Female Infertility & Acupuncture

A Brief Introductory Guide

Complex Physical & Emotional Challenges.

Female infertility is a complex and often emotionally challenging issue that affects millions of women around the world. It is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse for women under 35, or after six months for women over 35. The causes of female infertility are varied and may include ovulatory disorders, diminished ovarian reserve, blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hormonal imbalances, or unexplained factors. These underlying issues can make it difficult for women to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term, leading to feelings of frustration, stress, and sadness.

The emotional toll of infertility can be significant. Women often experience a range of emotions, including sadness, guilt, anxiety, and social isolation. The inability to conceive can also strain relationships and affect a woman’s sense of self-worth. Conventional fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI), can add to this stress due to their invasive nature, high costs, and uncertain outcomes. As a result, many women seek complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, to support their fertility journey.

The Wellspring Integrative Approach

Women’s Health during all stages of conception, pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery is our specialty here at Wellspring Health.

It takes a village to raise a child, but before that, it takes a team to make a baby. You can’t do it alone and we at Wellspring Health are privileged to be a member of your team. Wellspring Health uses Traditional Chinese Medicine (Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine) and Conventional medicine in an integrative approach. This combination can enhance treatment outcomes, manage the side effects of conventional treatments (like chemotherapy), and provide additional support for chronic or complex conditions. We love science and we love working with conventional medical Doctors. This approach combines the strengths of both systems, offering a broader range of treatment options and emphasizing the prevention of disease as well as the treatment of existing conditions.

Reproductive Endocrinologists & Gynecologist Support During Fertility & Pregnancy: We enjoy collaborating with physicians and have extensive experience working with a large network of specialists in Manhattan. We can provide recommendations and referrals for every stage of the fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum journey.

Doula Support: We frequently work with doulas throughout all stages of pregnancy and delivery, providing integrated care and support to enhance the birthing experience.

Below is a comprehensive introductory guide to how Wellspring & TCM can support you throughout every stage of your journey. Feel free to jump to any specific section that best suits your needs.

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Challenges Associated with Female Infertility:

  1. Hormonal Imbalances and Ovulatory Disorders:
    Hormonal imbalances, such as irregular estrogen or progesterone levels, can disrupt the menstrual cycle and prevent ovulation. Conditions like PCOS are common causes of ovulatory disorders, leading to irregular periods, anovulation (lack of ovulation), and difficulty conceiving.

  2. Diminished Ovarian Reserve and Age-Related Decline:
    As women age, their ovarian reserve (the number and quality of eggs) declines naturally, reducing their fertility potential. Diminished ovarian reserve can make conception more difficult and increase the risk of miscarriage, making age a significant factor in fertility challenges.

  3. Structural Issues and Blockages:
    Blocked fallopian tubes, uterine fibroids, or scar tissue from previous surgeries or infections can physically prevent conception. Structural abnormalities can interfere with the transportation of the egg or the implantation of the embryo.

  4. Endometriosis and Chronic Conditions:
    Endometriosis, a condition where the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside of it, can cause chronic pain, inflammation, and adhesions, which negatively impact fertility. Other chronic conditions, such as thyroid disorders or autoimmune diseases, can also play a role in infertility.

  5. Emotional and Psychological Impact:
    Infertility is not just a physical issue—it deeply affects emotional and mental well-being. Women struggling with infertility often experience heightened levels of stress, depression, and anxiety, which can further complicate their fertility journey. The uncertainty and repeated disappointment can lead to emotional exhaustion and isolation.

From Our Clients

"I worked with Kirsten over the course of a couple of years and found her to be incredibly talented, knowledgeable and kind.  Her office space has the same feeling of warmth and serenity that Kirsten herself embodies.  She has a lot of experience working with women through various stages of their fertility journeys, and I think my time with her contributed to a successful IVF cycle and pregnancy."

-Emily H.

"I went to see Kirsten as I was going through IVF and FET process. Kirsten is the exactly the kind of person you want treating you. She is warm and easy to talk to but professional at the same time, knowledgeable about reproductive health, and also informative.”

-Jill O.

“My Wife and I came here for fertility-related treatments. It was a 5 star experience! The clinic was spotless and the Kirsten is knowledgeable. We were delighted with the results and we would definitely recommend this clinic to others.”

-Travis W.

“I have been a patient of Kirsten's for four years and have nothing but wonderful things to say, and attribute to her and her practice. Not only has Kirsten helped combat the occasional headache or cold, but she has also helped me bring two healthy beautiful children into this world via fertility treatments, and labor preparation. Kirsten is attentive, calming, kind, and knowledgeable. She has also given many tips for my children when they've had colds, car sickness, etc. that we swear by! I have recommended Kirsten to countless friends + family members. This is the place to go for acupuncture treatments.”

- Raffkin B.

Benefits of Acupuncture for Female Infertility:

Acupuncture, an ancient practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and restore balance. It is increasingly being recognized as a supportive therapy for fertility issues due to its holistic approach to health and well-being. Here are some of the key benefits of acupuncture for female infertility:

  1. Regulates Hormones and Menstrual Cycles:
    Acupuncture has been shown to influence hormone levels, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estrogen. By balancing these hormones, acupuncture can regulate menstrual cycles, improve ovulation, and create a more conducive environment for conception.

  2. Improves Blood Flow to the Reproductive Organs:
    Acupuncture enhances blood circulation to the ovaries and uterus, which can improve egg quality, ovarian function, and endometrial thickness. A healthy uterine lining is crucial for embryo implantation, and improved blood flow can support the development of a thicker, more nutrient-rich endometrial lining.

  3. Reduces Stress and Promotes Relaxation:
    The emotional stress associated with infertility can negatively affect reproductive health by disrupting hormonal balance. Acupuncture helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels. Lower stress levels can improve the chances of conception, particularly for women undergoing IVF or IUI.

  4. Supports a Healthy Response to Fertility Treatments:
    Acupuncture can be used in conjunction with conventional fertility treatments to enhance their effectiveness. Studies have shown that acupuncture performed before and after embryo transfer in IVF can improve implantation and pregnancy rates.

  5. Addresses Underlying Health Conditions:
    Acupuncture treats the body as a whole, addressing not just symptoms but the root causes of health issues. Whether it’s PCOS, endometriosis, or thyroid dysfunction, acupuncture aims to restore overall balance, making it a valuable tool for managing conditions that contribute to infertility.

  6. Promotes Emotional Well-Being:
    Acupuncture not only supports physical health but also emotional health. It helps reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, promoting a positive mindset and emotional resilience throughout the fertility journey.

Fertility, Pregnancy & Postpartum We Treat With TCM

Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a holistic and individualized approach to supporting women’s health through all stages of fertility, pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum recovery. By addressing imbalances in the body and promoting harmony between the physical and emotional aspects of health, TCM can enhance reproductive health, support a healthy pregnancy, and aid in postpartum healing. With its long history and integrative methods, TCM continues to be a valuable option for women seeking a natural and comprehensive approach to wellness and maternal care.

  • Female Infertility: Improving ovarian function and egg quality, balancing hormones, supporting Uterine Health, blood flow, nervous system, emotional support, and stress management.

  • Stress Management, Nervous System Supports & Pregnancy: Regulate stress response, stimulate endorphins, balance cortisol, sleep, muscle tension, pain relief, emotional support, a place to relax, let go and get some care.

  • IVF/IUI: Support pre- and post-embryo transfer, reducing IVF-related stress and anxiety, and managing hormonal fluctuations during IUI/IVF.

  • Egg Freezing: Optimizing ovarian reserve, preparing the body for egg retrieval, managing side effects of hormonal stimulation, and post-egg retrieval recovery.

  • Pain & Pregnancy: Relieving back pain, pelvic pain, sciatic and joint pain.

  • Labor Prep, Delivery & Induction: Promote cervical ripening and softening, supporting natural and assisted labor induction, pain relief, and breech babies.

  • Prenatal & Trimester Support: Nausea and fatigue, fetal development support, breech presentation and positioning, insomnia and stress.

  • Post Partaum: Emotional supports balancing hormones, stress response, lactation support, activating parasympathetic nervous system to encourage relaxation.

  • Lactation: Enhancing milk supply and flow, addressing blocked milk ducts and mastitis, balancing hormones, reducing stress, and improving milk quality.

  • Recurrent Miscarriage: Strengthening uterine health, immunological factors, managing stress and anxiety.

  • Male Infertility: Improving sperm quality and motility, varicocele, hormone, and libido imbalance.

Parting Thoughts:

While female infertility presents significant challenges, acupuncture offers a holistic approach that can support both physical and emotional health. Its benefits extend beyond fertility enhancement, providing a sense of well-being and balance that can make the journey to conception more manageable and hopeful.

Resources & Links to Learn More

Acupuncture has been investigated for its potential benefits in treating female infertility. Here are five clinical studies highlighting its positive effects:

  1. Effects of Acupuncture on Rates of Pregnancy and Live Birth Among Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilisation: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: This study evaluated whether acupuncture improves pregnancy and live birth rates when used as an adjunct to embryo transfer in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). The analysis concluded that acupuncture was associated with significant and clinically relevant improvements in clinical pregnancy and live birth rates.  BMJ

  2. Acupuncture as Treatment for Female Infertility: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials: This comprehensive review analyzed multiple randomized controlled trials to assess acupuncture's effectiveness in treating female infertility. The findings suggested that acupuncture, especially when combined with conventional treatments, significantly improved pregnancy outcomes in women with infertility.  Wiley Online Library

  3. Acupuncture Performed Around the Time of Embryo Transfer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: This study examined the efficacy and safety of acupuncture as an adjunct to embryo transfer in IVF treatments. The findings indicated that acupuncture performed around the time of embryo transfer was associated with increased clinical pregnancy rates. RBMO Journal

  4. Effects of Acupuncture on Pregnancy Outcomes in Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: This updated review evaluated the effects of acupuncture on IVF outcomes. The study found that acupuncture significantly improved clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates, supporting its use as an adjunctive treatment in IVF. SpringerLink

  5. Role of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Female Infertility: This article discusses the potential mechanisms by which acupuncture may influence female fertility, including its effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. The review highlights preliminary clinical data suggesting that acupuncture can be a valid, safe, and cost-effective therapy for women suffering from infertility. Fertstert

These studies suggest that acupuncture may offer benefits in enhancing fertility outcomes, particularly when used in conjunction with conventional treatments like IVF.