ACUPUNCTURE FOR FERTILITY

There has been much research around the benefits of acupuncture on fertility which has indicated that couples who are supported with acupuncture are significantly more likely to fall pregnant naturally or to successfully conceive following an IVF cycle.

One of acupuncture’s strengths is its capacity for subtlety, nudging the body to do what it should do naturally and allowing the fine-tuning of the body’s systems to maximise both function for fertility and for health as a whole. The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) have produced some fact sheets that you can find here.

There are many reasons why you may be interested in acupuncture, you:

  • want to prepare your body in the best way possible in preparation for conception

  • are interested in acupuncture as a natural alternative to IVF  

  • are not sure which steps to take and need some expert guidance

  • have managed to conceive but sadly miscarried early in the pregnancy

  • have been trying to conceive naturally for a while and have no known fertility issues (‘unexplained infertility’)

  • have been diagnosed with Endometriosis, PCOS, high FHS or low AMH

  • you want to complement fertility treatment with acupuncture –  IVF or other fertility treatments

  • you already have one or more children but are having difficulty conceiving and/or holding further pregnancies to term (secondary infertility)

How can Acupuncture help with fertility?

  • regulates hormone production and regulating cycles

  • improves blood flow to the uterus

  • improves sperm and egg quality

  • reduces anxiety and addressing stress hormones such as cortisol

  • supports early pregnancy

  • works alongside IVF drug protocols to manage side effects and improve outcomes such as follicle production and embryo implantation 

Trying to conceive can easily feel overwhelming, especially when it takes longer than expected. Knowing which steps to take and understanding your options can be challenging. As an acupuncturist trained in fertility, I will also support you throughout your journey by offering lifestyle advice, guidance with cycle tracking, emotional support, and recommendations for tests. When necessary, I can also refer you to specialists, such as urologists, fertility nutritionists, or herbalists.

When should I start having acupuncture for fertility?

It is ideal to begin 3 months before you’re ready to conceive. The sperm take 70-90 days to be produced, while the eggs take 90-120 days to mature for ovulation. So a little preparation and taking the time to optimise your health can have such a substantial impact on your ability to conceive naturally. 

How LONG DOES IT TAKE?

This depends on the person, the reasons you are coming for acupuncture and the medical background. Acupuncture sessions are tailored to each individual visiting the clinic. The frequency of treatments will differ based on factors such as the individual's reproductive health, stress levels, and overall well-being. The majority typically opt for treatments every two weeks or weekly. During IVF procedures, we align weekly sessions with the IVF protocols, coordinating with events such as egg collection, transfer, and the Two Week Wait period.