Fertility Acupuncture

I am a founding member of the Zita West Network for reproductive health, as an affiliated acupuncturist. Zita West is a midwife, acupuncturist, author and fertility and pregnancy expert and runs a renowned clinic in London. The Zita West Clinic is the largest integrated medical and complimentary practice in the UK specialising in all aspects of male and female reproductive health.

As an affiliated acupuncturist, I receive training and ongoing support in Zita West's comprehensive, holistic approach to reproductive health. This covers a wide range of treatments and approaches to help boost fertility, enhance IVF, improve pregnancy, enhance birth outcomes and support post-natal recovery.

One in seven couples has difficulty conceiving (HFEA 2006). Acupuncture is believed to help boost fertility in these key ways:

• Regulating hormone function
• Increasing blood flow to the ovaries and uterus
• Helping to relax muscles which can improve the chances of conceiving
• Reducing stress
• Improving sperm motility
• Increasing sperm count
• Improving sperm quality

Acupuncture and IVF

Research suggests that acupuncture may help in various areas relating to assisted conception, including during the lead-up to a cycle and immediately before and after embryo transfer.

For IVF, I generally recommend commencing four to six weeks before the start of the IVF cycle. Within the programme of acupuncture, I suggest sessions at various key times during the IVF process:

In the lead up to your cycle

1 to 2 times during the down regulation phase (if applicable)

2 to 3 times during the stimulation phase

Pre- and post-embryo transfer

The two-week wait

During the two week wait which is often an anxious time, I offer ladies a very gentle treatment for stress and relaxation between days 7 and 10. These are very comforting sessions which help to support your body and relieve tension and anxiety whilst you await your pregnancy result.

Pregnancy

Postnatal

Although for most women the postnatal period is uncomplicated, care during this time needs to address any departures from expected recovery after birth.

Common puerperal problems include: pain in the perineal area, urinary stress incontinence; painful or difficult urination; constipation; haemorrhoids; insufficient lactation, mastitis; breast abscesses; back pain; headache due to epidural/spinal anaesthesia; persistent fatigue; the 'baby blues'; and postnatal depression.

In randomised controlled trials, acupuncture has been shown to help with pain relief medication. Also, an acupuncture perspective, the body, mind and emotions have been under a considerable strain for several months, and while a few ripples would be considered normal in the immediate post-birth period, if they persist into long-term problems of tiredness and depression it would indicate that the system is struggling to regain its balance. Acupuncture has been shown to help by acting on areas of the brain which are responsible for mood, relieving stress and anxiety by re-balancing hormones. It can also help to increase energy levels. However, an acupuncturist should never replace the advice of a health care professional.

Please contact me for further details either using the contact form or phone me on 07834 606 084