What is Fertility Acupuncture?
Fertility Acupuncture is used to help increase fertility. It is basically acupuncture tailored to help infertility. Acupuncture helps increase blood flow to reproductive organs and can help balance hormones and stress levels.
How does Fertility Acupuncture work?
Initial Treatment
This is a preparation period and can start up to 3 months before treatment. We will discuss lifestyle, nutrition, and your wellbeing as well as focusing on any specific issues such as low AMH, painful or irregular periods, any issues with sperm quality. Acupuncture can be helpful for both men and women. This period can really help prepare for and support the body during any fertility treatment
During IVF/ICSI/IUI
During the periods of ‘down regulating’ and ‘Stimulation’ Acupuncture can help with any effects of the drugs used. We aim treatment at supporting the body, regulating hormones, decreasing stress and increasing blood flow. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) advocates using acupuncture at this point in the IVF treatment to support the ‘Qi’ (energy) of the body in order to optimize the follicle growth and/or endometrial thickness as well as relax the patient so that the egg collection is as easy as possible.
Acupuncture can be helpful at different stages of treatment some examples of which are below. You can choose which might be of benefit to you.
Post Egg Collection
This treatment will take place just after egg collection. This treatment aims to aid post-operative recuperation and reduce internal swelling and abdominal bloating. TCM theory states that at this point the Qi of the body is devoted to repairing itself. We aim to aid this healing process in order that there is more Qi available to implant the embryo when the time comes.
Pre Embryo Transfer
This treatment is aimed at helping to dilate the cervical opening in order to more easily transfer the embryo into the uterus, It is also calming and relaxing preparation ahead of the procedure.
Post Embryo Transfer
This treatment occurs after transfer of the embryo back into the uterus. This session is designed primarily to relax the patient and from a TCM point of view, encourage the embryo to secure itself inside the body by using acupuncture points which ensure that the Qi of the body flows in an upward direction.
Implantation Treatment
This treatment is done 4–7 days after transfer, around the time that an embryo would naturally implant in the uterus. Our treatment encourages blood flow in uterus to be as thick as possible, and enhances the energy of the body which, when strong, supports implantation and subsequent pregnancy. It is also used to relax and support the patient emotionally.
Pregnancy
Additional acupuncture treatments to support pregnancy and tackle symptoms such as morning sickness, fatigue or anxiety are also available.
What Issues does Fertility Acupuncture help with?
- Improves ovarian function
- Regulates hormones
- Increases blood flow to the uterus and increase thickness of the uterine lining
- Relaxes and decreases stress
- Lessens the side effects of drugs used
- Strengthens the immune system
- Improves semen quality
- Supports pregnancy
Fertility Counselling
Fertility Counselling is also available – please click here for further information.