Fertility and Reproductive Health

It isn’t always possible to pinpoint the cause of infertility, but acupuncture and Chinese medicine can improve your chances of getting pregnant and having a healthy, full-term pregnancy. At Elemental Acupuncture in Tuckahoe, New York, Acupuncturist Bethany Leddy, DACM, MSOM, provides personalized treatment to increase your fertility with or without prior fertility treatments. To find out how acupuncture can support your fertility, call Elemental Acupuncture or book an appointment online today.

What causes infertility?

Infertility occurs when you and your partner struggle to get pregnant and complete a full-term pregnancy. Many causes of infertility can affect either or both partners, with some being specific to female reproductive health and others being specific to male reproductive health. 

Causes of infertility include:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Hormone imbalances
• Menopause
• Endometriosis
• Uterine polyps or fibroids
• Fallopian tube blockages
• Cancer and cancer treatments
• Environmental factors and exposures
• Low sperm quality
• Low sperm count

It’s not always easy or feasible to identify the cause of your or your partner’s infertility. Still, there are treatment options to increase your chances of a successful full-term pregnancy. 

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine treatment that uses fine needles inserted in the skin at specific points to balance the flow of energy (Qi). According to the underlying theory, energy flows through your body along lines called meridians. By regulating energy flow along these lines, you can improve your health in many ways. 

At Elemental Acupuncture, Dr. Leddy uses a distinctive acupuncture technique. She palpates specific acupuncture points and feels their effect on your pulse. She then formulates an individualized point combination to give you optimal results based on your needs. 

How does acupuncture treat infertility?

Acupuncture may improve your fertility with natural conception or when used alongside in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI). In fact, many fertility specialists recommend acupuncture and Chinese medicine to their patients to increase their chances of having successful, full-term pregnancies. 

Acupuncture can treat infertility on behalf of both partners:

Female infertility

Acupuncture increases blood flow to the uterus to support pregnancy after IVF or IUI. Regular treatments can also improve your egg numbers and quality as three meridians run through the uterus. By regulating energy passage along these meridians, acupuncture balances the sex hormones and supports healthy egg production. 

Male infertility

Acupuncture can support male fertility by balancing your hormones, regulating energy flow to the testes, boosting your immune system, and ultimately increasing sperm production and quality. 

If you struggle to become pregnant or are undergoing fertility treatments, don’t hesitate to call Elemental Acupuncture or book an infertility treatment consultation online today.