Anyone who hasn't been able to get pregnant when they want to is sure to cringe when they hear this phrase "just relax and it'll happen".
When it comes to those having a hard time getting pregnant, many doctors will encourage women to try and reduce stress.
The whole thing is a catch 22.
Stress can contribute to infertility and infertility can cause a lot of stress.
So how does one break such a cycle?
Jane Gregorie, owner of Acupuncture Denver, says it's all about getting out of the fight-or-flight sympathetic nervous system so the autonomic nervous system can work more effectively.
Gregorie says that's where acupuncture can help. It down-regulates the sympathetic nervous system which improves hormonal response, increases circulation, relieves neuromuscular tension, improves digestion and more.
In addition, acupuncture improves blood flow to the ovaries and uterus which can improve egg quality and make an embryo more likely to implant itself successfully.
That's important whether a woman is trying to conceive naturally or through in vitro fertilization (IVF).
So are you stressed?
Here are some lesser known symptoms:
- Frequent sighing
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Headaches
- Cramps
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Chronic constipation
- TMJ
- Insomnia
- Cold hands and feet
