INFERTILITY

Around one in seven couples may have difficulty conceiving. This is approximately 3.5 million people in the UK.

Women and men may seek to conceive naturally with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) rather than Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) cycles, or some may turn to TCM following a number of failed cycles. And others may wish to have TCM for at treatment before embarking on an ART (IUI, IVF) cycle to enhance their chances of success.

In China, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has helped infertile couples conceive for a very long time. I can remember that before I came to UK in 1990s, I had practiced Chinese medicine in Nanjing, China; there was no IVF treatment in Nanjing hospitals at all. Couples when they have fertility issues, they always seek TCM treatment. And more recently TCM has helped a growing number of women and men in the West to have babies. TCM may offer women and men an holistic treatment to improve their own health and thereby the quality of eggs as well as the quality and quantity of sperm. This is achieved by discussing each aspect of your health to diagnose and prescribe appropriate treatment for each individual.

A course of fertility treatment may encompass regular acupuncture sessions and taking Chinese medicine, as well as modifications to diet and lifestyle. For women, this also includes monitoring of any normal and abnormal gynaecological signs and symptoms. And for menstruating women, the recording of these signs and symptoms should include your basal body temperature (BBT).

Optimally, treatment should begin at least three months prior to attempts to conceive as it takes approximately three months for a follicle to develop and furthermore, to ensure the body is at its naturally healthiest, fertile state.

Preconception treatment may be divided into two stages should a woman have an underlying condition. The initial treatment plan must essentially address the underlying condition before moving onto the next stage in regulating the menstrual cycle.

Embarking on pre-conception treatment to ensure a healthy regulated cycle is particularly relevant if you have been diagnosed with ‘Unexplained Infertility’.  This diagnosis often leads many women to be referred for Assisted Reproductive Technology ART, however this is where TCM has its strengths as it promotes hormonal homeostasis for a more balanced body and mind. And subsequently, a more regulated and fertile menstrual cycle with healthier follicles and eggs.

The following conditions may be helped with Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to improve your chances of conception:

  • Unexplained causes
  • Amenorrhea (no menses)
  • Endometriosis
  • Irregular menstrual cycles
  • Immunological Factors
  • Luteal Phase Defect (LPD)
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
  • Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)
  • Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Poor Egg Quality
  • Stress
  • Thin Endometrium (uterine) lining

For many men and women, natural fertility may be gained with acupuncture, Chinese medicine, diet and lifestyle modifications; and for women, using a BBT chart. TCM is able to increase the chances of pregnancy and giving birth as it has been clinically demonstrated to:

  • Regulate and stabilise hormone levels: FSH, LH, Oestrogen, Progesterone
  • Regulate the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle
  • Regulate ovulation
  • Help produce more follicles
  • Improve egg quality
  • Increase blood flow to the uterus and ovaries
  • Thicken and improve the quality of the uterine lining
  • Moderate the immune system and overall health of the body
  • Reduce stress and anxiety
  • Reduce the chance of miscarriage
  • Absorb nutrients
  • Maintain a moderate weight
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IVS

ACUPUNCTURE FOR HELPING IUI/IVF

Acupuncture and IUI, IVF/ ICSI support illustrates the integrated approach to fertility which enhances your chances of becoming pregnant and giving birth.  Research has been proven that acupuncture can boost fertility.

Acupuncture during IUI, IVF/ ICSI is able to increase the chances of pregnancy and giving birth as it has been clinically demonstrated to:

  • Reduce stress and anxiety
  • Reduce uterine contractions which may cause an embryo from successfully implanting, improving chances of implantation
  • Moderate the immune system, which may prevent some women rejecting embryos
  • Reduce side effects from drugs and treatments, such as headaches, hot flushes, abdominal pain and swelling, headaches and breast soreness
  • Moderate mood swings
  • Reduce fatigue
  • Reduce the chance of miscarriage

*There are protocols in place that are timed according to your IUI, IVF, ICSI cycle, please do not hesitate to enquire.

ACUPUNCTURE SUPPORT DURING YOUR IVF PROGRAM

This programme consists of three-session package to assist couples who are seeking help with acupuncture whilst undergoing an IVF programme. We will try our best to put you in the slots to suit you.

We believe that a successful outcome of assisted fertility treatment is not solely based on a few sessions of acupuncture as the aim of these is to improve the blood supply and relax the patient during IVF.  More often, improving egg/sperm quality is the most important factor, which acupuncture cannot achieve alone.

To find out more about our IVF Support Program, Contact us