Acupuncture for fertility can be very effective in regulating the cycle and tapping into the body’s ovarian potential, leading to healthy eggs and good timing of ovulation. Acupuncture can be effective in aiding adequate uterine lining which is important for both conception and menstrual flow. If you are having problems conceiving or issues with normal cycles, try acupuncture. It works!
To provide the best treatment, there are many questions I pose to my female fertility patients to gain insight and knowledge of the complicated internal systems and situations that contribute to fertility issues. Asking detailed questions helps me establish ways to treat the specific concerns as well as the general well-being of my patients. Determining the answers to these questions plays a crucial role in comprehensive, successful treatment.
Obviously, ovulation is a key component to getting pregnant. As we were all taught in health class long ago, a regular cycle generally consists of 28 days. Essentially, the first 14 days involves the growth of a follicle that contains an egg; day 14 itself is when ovulation should occur (the follicle releases the egg to travel down the fallopian tube); and the last 14 days sees the uterine lining thicken, allowing for the egg’s implantation to occur. During implantation, the fertilized egg attaches and burrows into the uterine lining to grow. Typically, this takes place 7 days after ovulation. These concepts may seem straightforward, but there are many factors that can alter a cycle and extend or shorten phases in the cycle, either in the follicular, ovulatory, or luteal phases. Any variation can make pregnancy elusive. A woman may have issues with ovulation, cystic ovaries, fibroids, poor cervical mucous, abbreviated cycles or extended cycles, and endocrine issues to name a few. Any of these can interfere with conception, but by fully understanding the cycle, we know how to start to treat the issues.
Here are some important questions, whether you are trying to conceive or not. Knowledge is power, so the answers to these simple questions can demystify your cycles for you and provide an invaluable understanding of your body. Of course, if you are on birth control pills, then your cycles are controlled by the hormones supplied by the pills. And the pills are designed to prevent ovulation. These pills and any hormone-based birth control can affect your period’s flow and cycle.
How many days are your cycles (Count day 1 as the first full day of bleeding.)
How long do your periods last?
Do you consider your periods heavy, medium, or light? (Heavy would be having to change pads or tampons every 2 hours.)
Do you have cramps? Before, during, or after your period starts?
Do you have clots? How big are they? (Pea size, quarter size, or larger?)
Do you have painful periods?
Do you have spotting between periods? Unexplained bleeding? Dark blood with onset of period? Dark blood at the end of menses?
Is your flow stop and go? Or constant?
Any dizziness with your period?
Any pain with ovulation?
Do you get PMS? Breast tenderness, irritability, weepy, moody, bloating, depression, breast tenderness? Would this start 1 day, 1 week, 2 weeks before your period?
How would you describe your libido (sexual desire)? High/medium/low?
Is there any cervical mucous? When? Color? Odor?
Is there any pain with intercourse? Only certain positions?
Do you have frequent urination? Dribbling urine when you cough, sneeze or laugh?
Have you ever had fibroids? Surgery for fibroids? Endometriosis? Cyctic ovaries? Uterine polyps? Bladder infections? Yeast infections? Cystitis?
Have you ever had abdominal, pelvic, or back surgeries?
Have you ever had serious accidents? Any trauma to the tailbone? When?
Are you experiencing any menopausal symptoms? Including hot flashes/insomnia/irregular menses/ poor memory/irritability/vaginal dryness?
Do you experience chronic constipation? Chronic low back pain?
Are there any acute emotional stressors in your life?
Have you ever been sexually abused?
Have you ever been diagnosed with cancer of the uterus, cervix, vagina, fallopian tubes, bladder, or colon?
If you have been pregnant before, here are additional questions:
Number of pregnancies? If more than one, how far apart?
Number of deliveries?
C-sections?
Have you had miscarriages? When? Any complications?
Have you had abortions? When? Any complications?
Did you have an episiotomy?
What was your experience with pregnancy? What was your experience with labor and/ or delivery? Any complications?
Acupuncture for fertility can be very effective in regulating the cycle and tapping into the body’s ovarian potential leading to good quality eggs and good timing of ovulation. Acupuncture can be effective in aiding adequate uterine lining which is important for both conception and menstrual flow. If you are having problems conceiving or issues with normal cycles, try acupuncture. It works!
Contributor
Acupuncturist, herbalist, Maya abdominal practitioner, and reflexologist Christina Morris is the founder of Element Natural Healing Arts. Writing about health and wellness gives her an outlet to express her care and concern for her beloved community. She believes everyone can achieve better health and happiness–emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually.