Fertility Support

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For thousands of years Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AOM) have been used to help couples conceive. Research has shown the use of acupuncture in the correct dosage, and sometimes combined with herbs, can increase success rates for women in almost every category of infertility; whether trying on their own naturally or using forms of Assisted Reproduction such as medication, stimulating hormones, artificial insemination (IUI), or In-vitro fertilization (IVF).

Our founder Steven Mavros, L.OM. pioneered bringing Acupuncture to all the major fertility clinics in the Philadelphia area and it has become our main specialty at the Healing Arts Center. We've helped over 3500 couples and individuals conceive over the last 20 years either on their own or with the help of our fertility clinic partners and assisted reproductive technologies like IUI and IVF.

 

What Stage Are You In?

  • Acupuncture for Trying Naturally

    Trying Naturally

    Before making the jump to more intense fertility treatments, trying on your own with Acupuncture and herbs is a great option. As long as there is nothing physically impeding you from getting pregnant (e.g., tubal blockage, fibroid, etc), acupuncture can generally help regulate your cycle and optimize every month’s chance of being the one that works.

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  • Acupuncture for Artificial Insemination/IUI

    Artificial Insemination/IUI

    One of the first interventions often tried is an IUI or Intra Uterine Insemination, usually paired with a pill to help promote stronger ovulation. Acupuncture & Herbal Medicines can make this small intervention more likely to work with fewer attempts, all while helping you cope with the stress of the process.

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  • Acupuncture for In-Vitro Fertilization

    In-Vitro Fertilization

    IVF can be both scary and hopeful all at the same time. Though success rates are continually improving, there is still room for help and that's where Acupuncture comes in. Our team pioneered bringing Acupuncture to all the major fertility clinics in Philadelphia since 2001 and have been a guide and partner to patients through over 3500 IVF cycles.

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  • Acupuncture for Pregnancy & Post-Partum

    Pregnancy & Post-Partum

    From early stage symptoms like nausea & vomiting to managing low back and hip pain as you grow, Acupuncture’s benefits continue throughout the pregnancy and after. The goal in the end is a healthy delivery, a healthy baby and a healthy mama.

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Conditions We Treat Regularly

  • Acupuncture for Diminished Ovarian Reserve

    Diminished Ovarian Reserve

  • Acupuncture for Unexplained Infertility

    Unexplained Infertility

  • Acupuncture for PCOS

    PCOS

  • Acupuncture for Endometriosis

    Endometriosis

  • Acupuncture for Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

    Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

  • Acupuncture for Male Factor

    Male Factor

How can Acupuncture help my fertility?

  • Increase blood flow to the uterus – thickens endometrial lining + aids implantation

  • Increase ovarian blood flow – better ovarian response + more mature follicles

  • Increases live birth rate & prevent early miscarriage

  • Regulate irregular menstrual cycles and promote timely ovulation from PCOS or other causes

  • Reduce stress & promote relaxation (cortisol modulation)

  • Reduce pre-menstrual symptoms and pain during the period from endometriosis or fibroids

  • Increase male sperm count and motility

  • Lessen side effects from hormone treatments

Acupuncture has been clinically shown to promote timely ovulation and an ideal luteal phase, seems to have a regulating effect on the body’s hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and can help make an irregular or anovulatory cycle closer to normal. We have seen great success treating infertility issues such as High FSH (Follicle Simulating Hormone), Low AMH (anti-mullerian hormone) advanced maternal age, unexplained infertility, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), Endometriosis, Ovulatory dysfunction, Decreased Ovarian Reserve, poor egg quality, Luteal Phase Defect, thin endometrium, irregular periods, fibroids, immunologic reaction, recurrent miscarriage, and Amenorrhea.

Acupuncture and herbal medicine isn’t just for women. Male factor can also be addressed. For men, there is evidence showing our ability to increase sperm count, as well as improve motility percentages.  We have yet to directly see evidence that it helps with morphology, unfortunately. 

As specialists in the treatment of reproductive enhancement, we recognize that every person and couple having difficulty conceiving need individualized treatment because no two people present with the exact same issues. With that customized approach, acupuncture treatment can be an effective means to aid conception in most cases of infertility.

  • "I looked forward to my weekly treatments, and was really glad I went for the pre-transfer session as well; it made the experience so much more peaceful and relaxing. Would definitely recommend to anyone undergoing IVF!"

    — Lydia L.

  • "I was terrified of acupuncture but chose to do it because I was willing to try almost anything to have a child. Not only did I discover that it’s not scary or painful, but also I found the environment at Healing Arts to be calming. The staff are supportive and really understand the medical and emotional aspects of infertility and IVF. I now have a beautiful seven-month-old baby boy who is the center of my world."

    — Allison H.

  • "In addition to the physiological benefits acupuncture offered, the support, expertise, and confidence Steve instilled in me during my cycle provided invaluable stress relief and optimism that was critical to the cycle’s success!"

    — Dana M