IVF and Fertility
Acupuncture in support of IVF as well as for couples having difficulty conceiving has received a considerable amount of positive press and research in the last three years.
My practice receives a number of enquiries every month and I have treated many individuals with fertility issues.
I am a member of the Acupuncture Fertility Network, which is a group of acupuncturists with a special interest in fertility. We share information, ideas and suggestions, and members undergo further training in this area. I have attended further courses relating to IVF as well as gynaecology and issues around fertility.
I have one daughter, and I am familiar with the emotions, hopes and rewards involved in starting and bringing up a family.
At the end of this section are various links to websites that you may find useful and informative.
Much of the press coverage is positive, although some reports challenge the research findings. My own experience is that results in my clinic vary from positively dramatic to very disappointing, and reflect approximately the more positive research reports in the press.
For how long will I need treatment?
Couples having difficulty conceiving
Unlike most other conditions that I treat (where I would suggest three to four treatments initially), I suggest giving treatment longer in cases where couples are having difficultly conceiving. I am often contacted by couples that have been unable to conceive for a period of between eighteen months and two years.
In these cases I suggest treatments at weekly intervals to start with, and I also recommend patients have a period in their own mind of how long they are prepared to undergo treatment, which I suggest should not be less than two months, and may extend up to one year. Inevitably there is a certain element of open-endedness to this type of treatment by its very nature. However, other signs and symptoms may change during treatment, for example, changes in a menstrual cycle. I do not suggest continuing treatment if, for some reason, I feel it is no longer likely to be fruitful.
There may be no apparent cause for those having difficulty conceiving (unexplained infertility) or there may be a history of gynaecological problems that may determine how long treatment may be needed.
Women undergoing IVF
For women undergoing IVF treatment, I recommend starting treatment around 4 to 6 weeks before the start of the IVF process, where possible. I then normally treat at weekly intervals until close to the transfer procedure where I follow set acupuncture protocols which involve treatment shortly before egg collection, and then shortly before re-implantation, and again shortly after re-implantation.
Do please call me should you wish to discuss fertility treatment.
