ACUPUNCTURE FOR FERTILITY AND PREGNANCY HOW CAN ACUPUNCTURE HELP MY FERTILITY? Research has shown that acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine can:- Improve ovarian function to produce better quality eggs, regulate the hormones to produce more follicles and increase the thickness of the uterine lining Assist relaxation, reduce stress and lessen the side effects of drugs used in Assisted Fertility Treatments Strengthen the immune system Improve semen quantity, quality and motility Decrease the chances of miscarriage HOW CAN ACUPUNCTURE AFFECT PREGANANCY RATES FOR IVF/ICSI PROCEDURES? A randomised trial published in April 2002 ("Fertility and Sterility" Vol.77, No.4) concluded that, compared to the control group, "the analysis shows that the pregnancy rate for the acupuncture group is considerably higher (42.5% success versus 26.3%) ...the results demonstrate that acupuncture therapy improves pregnancy rates". This protocol gave acupuncture treatments both 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after embryo transfer. However, if this is not possible, it is currently accepted that the two treatments carried out on the same day as transfer is just as effective. Please contact me for the fees charged for embryo transfer treatments. In addition, I will always want to see you for a first acupuncture consultation before transfer. HOW CAN ACUPUNCTURE HELP PREGNANCY? Acupuncture can:- Relieve nausea and help the digestion Help excessive tiredness and smooth out mood swings Give pain relief when taking painkillers is not advisable e.g. for headaches, leg discomfort etc. Encourage optimal position of the baby (i.e. turn breech babies) Induce labour AFTER THE BIRTH Acupuncture can:- Improve milk supply Minimise low moods and help alleviate post-natal depression Reduce tiredness The number of treatments required depends on each person, the symptoms or conditions suffered and any medication taken. Please be aware that it takes at least 3 cycles/months to see an improvement in egg or sperm quality, hormone balance and overall improvement to the uterine lining.