6 Ways Acupuncture Can Help During the Two Week Wait
The two-week wait” (TWW) refers to the period of time between ovulation and when a person can take a pregnancy test to find out if they are pregnant. The two-week wait is a period of heightened anticipation and anxiety for many individuals undergoing fertility treatments. While it might not sound very long, it can feel like a lifetime for couples.
What can I do to increase my chances of conception during the two week wait? is a common question we hear.
The answer? We recommend undergoing acupuncture during the two-week wait. It’s shown to help with everything from reducing stress to improving blood flow. Keep reading to find out more about acupuncture during two week wait.
How Does Acupuncture Help During the Two-Week Wait?
1. Supports Embryo Implantation
Acupuncture is known to boost implantation rates, increasing the chance of a viable pregnancy. Acupuncture during the two week wait can enhance embryo implantation by improving blood flow to the uterus, which helps create a thicker and more receptive uterine lining. It also helps regulate hormones like progesterone, reducing uterine contractions, and balancing the immune system to support implantation.
Check the study here: 2013 clinical trial and systematic review .
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The evidence? In a 2013 clinical trial, 84 infertile patients who had experienced at least two unsuccessful IVF attempts were randomised into three groups: control, sham, and acupuncture. Clinical pregnancy rates in the acupuncture group were significantly higher.
More convincingly, a systematic review found that acupuncture during the two-week wait and beyond improves the pregnancy outcome of patients. One explanation could be that acupuncture increases endometrial thickness, making it easier for implantation to occur.
2. Reduces Stress
Acupuncture has been widely known and proven by numerous studies to help reduce stress. Acupuncture can especially be useful to reduce stress during the two-week wait by promoting the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters that induce relaxation. It calms the nervous system, lowers stress hormones like cortisol, and alleviates anxiety, which is particularly beneficial during this emotionally charged period. By fostering a more relaxed state, acupuncture helps create a positive environment for potential implantation and supports overall mental and physical health.
One of the primary reasons to receive acupuncture is for stress relief. Acupuncture inhibits the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for triggering the “fight or flight response.”This reaction is a big part of why you feel stressed or anxious. It’s what makes your body release stress hormones. That’s why it can help lower your blood pressure when you’re feeling really stressed, like when you’re waiting for test results.
One study in an urban college campus in the US noted that acupuncture led to a precipitous drop in perceived stress scores after 12 weeks. Even in the short term, reduced stress increases the chances of a viable pregnancy.
In a review of the available literature, researchers found that acupuncture-like stimulation increases both brain and uterine blood flow. Another paper found that electro-acupuncture reduced “blood flow impedance” in infertile women. In other words, it supported the circulatory system – again, likely due to inhibition of sympathetic activity.
3. Improves Blood Flow
Studies have shown that, acupuncture enhances blood flow during the two-week wait by stimulating circulation, particularly to the uterus and ovaries. This increased blood flow helps thicken the uterine lining, making it more receptive to embryo implantation. More blood flow to the uterus can result in a thicker endometrium, helping the embryo to implant. Plus, when it does implant, it’ll receive the right support and nourishment to thrive, thereby supporting a successful pregnancy.
4. Hormonal Balance
Acupuncture helps address hormonal imbalances during the two-week wait by regulating the endocrine system, which is crucial for maintaining the appropriate levels of hormones like progesterone and estrogen. Out of 23 studies included in a literature review, acupuncture was shown to increase levels of oestrogen, progesterone, prolactin, and other hormones.
By promoting hormonal balance, acupuncture supports a stable luteal phase, ensuring the uterine lining remains receptive for embryo implantation. One paper which took a more general look at acupuncture and fertility concluded:
“Acupuncture as a treatment for infertility shows great results both in men and women. Acupuncture can be considered a successful treatment in restoring fertility in patients by improving sperm quality and ovarian function and balancing the endocrine system and hormones.”
This hormonal regulation not only enhances the chances of successful implantation but also helps sustain early pregnancy.
5. Reduction of Uterine Contractions
Uterine contractions, or the lack thereof, are key to a successful embryo transfer. The fewer contractions a woman experiences, the greater the chance of pregnancy. In fact, patients undergoing embryo transfer had a higher chance of successful implantation and pregnancy if the uterine peristalsis was <4 waves per minute.
Acupuncture is known to inhibit uterine contractions, even when contractions are initiated by oxytocin. It’s even considered a potential treatment for women in preterm labour. By targeting specific acupuncture points, it can decrease the intensity and frequency of contractions, which might otherwise disrupt the embryo’s attempt to implant in the uterine lining.
6. Immune System Modulation
Perhaps the greatest effect of acupuncture during the two-week wait period is on the immune system. Acupuncture aids in immune system modulation during the two-week wait by helping to balance the body’s immune responses, which is crucial for successful embryo implantation. After all, it’s already an effective treatment for immunological diseases such as allergies, infections, and autoimmune diseases.
How does it work? Research indicates that acupuncture works on the “neuro-endocrine-immune network” by activating certain nerves, which trigger hormonal changes that alter immune function. This matters because natural killer cells are often responsible for IVF failure, i.e., these cells viewed the embryo as a threat. By calming an overactive immune system, acupuncture reduces the risk of the body mistakenly attacking the embryo, allowing it to implant and develop more effectively.
How to Find The Best Acupuncturist
Not all acupuncturists have the same skills or results. Choosing the right acupuncturist is the difference between a successful implantation and failure. So, what should you look for?
1. Check Credentials and Qualifications: Ensure your acupuncturist is a member of recognised organisations. Here are GinSen, our acupuncturist are members of British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) and The Royal Society of Medicine (RCM). Membership in these bodies guarantees we adhere to high standards of practice and ethics.
2. Experience and Specialisation: Look for an acupuncturist with extensive experience, particularly in fertility and women’s health. A specialist in these areas will better understand your specific needs and challenges. At GinSen all our experts have over 30 years of experience in their respective fields.
3. Consultation and Communication: Reputable acupuncturists typically offer a free initial consultation to discuss your concerns without pressuring you into treatment. Use this opportunity to assess their communication style and determine if you feel comfortable and supported. We offer free no obligation consultation that is available worldwide.
4. Check Reviews and Success Stories: Research online reviews and look for success stories from previous patients. Positive feedback and proven outcomes can provide confidence in the acupuncturist’s ability to support your fertility journey effectively. Read our success stories here.
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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We can’t guarantee the treatment result, as the symptoms of conditions are unpredictable and vary greatly from person to person. The treatment length and recovery time also varies for individual. Please visit our clinics website: GinSen where a specialists will discuss your care and provide a consultation, and the treatment will be designed to meet your individual needs.
