image credit: Rebecca Price

Acupuncture for Fertility can help you if…

· you want to prepare your body for conception or have been trying to conceive for a little while and wonder if something isn’t quite right

· you are interested in acupuncture as a natural alternative before trying IVF  

· have managed to conceive but sadly miscarried early in the pregnancy or suffered a stillbirth

· have been told you have ‘unexplained infertility’ and are not sure what that means and what tests could help you

· have been diagnosed with Endometriosis, PCOS, high FHS or low AMH and want to know how that impacts your fertility

· you want to complement assisted fertility treatment with acupuncture –  IVF, ICSI, donor including same-sex couples

· you have had unsuccessful rounds of IVF with little explanation for the cause

· you already have one or more children but are having difficulty conceiving and/or holding further pregnancies to term (secondary infertility)

· are finding the fertility journey very stressful and need support

· you and your partner are navigating male factor infertility

Investigating the key pillars of health to optimise your fertility

· Menstrual cycle health - irregular or long cycles, absent or short cycles, heavy periods, pain, PMS, Endometriosis and PCOS

· Male factor - if you are conceiving with a partner we want to check on their sperm health, testing, lifestyle and health issues

· Digestive health - IBS, sensitivities, allergies, loose stools and constipation

· Vaginal health - history of HPV, BV, Thrush, STIs

· Sleep - problems falling asleep, night time waking, waking up tired

· Stress levels

How does Fertility Acupuncture work?

Acupuncture stimulates our nervous system which sends messages to the reproductive system. The treatment is very relaxing. You’ll fall into a deep state of rest or even fall asleep. Acupuncture specifically works to

• regulate hormone production and menstrual cycles

• direct blood flow to the uterus and ovaries to improve egg quality, endometrial lining and embryo implantation

• improve sperm count, morphology and motility

• reduce anxiety and address stress hormones such as cortisol which impact fertility outcomes

• support early pregnancy, particularly for those with a history of miscarriage

• work alongside IVF drug protocols to manage side effects and improve outcomes such as follicle production and embryo implantation

• support your mental-emotional health as you navigate what can be a challenging time

When should I start Fertility Acupuncture?

It is ideal to begin at least 3 months before you’re ready to conceive or 3 months before starting an IVF cycle. This timeframe allows enough time for treatment to have a positive impact. Research shows it typically takes 90 days (3 months) for eggs to mature and develop within the ovary in preparation for ovulation, and around 60 days for sperm to reach maturity. This is why it is crucial to maintain consistent efforts during this period to optimise your chances of conception. However, I also support couples who are just about to embark on an IVF cycle and Acupuncture is of great benefit at this time. Regardless of where you are in your journey, I am here to support you.

How often will I need to have Fertility Acupuncture?

This very much depends on your circumstances and underlying health, however, it is usually recommended that we work together weekly initially for a few months, supporting a healthy, regular menstrual cycle, and creating and maintaining a healthy ovulation. For IVF support, there are specific timed treatments to complement the key phases of the protocols, working towards egg collection and eventually Embryo Transfer. Please click on the ‘Book a Fertility Discovery Call’ button to discuss things further with Melanie.

An important note on male fertility

An embryo is 50% sperm, 50% egg, so it’s not just important it’s crucial that the correct testing (not just a standard sperm test) is carried out if you’ve been TTC for some time, have experienced miscarriage, are about to start IVF and especially if you are being recommended ICSI. We can discuss this in more detail at your consultation. *It’s important to note that men’s acupuncture treatments focus on the lower legs, abdomen and lower back, never the testicles.

The research - Acupuncture & IVF

A recent meta-analysis showed acupuncture can significantly increase in vitro fertilisation (IVF) success rates. The study included data from 25 high-quality randomised controlled trials involving 4,757 participants and concluded acupuncture boosts IVF live birth rates by an impressive 33.8%.

Melanie is a member of the Acupuncture Fertility Network, a professional special interest group of acupuncturists dedicated to helping individuals with fertility issues across the UK. As a member, the aim is to nurture your sense of wellbeing throughout your fertility journey, support your choices and wishes, and enhance your capacity to conceive wherever possible.

“I started having acupuncture with Melanie after my first round of IVF failed at an early stage (none of my eggs fertilised). Melanie is very knowledgeable about the fertility treatment process and she has a very reassuring presence. I found the acupuncture sessions extremely helpful in calming me in the run up to my second round of IVF and also during it. My endometrial lining was also a much healthier thickness this time round and I’m sure the acupuncture contributed to that. I felt much more supported during my second round of IVF which was due to the acupuncture sessions with Melanie that she’d carefully scheduled for key points during my IVF treatment. She also made the time (out of hours) for acupuncture sessions both before and after my embryo transfer. I’m so grateful for Melanie’s support in getting me to this stage.”

Catherine V.

“I had several sessions with Melanie to work on both my menstrual issues and throughout my pregnancy. Also to induce labour which worked a treat. I would highly recommend Melanie.”

Charly A. - 5 star Google review