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Acupuncture for fertility & IVF
Our Clinics:
Useful Links:
National Infertility Support & Information Group
Other TCM Therapies:
Acupuncture for Fertility & IVF
Acupuncture for fertility problems
In recent years we have become more aware that for some couples there are many factors that can contribute to the difficulties in conceiving.
Some of these problems have been diagnosed by western medicine as conditions like “blocked fallopian tubes”, “PCOS”, “low sperm count”, etc while some are just unexplained.
For many couples having their life ruled by temperature taking, countdown to ovulation and having to be together at specific times in the month can build up pressure, stress and can be traumatic for both.
Couples experiencing problems with conception usually suffer from additional stresses of societal pressure. They often find it difficult to discuss infertility with friends and family and for some there are issues around shame and fear of failure. All of which can put a strain on the couple’s relationship.
Acupuncture helps by regulating your body’s system. This can increase the blood flow to the reproductive organs and stabilizes hormone levels and this in turn can increase ovarian function in women as well as sperm production in men. Used as a complementary therapy for women undergoing other fertility treatments, acupuncture has been scientifically and medically proven to be especially beneficial.
Some believe that acupuncture works by helping women stay more relaxed through stressful fertility treatments.
This is true, but as mentioned above, acupuncture is used mainly to regulate your body’s system – in this particular case, the reproductive system. With this regulation comes relaxation.
In particular, studies have shown that acupuncture definitely increases the rate of pregnancy in women undergoing “in vitro fertilization” (IVF).
German researchers have found that acupuncture increased conception rates in IVF by almost 50% (Fertility & Sterility, April 2002 issue).
It means more hope, fewer cycles, and a shorter wait for what you most desire: a beautiful, healthy baby. Preparation treatment for IVF should begin several months prior but even one month before can make a difference to the fertilisation and treatment at the time can improve implantation success. After a TCM diagnosis is made, the next step is to try to improve and regulate the menstrual cycle if necessary and then nourish the uterus and make the eggs, endometrium and cervical mucus better and stronger.
Before the IVF begins the Uterus and Ovaries are Nourished in order that more good quality follicles can be extracted.
During IVF it is recommended to have an acupuncture treatment prior to embryo transfer and as soon as possible after. Treatment prior to transfer is to try to invigorate blood flow in the local area in order to make the body more receptive to the embryo. Treatment after the transfer is to try to stabilise the hormone level to keep the embryo safe. This also calms and relaxes the uterus so that it does not reject the egg.
Sometimes the treatment should not focus on the female only as both male and female contribute with 50% for the pregnancy to be successful. To increase the chances of conception in certain cases it is recommended that both avail of acupuncture treatments – the healthier and more balanced both are, the more chances there is for success.
*In the case of both attending one of our clinics, a reduced fee can be discussed.
Most common problems treated in the clinic to help increase fertility include:
For women: endometriosis, disorders of ovulation, inflamation of pelvic organs, poor uterus lining, PCOS (Polycystic Ovatian Syndrome), prior IVF failure, post-pill amenorrhoea, stress / insomnia / depression / fatigue.
For men: morphology issues, low sperm motility, low sperm count, anti-sperm antibodies, age and sperm quality, stress / insomnia / depression / fatigue.
If you wish to get more information, please do not hesitate in contacting us.
National Infertility Support and Information Group
The National Infertility Support and Information Group – a voluntary organisation was established in Cork in 1996 by a group of dedicated people who needed and wanted to be in contact with others who understood their grief.
The grief that is infertility needs to be attended to. It needs to be understood and acknowledged. That is where NISIG can help.
NISIG empowers couples to contemplate real choices to guide them through their infertility journey, offering a confidential listening ear to couples and individuals.
The NISIG is non-judgemental and multi-denominational.
Bi-monthly meetings are held throughout Ireland.
For further information contact:
Tel: 1890 647 444 (Lo-call)
Lo-call telephone line open from 7.15pm - 9.15pm (Mon - Fri)
Mobile: 087 7975058 (anytime)
Email: nisigireland@gmail.com