Acupuncture
& Fertility

Whether you are trying naturally, undergoing fertility treatment or struggling with infertility or recurrent loss there will be something that Acupuncture can offer. Every treatment that you receive will be individualised to your specific situation. Chinese Medicine does not have a one size fits all approach. You are unique and your treatment will also be unique to you. 

How does Acupuncture help?

My starting point is always to establish a regular, balanced cycle. This allows me to then pay attention to each distinct phase of your cycle.

Beginning of cycle – encourage good discharge of the uterus allowing a healthy new growth of endometrium.

Before Ovulation – build blood and Qi, the foundation of Acupuncture and Fertility.

Luteal Phase – maintain warm uterine environment to nourish embryo.

When should I start treatment?

An egg ripens for three months before ovulation and the sperm that will fertilize that egg takes nine weeks to make. Therefore, I would recommend starting Acupuncture three months before any ART intervention.

How many treatments will I need?

Before starting treatment, and for couples trying to conceive naturally, I would suggest one treatment every week during your first cycle and then two treatments in the next two cycles. We would then discuss where you are and how to proceed.

If you are interested in starting Acupuncture in conjunction with starting your Fertility treatment I would recommend the following:

During Down Regulators (Long Protocol) -
One or two treatments dependent on side effects of medications.

During Ovarian Stimulation Phase –
One or two treatments depending on how follicles are progressing.

Egg Collection –
As soon as possible after procedure but definitely within 24 hours.

Embryo Transfer –
Before and after procedure within 24 hours.

Two Week Wait –
I really recommend Reflexology during this time as it really helps with relaxation and research proves that those with decreased perceived stress levels are more likely to get pregnant.

Every treatment will be individualised with the exception of the pre and post Embryo transfer treatments. This is when I will always use the Paulus Protocol. There has been in depth research into this standardised protocol with research showing it can increase the likelihood of pregnancy by 16.2% compared to patients that don’t receive Acupuncture. For this reason, it seems silly to interfere with it at such a precious time.

Fertility issues face 15% of all couples trying to conceive. Whatever route you deicide to follow whether it be IVF, IUI or ICSI Acupuncture can greatly increase your chance of pregnancy. You are not alone and I am here to help and support you. 

Please do take a look at the BAcC and AFN websites which have lots of information and links to research showing the positive impacts Acupuncture can make in a assisting fertility treatment.

Contact Katie today on 07879 814566 or click here to ask about Acupuncture & Fertility.