Acupuncture can help create a more favourable environment for the ovaries and eggs by addressing several key factors that influence reproductive health. Here’s how acupuncture can improve egg quality:

1. Improving Blood Flow to the Ovaries

• Enhanced Circulation: One of the primary ways acupuncture is believed to improve egg quality is by increasing blood flow to the ovaries and reproductive organs. Better circulation helps deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the ovaries, which can support the development and health of eggs, particularly in women who have poor ovarian blood flow.
• Ovarian Health: The ovaries, like any other organ, need a steady supply of blood to function optimally. If blood circulation is compromised, it can impact egg development and hormone production. Acupuncture helps to address this by stimulating the body’s circulation, particularly to the pelvic area, where the ovaries are located.

2. Regulating Hormonal Balance

• Supporting Hormonal Health: Acupuncture can help balance key hormones involved in the reproductive process, including FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), LH (luteinizing hormone), estrogen, and progesterone. This is especially important for women who are undergoing fertility treatments like IVF (in vitro fertilization), as well as for those with conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) or DOR (diminished ovarian reserve), where hormonal imbalances can affect egg quality and quantity.
• Increasing FSH and Estradiol: Research has shown that acupuncture may increase FSH and estradiol (a form of estrogen), which are important for stimulating the follicles and promoting healthy egg development.
• Regulating the Menstrual Cycle: By balancing the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis (the hormonal feedback loop that regulates reproduction), acupuncture may help improve the consistency and regularity of the menstrual cycle, which is crucial for egg health.

3. Reducing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

• Oxidative Stress: High levels of oxidative stress can damage eggs by generating free radicals, which can negatively impact egg quality and accelerate the aging of eggs. Acupuncture has been shown to have an antioxidant effect, reducing oxidative stress and protecting eggs from cellular damage.
• Reducing Inflammation: Chronic inflammation in the body can also harm ovarian function and egg quality. Acupuncture has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce inflammation in the reproductive system and support optimal egg development.

4. Balancing the Autonomic Nervous System

• Reducing Stress: Stress can significantly impact fertility by affecting hormonal balance, particularly cortisol (the stress hormone), which in turn can disrupt the menstrual cycle and ovulation. Acupuncture is known for its ability to promote relaxation and balance the autonomic nervous system, which helps reduce the physical effects of stress on the body. By reducing stress and balancing the nervous system, acupuncture can improve reproductive health and potentially enhance egg quality.
• Regulating the Hypothalamus and Pituitary Glands: Stress impacts the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, which regulate reproductive hormones. Acupuncture can help regulate these glands, promoting a better environment for egg development and ovulation.

5. Improving Ovarian Reserve

• Ovarian Reserve: Ovarian reserve refers to the quantity and quality of eggs in the ovaries, which naturally declines with age. Acupuncture can help improve ovarian reserve by stimulating follicle growth and supporting the health of existing eggs.
• For Women with Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR): Research suggests that acupuncture can help women with low ovarian reserve (due to aging or other factors) by stimulating the ovaries to produce better quality eggs. Although acupuncture cannot reverse the biological aging of eggs, it will improve the environment for existing eggs and optimize conditions for ovulation.

6. Enhancing IVF Outcomes

• Support for IVF: Many women undergoing IVF use acupuncture as an adjunct treatment to improve egg quality and the overall success of the procedure. Studies have shown that acupuncture can improve the outcome of IVF by increasing blood flow to the uterus, regulating hormones, reducing stress, and promoting relaxation. Studies also suggest that acupuncture can improve egg retrieval outcomes by enhancing the quality and quantity of the eggs retrieved.
• Embryo Quality: In addition to improving egg quality, acupuncture can also support embryo development and improve implantation rates during IVF.

7. Supporting Egg Maturation

• Follicular Maturation: Acupuncture may help regulate the process of follicular maturation, which is essential for the release of a healthy egg during ovulation. By promoting healthy ovarian function and improving hormonal balance, acupuncture helps optimize the environment for the egg to mature properly before being released.

8. Improving Uterine Health for Implantation

• Uterine Environment: Acupuncture also works to improve the health of the uterus, ensuring that it is a receptive environment for a fertilized egg. A well-functioning uterus supports embryo implantation and pregnancy maintenance. By improving blood flow to the uterus, acupuncture may help enhance the endometrial lining, making it more conducive to implantation.

How Often Should Acupuncture Be Used to Improve Egg Quality?

An egg follicle takes 3 months to develop and ripen and so for women aiming to improve egg quality, weekly acupuncture to nourish and optimise the egg health is  recommended for 3 months before attempting conception (either naturally or through IVF). Sessions will be scheduled once a week and for IVF support to also include before and post embryo transfer.