Infertility affects approximately 15% of couples worldwide, with male infertility contributing to nearly 30% of these cases. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine have shown promise in enhancing fertility and improving the success rates of in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Make an Acupuncture AppointmentHello and welcome! I’m Paul Carter, a dedicated acupuncturist and herbalist based in Hervey Bay. With a deep passion for natural medicine and a special interest in fertility, I’ve spent years honing my skills and knowledge in acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
My journey in the field of natural medicine has been driven by a profound belief in the body’s innate ability to heal and restore itself. I’ve seen firsthand how acupuncture and Chinese medicine can support and enhance this process, particularly in the area of fertility.
On this page, you’ll find a wealth of information about acupuncture for fertility, including insights into the causes of infertility, modern medical treatments, and how acupuncture and Chinese medicine can play a role in enhancing fertility.
Whether you’re just starting your fertility journey or have been on this path for a while, I hope the information provided here will offer you some guidance and reassurance. Remember, every journey is unique, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Most couples conceive within a year of trying, often within the first few months. However, if a couple has been trying to conceive for a year without success, they may be diagnosed with infertility. This doesn’t mean they will never conceive; medical treatment can often help.
Female infertility can be caused by menstrual irregularities, advancing age, a history of sexually transmitted infections, uterine fibroids, or endometriosis. The primary cause of male infertility is low sperm production. If a male partner has had fertility issues with a previous partner, a semen analysis should be performed to identify potential causes.
Globally, about 15% of couples experience infertility, with male infertility accounting for nearly 30% of these cases. In Australia, this rate is about 9%. A 2007-2008 report by the Australian Department of Health noted that many women are starting families later in life, leading to one in six couples experiencing infertility.
To diagnose infertility, a doctor may take a detailed medical history from both partners and perform physical examinations. They may also conduct a vaginal ultrasound to detect any structural abnormalities in the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes. Blood tests may be done to check hormone levels, which can reveal potential ovulation problems and abnormal sperm production. A semen analysis is essential for examining male fertility.
Treatment for infertility depends on the underlying cause. For women, treatments may include medications to stimulate ovulation, surgery to repair damaged or blocked fallopian tubes, or removal of uterine fibroids. For men, treatments may involve introducing concentrated semen into the woman’s uterus, in vitro fertilization (IVF), or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Recent research has shown promising results for the use of acupuncture and Chinese medicine in treating infertility. A meta-analysis found that women with polycystic ovarian syndrome undergoing IVF or ICSI who received acupuncture had a significantly higher chance of becoming pregnant and having a live birth compared to those who did not receive acupuncture. Another study found that Chinese herbs increased the success rate of IVF by improving endometrial thickness and embryo quality.
However, it’s important to note that while these studies show positive effects, the evidence is not yet definitive, and more research is needed.
An initial session includes a consultation to assess your health from a Chinese medicine perspective. The outcomes may support the use of acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicines, and other Chinese medicine techniques. After the consultation, the recommended techniques will be explained and applied. Open conversation is encouraged throughout the session.
If you have private health insurance in Australia, you may be able to claim your acupuncture session. Check with your health fund provider for more information. Please bring your health insurance card to the session.
Booking an acupuncture for fertility session is easy. Visit our online booking page to schedule your appointment now.
If you have any questions about acupuncture and fertility or would like to discuss your appointment, please get in touch with us today.