Natural Fertility

According to a recent study published in BMJ, acupuncture given with embryo transfer improves the rates of pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing IVF. Acupuncture is now commonly used to improve the chances of a positive outcome for IVF treatment.

How often is treatment needed?

Ideally, acupuncture should be started 3 months before implantation in preparation for IVF, in order to increase thickness and nourishment to the lining of the womb. However, treatments only a couple of weeks in advance will also help. Acupuncture is required weekly prior to egg collection, and then before and after egg transfer. After a positive pregnancy test, if there is a history of miscarriage, treatment should continue up to week 12.

How does Acupuncture help?

1. Treatment before egg extraction is focused on maximising endometrial thickness, follicle growth and egg quality.

2. Following egg extraction, treatment is focused on healing the body after surgery, offering it more energy for implantation.

3. Pre and post transfer treatment, carried out on the day of egg transfer, is focused on reducing stress by calming the mind and circulating the qi around the uterus and fallopian tubes, so as to create the optimum environment for implantation.

4. Some opt for a further treatment 5 days after egg transfer to assist the egg in affixing to the uterine wall.

Male infertility

Acupuncture is also effective for treating low sperm count or motility, which accounts for 40% of infertility cases in presenting couples in the West. In a research paper published in PubMed in 2002, Acupuncture was found to improve sperm quality and fertilisation rates in assisted reproductive technology.

Please feel free to contact Louise via email or 'phone should you wish to discuss your situation further or ask any questions prior to making an appointment.

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