‘I was definitely skeptical at first’ | East Tennessee family turning to acupuncture to help with infertility

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – When Megan Keck and her husband Adam started trying for their second baby, they thought it would be quick and easy.

“Month one went by, no success. Then month two, month three, month four, month five,” Megan said.

Megan began checking every possible box by seeing a doctor, tracking her cycle, starting reproductive treatment and researching natural methods to help get pregnant. That’s when she found fertility acupuncture.

“I was definitely skeptical at first,” Megan admitted. “It was very much a desperation thing. Even though we were only six, seven months into trying. I very much wanted to make it work quicker.”

Megan quickly started treatment at Tennessee Center for Reproductive Acupuncture. The center is in Knoxville and is dedicated to using the ancient practice to help families conceive.

“If you can pluck an eyebrow, you can do acupuncture,” Sarah Prater, founder and acupuncturist at Tennessee Center for Reproductive Acupuncture, said.

Prater said acupuncture increases blood flow and reduces stress in patients.

“We treat couples all across the fertility spectrum. So, couples trying naturally, couples doing IVF, couples that have been trying for months,” Prater said.

After months of acupuncture, while doing reproductive treatment, Megan and Adam got good news. Megan was pregnant with twins.

“I could see that very faint positive,” Megan said.

Roughly one in six adults worldwide experience infertility, according to World Health Organization. Acupuncture is an option growing in popularity for couples experiencing infertility.

Dr. John Gordon at Rejoice Fertility said the feedback is positive from his patients who have tried acupuncture while going through reproductive treatment. He said he often refers his patients to Prater’s services.

“The idea that they could take a step on their end, whether it’s nutritionally or stress reduction or something like acupuncture, I think it gives them some solace that they’re doing their part,” Gordon said.

For Megan and Adam, they say they’re glad the option was close to home.

More information on Tennessee Center for Reproductive Acupuncture can be found here.

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