can do to improve your chances. And this is where acupuncture comes into play.
From Science to Practice
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are not just ancient therapeutic practices, but a true ally for those who wish to have a child. For centuries, TCM has dealt with gynecology and fertility, with results recognized even by the World Health Organization. Today, more and more couples turn to these methodologies to tackle the journey towards parenthood, integrating them with western treatments to maximize their effectiveness.
The Role of Emotions
But fertility is not just a physical matter. Those who go through this journey know well how stress, anxiety and emotions can play a decisive role. In the view of TCM, every emotion is connected to a specific organ: the heart is linked to anxiety, the liver to anger, the kidney to fear, the spleen to worry and the lung to sadness. Working on these aspects through acupuncture can lead to profound emotional balance, creating a more serene and welcoming environment for new life.
Male fertility can also benefit from TCM: acupuncture and herbal medicine improve sperm quality, increasing sperm motility and morphology. Electroacupuncture, in particular, stimulates sperm production and balances hormone levels, representing a valid support for those trying to become fathers.
More and more scientific research demonstrates the value of traditional Chinese medicine in fertility, with studies published in high-level international journals. The integration of traditional and modern medicine offers new hopes for those seeking a child, proposing a more natural, respectful and less invasive approach. For many couples, TCM represents that missing piece that can make a difference on the journey to parenthood.
How Does Acupuncture Help in MAR Paths?
When to Start Acupuncture?
To achieve the best results, it is recommended to start acupuncture even before embarking on the MAR path, before and during hormone stimulation, and at least 8 weeks before embryo transfer.
This period allows the body to respond better to therapies, optimizing the uterine environment to welcome the embryo.
Elsa's Story: A Real Case
Elsa (a pseudonym) is 34 years old and had long wanted a child. After some unsuccessful natural attempts, she decided to rely on a MAR center and undergo ICSI. Despite her commitment and hope, the first two transfers were unsuccessful, and to make matters worse, she developed ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, making everything even more difficult.
Tired but determined, Elsa began to research complementary strategies that could help her in her last attempt. It was then that she discovered acupuncture and decided to try it. We started the path together eight weeks before the transfer, with regular sessions aimed at improving uterine circulation, reducing stress, and rebalancing her hormonal system. Elsa never missed a session. The day before and the day of the transfer, she had the last support treatments. Then, the wait. Ten days later, the pregnancy test showed an HCG beta value of over 500: the long-awaited signal! Elsa and her husband, after years of trying, were finally able to embrace their dream of becoming parents.
Conclusion
Acupuncture is not a magic formula, but it can be a valuable aid in MAR paths, improving the body's responses to treatments and increasing the chances of success. It is a natural, safe approach with no significant side effects, working in synergy with western medicine.
If you are facing a MAR path and want to optimize your chances, why not consider support with acupuncture? It could be just that extra element that makes the difference in your journey to motherhood.