IUI acupuncture is a fertility treatment that combines acupuncture with intrauterine insemination (IUI) to help enhance your chance of implantation and pregnancy. Whether you’re just beginning or in the middle of your fertility journey, combining treatments like these can support your reproductive health naturally. 

At Monica Patt Acupuncture, many of our clients undergoing IUI use acupuncture to help reduce stress, regulate hormones, improve blood flow, and improve their experience overall. 

Your fertility journey is a very personal process, and a custom treatment plan might be exactly what you need. Contact us today to learn more and book your initial consultation. 

What Is IUI and How Does It Work?

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that involves placing specially prepared sperm into a woman’s uterus to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. It’s a less invasive and more affordable option than IVF. Though IVF can sometimes be the next step for women and couples experiencing difficulty getting pregnant. 

If you’re a good candidate for IUI, your doctor will work with you to first monitor and track your ovulation cycle. Then, the doctor will take a sperm sample from a partner or donor and select the healthiest sperm. To insert the sperm, a thin catheter is placed directly inside the uterus to bypass the cervix. Lastly, the sperm travels to the fallopian tubes, where it may fertilize naturally. 

IUI success rates vary depending on age, but women can expect a 5-25% success rate. 

How Acupuncture Supports Fertility Treatments Like IUI

Acupuncture supports your fertility through the following outcomes: 

• Reducing stress – Dealing with infertility or any difficulty getting pregnant can be such a stressful experience (and you’re not alone if you’re dealing with it!). Acupuncture works to relieve muscle tension and stress, helping to better prepare your body for pregnancy.

• Improving blood flow and circulation – For a successful pregnancy, your body needs healthy blood flow to your reproductive organs, including proper circulation to your uterus. Acupuncture helps with both to improve your chances of implantation. 

• Regulating your hormones – Hormones play a big role in fertility to make sure you have better egg quality and ovulation. Acupuncture works to stimulate your endocrine system and balance your hormones, especially those needed for pregnancy. 

• Improving egg and sperm quality – By regulating hormone production and blood flow through acupuncture, women and men can improve their egg and sperm quality. 
• Improving ovary and uterine function – Acupuncture helps to create a healthier uterine environment and to improve your ovarian function. 

When used along with IUI, all of these benefits can increase your chances of successful fertilization. 

Fun Fact: Using acupucnture alongside IUI can significantly improve both pregnancy and birth rates. A study found that women in the acupuncture group were up to four times more likely to conceive than those relying on IUI alone. That’s huge!

The Best Times to Use Acupuncture During an IUI Cycle

When using acupuncture with your IUI treatment, your acupuncturist, (this could be  us!) will work with you to schedule sessions leading up to your IUI procedure. Then, they will schedule one on the day of your procedure, and after your IUI appointment. 

Before the procedure, acupuncture will help prepare your body for conception. A day-of session can help increase the chances of fertilization. Then, after the procedure, continued sessions can help support your body’s health to encourage implantation and healthy pregnancy. 

What to Expect from an IUI Acupuncture Session

At Monica Patt Acupuncture, we always start with an initial consultation to review your health history, discuss your goals, and create a personalized treatment plan. 

We’ll schedule your acupuncture sessions based on your IUI plan. We’re always working alongside your primary healthcare team’s recommendations and directives. 

Before your IUI acupuncture sessions, we recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing. Also, avoid eating a heavy meal, make sure to be hydrating well, and avoiding caffeine or alcohol. 

During your acupuncture session, we’ll make sure you’re comfortable and relaxed before inserting thin, sterile needles into your acupoints. Though you might feel small pinches or sensations, people experience little to no pain throughout the treatment. Once the needles are placed, you get some well-deserved relaxation before the needle removal. 

Additional Tips for Supporting Your IUI Journey

IUI acupuncture is a great option to use if you’re experiencing any type of fertility challenges. Along with acupuncture, we recommend tapping into your support system and taking the time to take care of yourself and your body. 

Supporting Your Fertility Journey with Personalized Care

At Monica Patt Acupuncture, our registered acupuncturists are here for you every step of the way. We also offer massage therapy to help you find the relaxation and peace you need as you move forward on your pregnancy journey. 

We’d love to support you and make sure you feel your best! Contact us today to get started.