Acupuncture can increase blood flow to the reproductive organs. This can greatly increase the response to the circulating hormones or hormone therapy. Acupuncture can help regulate the hormone levels in the brain and reproductive system. By moderating endorphin levels in the brain, the release of gonadotrophin releasing hormone in the master gland called the hypothalamus. Acupuncture improves the release of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) from the master gland, the pituitary and improves estrogen and progesterone release from the ovary. Acupuncture can improve blood flow and energy. It can increase blood flow to the follicles.
When male infertility is part of the difficulty, acupuncture can help with sperm number, motility and morphology. Male fertility issues are easier and usually quicker to resolve. Men produce sperm daily, and it is less complicated to impact this cycle. In comparison, women have a month-long cycle and an entire orchestra of hormones to coordinate and a mere 18-hour window of fertility.
Acupuncture is well recognized for reducing stress. Stress can negatively impact conception. By reducing stress acupuncture relieves an overactive sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight system). Stress reduction can be a significant factor in the fertility quest.