Many people see alternative fertility treatments as a natural, non-invasive way to increase the chances of having children, while others seek them out to complement and potentially increase the success rate of more standard fertility treatments. However, do alternative treatments truly work? Is there any research-based evidence or is it only hearsay? Let’s discuss all of this in detail and start off by finding out which alternative fertility treatments are the most common.
The Most Popular Alternative Fertility Treatments in the US
A study that followed 428 couples with fertility issues in the United States over a period of 18 months found that 123 of those couples had some type of alternative fertility treatment. So, a bit less than a third of couples suffering from infertility turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies.
Given the fact that about 17.5% of the adult population will be affected by some form of infertility in their lifetime, it is safe to say that alternative fertility treatments are rather common and popular. Which type is the most popular? According to the mentioned study that followed those 428 couples:
- 22.4% (96) used acupuncture
- 17.1% (73) herbal therapy
- 4.7% (20) bodywork (such as chiropractic and massages)
- 1.2% (5) meditation
The numbers don’t add up because some couples did multiple types of alternative fertility treatments, but it is clear that acupuncture is by far the most popular. Now, let’s discuss each of these treatments in detail, starting from the most popular.
Acupuncture
It should come as no surprise that acupuncture is the most utilized alternative fertility treatment. For one, acupuncture has been studied and tested in-depth for decades and the benefits of acupuncture for fertility are well documented, so many people are familiar with it. Second, acupuncture can be used as both a primary therapy for people hoping to conceive naturally and as a complementary therapy to other fertility treatments, such as IVF.
So, how does acupuncture increase the chance of natural conception and how does it help IVF treatments? The specific treatments are decided on a case-by-case basis after a thorough medical check-up, but, in general, acupuncture:
- Balances the hormones that regulate menstruation: Acupuncture helps to harmonize hormonal levels, which is crucial for regulating the menstrual cycle. By stimulating specific acupuncture points, it can enhance the release of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, facilitating a more regular cycle and improving the chances of ovulation.
- Improves egg production: Through improved blood flow (and combined with hormonal balance), acupuncture can improve ovarian function, leading to increased egg production. This can be particularly beneficial for women experiencing conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), where irregular ovulation is common. As a result, acupuncture can help boost the quality and quantity of eggs available for conception.
- Enhances receptivity of the uterine lining: Another facet of acupuncture is that it increases blood circulation to the uterus, promoting a thicker and more receptive endometrial (uterine) lining. A well-nourished uterine lining is essential for an embryo to implant itself; thus acupuncture improves the likelihood of a successful pregnancy following natural conception or assisted reproductive techniques like IVF.
- Increases sperm motility and count: Acupuncture as an alternative fertility treatment is not only beneficial to women, but potentially to men too. Some studies have shown that acupuncture can lead to healthier sperm production, increasing motility and overall count, which are vital factors for successful conception. However, this aspect of acupuncture is not as well-studied as the other ones.
- Reduces stress: Finally, by promoting relaxation and reducing cortisol levels, acupuncture effectively alleviates stress and anxiety, both of which can hinder fertility. The release of endorphins during treatment also supports emotional well-being, creating a more conducive mental environment for conception for both men and women.
All of this combined makes acupuncture a tried and tested therapy, and, likely, the most effective out of all the alternative fertility treatments.
Herbal Therapy
The next most popular alternative fertility treatment is herbal therapy. Herbal therapy can be defined as the use of plant-derived substances to promote health and well-being, particularly in relation to reproductive function. Many couples are drawn to herbal therapy due to its historical use and perceived natural benefits.
Many of the herbs used in fertility treatments are believed to help balance hormones, improve ovulation, and enhance overall reproductive health. For women, certain herbs may regulate menstrual cycles and increase uterine lining thickness, while for men, herbs can support sperm production and motility.
Some studies have suggested that herbal therapy can lead to increased pregnancy rates and others that it can function as both primary and complementary therapy. However, as herbal therapy is an extremely wide term, the effectiveness of specific combinations of herbs is not well-researched.
Thus, it’s essential to approach these treatments with caution. Quality, dosage, and potential interactions with other medications should always be considered and a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider should prescribe the therapy to ensure safe and effective use.
Chiropractic / Massage
The third most popular type of alternative fertility treatments are chiropractic care and fertility massages. Chiropractic focuses on spinal alignment and nervous system function – misalignments in the spine can disrupt nerve signals that control reproductive organs, potentially affecting fertility.
Chiropractic adjustments aim to restore proper nerve function, and while more research is needed, some individuals have reported positive outcomes when combining chiropractic care with conventional fertility treatments. Fertility massage, on the other hand, is a technique that blends deep tissue massage with reflexology, a practice rooted in ancient medicine.
This type of massage promotes relaxation and improved circulation, particularly when applied to the abdomen. It is believed to enhance blood flow to the reproductive organs and may help break down scar tissue. However, there is no research-based evidence that either chiropractic care or fertility massages have a positive effect on infertility issues.
Meditation
Finally, we get to meditation as an alternative fertility treatment. While meditation is primarily recognized for its ability to reduce stress and promote emotional well-being, its direct impact on fertility remains unclear. However, many individuals experiencing infertility face significant emotional challenges, and meditation can serve as a valuable tool for managing anxiety and enhancing overall mental health. Thus, by fostering a calmer mindset, meditation may create a more conducive environment for conception, but there is currently no direct evidence linking it to improved fertility outcomes.
The Most Effective Alternative Fertility Treatment
We started out this article with the question – do alternative fertility treatments truly work? By now, you understand that the answer is a conditional yes. It depends on the type of treatment, how the treatment is administered, and the unique conditions of each patient. When it comes to the type, acupuncture is the most effective alternative fertility treatment, backed by years of medical research.
When it comes to the way it is administered, at BH Acuhealth Clinic, we specialize in general fertility acupuncture and acupuncture for IVF – we are run by Dr. Mitra Daneshrad, who has over 24 years of experience in women’s health and reproductive medicine. When you come to use, Dr. Mitra will do a thorough examination and create a treatment plan that is unique to your situation.
Depending on your needs, we may work with reproductive endocrinologists and gynecologists to increase the chances of a successful outcome. Make an appointment with Dr. Mitra to get started and contact us if you have any questions.
