Acupuncture for Fertility
Fertility
Fertility acupuncture can support those trying to conceive naturally or undergoing IVF. The first session starts with a detailed discussion about your fertility journey, reviewing any medical tests you have had and advising on any additional ones that may be helpful.​
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Key Areas Discussed:
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Blood Test Results: What do they indicate?
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Sperm Analysis: Has this been adequately tested and are there any male issues?
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Further Tests: Are additional tests needed?
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Ovulation: Is ovulation occuring and when?
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Underlying conditions: Could there be any underlying conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis or Thyroid issues?
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BBT Charts: What insights are they providing?
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Acupuncture Research for Fertility?
​​A large amount of research has been done in this area. A randomised controlled trial explored acupuncture’s effect on IVF success rates, finding that acupuncture before and after embryo transfer may improve implantation rates. A 2018 systematic review found that acupuncture had a significant effect on improving birth rates for sub-fertile women undergoing IVF.​
Other research has shown acupunture to help with
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Hormonal Regulation: it can help balance reproductive hormones, which can be a factor in infertility.
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Improved Blood Flow: It has been linked to increased blood circulation to the uterus and ovaries, potentially enhancing fertility.
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Stress Reduction: Infertility can be emotionally taxing, and acupuncture may help lower stress levels, which can positively impact reproductive health.
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Sperm Quality: Some studies indicate that acupuncture may improve sperm quality in men.​​​
How does acupuncture for Fertility work?
​For women fertility is closely linked with menstrual health and acupuncture treatment works alongside your cycle. Studies have shown acupuncture can impact fertility by regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, stimulating blood flow to the ovaries, and helping to reduce stress.​​ There are several ways acupuncture can help you on your fertility journey including:
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Assisting couples who are trying to conceive naturally
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IVF preparation to improve egg quality
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Alongside IVF treatment (natural or FET)
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Pre and post transfer IVF acupuncture
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Improving sperm health
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Enhancing fertility in preparation for natural conception (for people who are not currently trying to conceive)
​​When it comes to fertility acupuncture the focus is usually on the female. Depending on sperm test results it is often a good idea for male partners to seek treatment so that their sperm health can be improved. Diet and lifestyle can also have a significant impact on sperm quality and there are serval different ways to improve sperm health.