Acupuncture may be useful for those with ovarian cysts because it can improve blood flow to the pelvis and help regulate hormones. It may also be helpful in reducing pain and stress.

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on the ovaries. They may be related to hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, pelvic infections, or conditions like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

If you have frequent ovarian cysts or currently have a painful ovarian cyst, you may wonder whether acupuncture could help.

There’s some evidence that acupuncture may be helpful in reducing pain and stress, and it could also improve blood flow. Before undergoing acupuncture, it’s important to do your research.

Read on to learn more about acupuncture for ovarian cysts.

Although ovarian cysts are often asymptomatic, they can cause pain and affect the menstrual cycle. Many ovarian cysts will naturally resolve, but some require surgical removal.

Acupuncture is commonly used for pain relief, and it may be helpful for those experiencing discomfort related to ovarian cysts. Acupuncture can also increase blood flow to the pelvis.

There’s some evidence that acupuncture may increase levels of female hormones like estrogen and progesterone. In some cases, this may help balance hormones, which could help regulate your menstrual cycle. However, more studies are necessary in this area.

Research on the use of acupuncture to help with cysts is limited. However, some studies on people with PCOS using acupuncture have shown improvements in their ovulation rate and menstrual frequency.

It’s important to note that acupuncture is not considered a treatment for ovarian cysts, and it’s not a substitute for speaking with a doctor if you believe you have an ovarian cyst.

Potential benefits from acupuncture for those with ovarian cysts include:

  • pain relief
  • stress reduction
  • balancing of hormones
  • improved blood flow

Acupuncture may help with ovulation and, in turn, infertility. However, there isn’t enough research to prove its ability to treat infertility.

When determining whether or not to try acupuncture, you’ll want to consider:

  • your budget and whether your insurance will cover acupuncture
  • the experience and reputation of your acupuncturist
  • if you have any other health conditions that would contraindicate acupuncture

Although complications from acupuncture are rare, it does carry risks for infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. It can also irritate the skin.

In many cases, ovarian cysts require no treatment. If your cyst is small, a doctor may simply suggest “watchful waiting” with follow-up ultrasounds. Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription pain medications may be helpful if you’re experiencing mild to moderate pain.

If you have a large cyst, your cyst grows, or there are concerning features, your doctor may suggest surgery.

Also, if you have large or frequent cysts, your doctor may recommend taking hormonal birth control to help prevent future cysts. They may recommend other treatments if your cysts are related to another condition like endometriosis or PCOS.

If you experience frequent ovarian cysts or have a current symptomatic cyst, you may wish to ask a doctor:

  • what treatments and complementary therapies they recommend to help with pain
  • if any activities should be avoided to prevent a ruptured cyst
  • whether any lifestyle changes would be helpful
  • if they have any providers for acupuncture and other treatments they would recommend

Acupuncture may be useful in improving blood flow and regulating hormones. It could be helpful if you have ovarian cysts, since it might help to relieve pain and reduce stress.

While acupuncture may be helpful for ovarian cysts, it’s important to remember that it’s not a proven treatment. If you experience frequent ovarian cysts or have discomfort from a current ovarian cyst, it’s important to speak with a doctor and make a care plan.