I have a special interest in issues surrounding fertility and treatments alongside IVF procedures. There is a growing body of evidence that shows acupuncture is a useful tool alongside IVF. Not only does it help to regulate and encourage blood circulation in the ovaries and uterus, it also helps to calm the mind and reduce stress.
My ultimate goal is to help couples achieve pregnancy naturally and this can be possible if there are no physical impediments that would prevent this. I have my own unique protocol that is proving to be very successful, and treatment needs to be at least 3-6 months. Often longer if there is a condition that needs treating. Usually both acupuncture and herbal medicine are recommended. This way it is possible to stimulate and provide the body with, sometimes much needed, blood and nutritional tonics. The herbal formulas are tailor made to you as an individual and we work together to enhance every stage of your cycle.
To support the menstrual cycle by regular acupuncture and herbal medicine is an effective therapy to successfully promote pregnancy. Not only does it help women to conceive naturally it also improves their ovarian functions, raises hormonal levels, corrects the state of the endometrium in the uterus and harmonises the whole reproductive system. It also raises the success rate of IVF.
By way of analogy: If you want to plant successfully, you have to thoroughly plough the soil before you put the seed into it. So if you want to conceive easily, you have to improve the lining of the endometrium and create good circulation in the location. Acupuncture and herbal treatment are like ploughing which helps the uterus and the whole abdominal cavity to be in a good healthy condition. If the patient is in a good condition, she will conceive, either naturally or with help through assisted procedures.
MALE INFERTILITY
We must remember that 'it takes 2 to tango' and about 40% of infertility is due to problems with the sperm. Issues with low counts, motility and morphology are very responsive to Chinese Medicine but it does require 3 months of treatment to give the sperm the time to change. Alterations in diet and lifestyle factors can have a big influence on the quality of sperm too.