We understand how difficult it can be when conception takes time.
For many couples, the dream of starting a family begins soon after marriage. But when months go by without a positive pregnancy test, it can be emotionally exhausting and confusing.
One of the first treatments your doctors might recommend is intrauterine insemination (IUI). To improve your chances of conceiving naturally, you could also consider complementary therapies such as acupuncture.
What is intrauterine insemination (IUI)?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a type of artificial insemination which increases your chances of pregnancy by placing your partner’s sperm directly into your womb. To perform this procedure, your doctor will take a sperm sample from your partner and wash it to collect the healthiest and most active sperm.
To increase your chances of fertilisation, your doctor will inject the washed sperm directly into your womb using a thin, flexible tube (catheter) during ovulation. This treatment shortens the distance that the sperm must travel to reach the egg in the fallopian tube.
This procedure is less invasive and more cost-effective compared to other fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF). IUI is usually recommended as part of initial treatment for couples facing unexplained infertility, male factor infertility, low sperm count, or cervical factors affecting conception.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has been used for more than 3,000 years. This traditional technique is performed by inserting fine needles into specific pressure points on your body called acupoints.
According to TCM principles, your body contains energy pathways called meridians that connect to different organ systems, through which energy flows in the form of "Qi". When these pathways become blocked or the flow of energy is imbalanced, it can affect your fertility and overall health.
By stimulating these points, acupuncture may help restore balance in your body’s systems, improve blood flow to reproductive organs, support hormone regulation, and reduce stress, factors that may impact fertility.
How can acupuncture support IUI success?
Treatment with acupuncture has been shown to improve fertility outcomes by enhancing your body's reproductive health and overall well-being.
In 2019, researchers at the Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine published a study that analysed 22 random controlled trials involving 2,591 women with fertility challenges. The results show that women who received acupuncture treatment experienced an 84% increase in pregnancy rates compared to those who did not.
The study also found that acupuncture not only improved pregnancy rates but also increased ovulation rates by 29% and increased endometrial thickness, creating a favourable environment for successful conception and implantation.
Here's how acupuncture can complement your IUI fertility treatment:
Reduces your body's inflammatory response
Improves follicle quality and overall reproductive health
Regulates reproductive hormones essential for proper egg development and release
Increases blood flow to your ovaries and uterus, improving egg quality to support successful fertilisation
Stimulates the release of endorphins and serotonin hormones, which can naturally help reduce your stress level
Enhances the effect of the fertility drugs prescribed by your doctor to stimulate your egg production
Minimises the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a potential side effect of fertility medications used in IUI procedure
If you would like more information about acupuncture or the IUI fertility treatment, schedule an appointment with Thomson Fertility Centre or Thomson Chinese Medicine. Our TCM and fertility specialists can provide further explanations and guidance on how these treatments can help increase your chances of conceiving.
When is the best time to combine acupuncture with IUI?
There is no specific timeline for the best time to undergo acupuncture to support IUI. This is because acupuncture offers various benefits at different times throughout the menstrual cycle. Here are some of these benefits:
Before conception:
To get the most optimal results from acupuncture, we recommend you begin your treatment 3 months before starting IUI.
This timeframe allows your body to complete three full menstrual cycles, giving acupuncture time to address underlying hormonal imbalances, regulate irregular cycles, and support conditions such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which may affect fertility.
During the menstrual phase:
Having acupuncture on days 1 to 4 of your menstrual cycle increases your chances of conceiving by improving the quantity and quality of your eggs.
If you have acupuncture again on days 5 to 7, the treatment can support endometrial thickness and healthy follicle maturation. This timing is particularly important, as acupuncture helps keep luteinizing hormone (LH) levels optimal around ovulation, where there's usually a surge in LH.
During the IUI procedure:
If you perform acupuncture during the IUI procedure, it can help to increase blood flow to the uterus and ovaries to support the conception chance.
Acupuncture therapy 24 to 36 hours after the IUI procedure can also help to reduce uterine spasms that could interfere with implantation.
After IUI (implantation phase):
Following your IUI procedure, we recommend continuing your acupuncture treatment for around 10 to 12 days after your IUI procedure, in addition to taking Chinese herbal medicine.
If you've successfully conceived, weekly sessions through the first trimester may help maintain hormonal balance and ease early pregnancy symptoms such as morning sickness.
What to expect during acupuncture
Much like a doctor’s visit, your acupuncturist will conduct an examination during your acupuncture appointment. They will ask you about your medical history, symptoms, and fertility journey. They will also use TCM diagnostic techniques, such as pulse and tongue diagnosis, to understand your body’s internal state and identify any imbalances.
Based on this initial assessment, your acupuncturist will select specific acupoints for needle insertion depending on your specific needs. Each session usually lasts between 20 and 30 minutes, during which you may experience slight tingling or warmth at the needle sites.
During treatment, you can expect to have acupuncture needles placed on your lower abdomen, legs and arms, and sometimes in other areas such as your ears. Regular sessions are recommended to achieve optimal results, with the number of treatments varying based on specific needs and fertility goals.
For further consultation on acupuncture and whether it is suitable for your needs, our TCM physicians can help. Schedule an appointment with Thomson Chinese Medicine today.
FAQ
Does acupuncture increase IUI success?
Yes, research shows that acupuncture can increase the success rate of intrauterine insemination (IUI) by supporting your reproductive health. To achieve the best results, we recommend starting acupuncture at least three months before your planned IUI cycle, with regular sessions at least once or twice a week.
How can you tell if acupuncture is working?
There are a few ways to tell if acupuncture is working, such as:
- Higher energy levels:
- You may notice you feel more energised throughout the day, without relying on caffeine
- Better sleep quality:
- You find yourself falling asleep more easily than usual, waking less often during the night, and feeling more refreshed in the morning. Good sleep is important for hormone balance and fertility.
- Improved menstrual health:
- Your menstrual cycle may become more regular, with less pain during periods or ovulation, fewer premenstrual symptoms (PMS), a healthy menstrual flow without clots, and minimal spotting before your period starts.
How many acupuncture sessions are recommended for successful conception?
The recommended number of acupuncture sessions can vary depending on your fertility goals and how your body responds to this therapy. Generally, weekly sessions are advised, especially during phases such as the follicular phase (days 5 to 8 of your cycle), ovulation, and implantation.
During ovarian stimulation, two weekly sessions may help optimise egg development. Continued weekly sessions are also recommended to support implantation and early pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester.
Are two follicles enough for a successful IUI?
Yes, having two mature follicles can increase your chances of a successful IUI compared to having just one. With two follicles, there is the potential for two eggs to be released, giving the sperm more opportunities to achieve fertilisation.
Can acupuncture interfere with implantation?
There is little evidence indicating if acupuncture interferes with implantation. On the contrary, some studies suggest that acupuncture may improve blood flow to the uterus, creating a more receptive environment for implantation.
What are the advantages of acupuncture for infertility?
If you are facing fertility challenges, acupuncture can offer several benefits, including:
- Improving blood flow to the ovaries and uterus
- Reducing stress by stimulating the release of endorphins
- Balancing the hormones that regulate ovulation, menstruation and pregnancy
- Calms the nervous system, lowers blood pressure, and supports your overall well-being
If you're considering IUI as a fertility treatment option, schedule an appointment with our fertility specialist at Thomson Fertility Centre for personalised recommendations and tailored advice.