1. Acupuncture increases blood flow to the ovaries

Correct placement of the acupuncture needles has been shown to increase blood flow to internal organs. With increased blood flow to the ovaries, nutrients are delivered and blood flow is optimized.

Since IVF medications are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce as many eggs as possible, acupuncture helps make sure that the ovaries are able to do what the medication is asking of them.

2. Acupuncture supports egg development

By improving ovarian function, acupuncture supports the body to produce the best possible eggs. IVF stimulation requires the body to produce as many eggs as it can.

While nothing can increase the number of eggs you were born with, acupuncture can help make sure that what you do have is the best quality it can be. The IVF medications bring the eggs to the surface and get them growing; the acupuncture shunts blood and energy to the growing eggs, supporting the quality.

3. Acupuncture increases blood flow to the uterus

By increasing blood flow to the uterus, acupuncture treatment during the transfer phase of an IVF cycle ensures the endometrial lining is as hospitable as possible for the implantation of the embryo. Blood flow brings with it nutrients as well as plumping the uterine lining to be thick enough to support implantation.

Typically, acupuncture treatment specifically working on this would happen in conjunction with IVF stimulation medications prior to retrieval and then continue until just before transfer.

4. Acupuncture helps minimize the side effects of IVF medication

IVF medication can have uncomfortable side effects such as anxiety, bloating, night sweats, breast tenderness, headaches and mood changes. Acupuncture helps mediate and minimize side effects, making for a more pleasant experience. As one of our local Reproductive Endocrinologists put it, “patients just do better with acupuncture”.

5. Acupuncture reduces stress

With the combination of hormonal treatment and the busy IVF schedule, this can be a very stressful time. Acupuncture promotes relaxation in the body, calms the nervous system and allows you to experience the journey in a better headspace.

As fertility specialists, we believe that if you are going to spend the time, energy and money to come and work with us, you deserve to have every opportunity to succeed in becoming pregnant. We invite you to make an appointment or speak to one of our fertility specialists.

We often hear the phrase “I never thought it could be this hard.” Trying to conceive naturally can be a challenge, but you can give yourself the best possible chance with a few tips.

Here are our 5 top tips for trying to conceive naturally.

Know your cycle

We are taught in school that ovulation occurs on day 14 of a 28-day cycle. What we are not taught is that we are rarely “textbook” beings. Many women do not ovulate on cycle day 14, nor do they have 28-day cycles.

The best way to know more about your cycle is to track ovulation. By far the most popular way to track your cycle is with an app, but tracking the old fashioned way on paper is just as effective. Cycle day 1 is the first day of your period. Begin by tracking the number of days between cycle day 1, and the start of your next period, or the next cycle day 1.

Once you have a few months of data, you will likely start to notice one of three patterns.

First, you may have a predictable, regular cycle.

Second, you may have an irregular length cycle that is somewhat predictable.

Third, you may have an erratic, unpredictable cycle length.

Cycle tracking provides useful information to help predict when, or if, you’re ovulating, and thus informs the best time to have intercourse. Cycle tracking can also help diagnose potential causes for a difficulty in conceiving.

Eat well

When we are trying to conceive, our cells are the building blocks upon which to start new life. Our cells require a diverse range of nutrients in order to create and sustain new life. They also need to be protected by antioxidants. Additionally fat is a major building block of our hormones.

A general rule of thumb to eat well for fertility is a diet with protein, healthy fat and vegetables at every meal and as few processed foods as possible. We will be dedicating an entire blog post to this topic in the future!

Take care of yourself

No one expects you to be in some kind of stress-free vortex while you try and conceive. However, there is no doubt that excess stress on your body can complicate matters. Recommendations here are common-sense.

Don’t sign up for your very first marathon. Don’t take on extra responsibilities at work or at home if you have the choice. Do try and prioritize rest, balance and well-being during this time.

Take your vitamins

At a minimum, take a prenatal vitamin. For most people that won’t be enough. Many of our patients come in, completely overwhelmed, with bags full of supplements. A trained professional can review your supplement needs with you.

It is important to know what vitamins you should take, and why.

Get checked out

Each partner is 50% of the conception equation. For heterosexual partners trying to conceive naturally, both partners can undergo a fertility workup to make sure nothing is impeding conception. It is important to take this step if you have been trying to conceive for a few months because there could be issues that need treatment before conception can happen.

These tips are by no means an exhaustive list.

This is a place to start when preparing to conceive naturally for optimal success. As fertility specialists, we believe that if you are going to spend the time, energy and money to come and work with us, you deserve to have every opportunity to succeed in becoming pregnant.

We invite you to make an appointment or speak to one of our fertility specialists.

Anna Rudel
San Jose Acupuncturist
408.279.9001
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