FERTILITY & CONCEPTION

Acupuncture for fertility and assisted conception is now widely recognised as an effective treatment for both men and women. Acupuncture can be used for unexplained infertility and diagnosed conditions, and to increase success rates with assisted conception. Fertility problems have increased over the last 25 years, as more women are waiting until their 30’s to start trying to conceive. Increasingly, men too, are facing fertility problems.

HOW ACUPUNCTURE HELPS FERTILITY

The acupuncturist treats the menstrual cycle, regulating hormones, working to improve follicular development, endometrial thickness and ovarian function. In addition, addressing underlying problems such as endometriosis, Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome P.C.O.S., etc. This effectively improves the chances of conception.

Furthermore, acupuncture can also reduce stress and anxiety often experienced by couples who are trying to conceive. For some with unexplained infertility, acupuncture is often just the therapy to turn things around.

ASSISTED CONCEPTION

Assisted conception for women who fail to fall pregnant may be their only option. There may be an underlying reason for this such as blocked tubes, endometriosis, genetic problems or low sperm count.

Research has shown that acupuncture can increase the chances of IVF success by almost 50%.

Furthermore it has shown to reduce stress and increase blood flow to the reproductive organs. It is recommended to start treatments in advance of starting assisted conception, ideally a few months before. This is to prepare yourself mentally, emotionally and physically.

WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS?

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) the man’s sperm is washed, filtered and screened to ensure the best possible sperm is inserted into the woman’s womb.

Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) involves the woman injecting hormones to stimulate the growth of eggs. These eggs are collected once they are at the right stage of development and then mixed with the partners sperm in a laboratory. Once fertilisation occurs, the best quality egg, usually one, is inserted into the womb on day three or five.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a technique in which a single sperm is injected into the centre of an egg. The rate of fertilisation is generally around 90%.