Chinese Medicine and acupuncture have been successfully treating fertility problems for over 2000 years and Western Medicine is increasingly accepting that Chinese Medicine works either to complement or as an alternative option in both helping people to get pregnant and in supporting a healthy pregnancy. A combination of acupuncture and dietary and lifestyle advice can be very effective in improving both male and female fertility.  

At your first appointment I will take a very thorough case history, including the results of any tests that you have undergone. If you have not had any investigations done and have been trying to conceive for over a year (or 6 months if you are over 40) I would generally recommend that you see your GP to arrange blood tests, a pelvic ultrasound scan and sperm analysis at the beginning of treatment. This will give us more insight into any conditions you may have as well as providing a base line to work from.  

Acupuncture can help improve female fertility in a number of ways, including by: 

• Increasing blood flow to the uterus and ovaries and thickening the endometrial lining 
• Helping to produce more follicles and improving egg quality 
• Regulating and stabilising hormone levels 
• Balancing immune function 

It can also be very effective for improving male fertility by: 

• Increasing Sperm Count 
• Increasing Sperm Concentration 
• Increasing Sperm Motility 
• Increasing Sperm Morphology 

Trying to conceive without success can be a stressful and upsetting process and acupuncture can help both men and women with improved energy and mental wellbeing, stress relief and general good health.  I understand from personal experience the mental anguish and heartache that fertility issues can cause and I will always deal with your concerns sensitively, confidentially and with genuine empathy to help you achieve the best outcome from your treatment. 

Acupuncture and IVF 

Many IVF clinics now offer acupuncture as an adjunct and research shows that having acupuncture whilst undergoing IVF increases pregnancy rates. I have extensive knowledge and first-hand experience of IVF treatment and will use this to help guide and support you through the process. 

Acupuncture should ideally be used in the run-up to starting IVF treatment and throughout. If this is not possible I would recommend having treatment prior to egg retrieval, and before and after embryo transfer.