Acupuncture and Fertility

Our acupuncturists Maureen McCann and Sandra O’Hagan specialise in infertility and have had excellent results using Acupuncture.

Every treatment programme is tailored to your individual needs and may include Chinese herbal medicine as well as nutritional and lifestyle advice. Sandra uses herbal medicine as a fertility support because it has the ability to physically deliver nutrients to your body that help to support your health restoration and rebalance. Once balance is achieved your chances of conception should increase.

Tara* decided to have acupuncture for IVF support as she had heard that it can help improve the success rates for people going through infertility treatment. Tara’s periods were irregular and this is often associated with infertility. On top of this, she was feeling stressed and having trouble sleeping.

Acupuncture is believed to aid fertility by being able to regulate the menstrual cycle and promote regular ovulation. It has also been shown to aid relaxation, lower stress levels and improve sleep.

After an initial consultation and long, in-depth discussion with Sandra O’Hagan, her acupuncture practitioner, Tara immediately began to feel less anxious.

A personalised treatment programme was devised for her which consisted of regular acupuncture sessions combined with dietary advice and Chinese herbal supplements.

Tara was nervous about the needles at first, as acupuncture was a new experience for her. However,

Sandra’s reassuring and clear explanation of how the needles are used put her mind at rest.

Tara was delighted at how much calmer and more relaxed she felt after just the first session. As well as the treatment itself, she also felt it was a relief to able to talk about her issues with an experienced and understanding therapist like Sandra. After only a few acupuncture treatments Tara’s menstrual cycle became regular. “I felt more relaxed and grounded,” she said.

So did Tara get pregnant? The answer’s yes! Tara is now the proud mother of twin girls!

She is convinced that acupuncture played an important part in helping her to get pregnant. “I would highly recommend it. While focusing on the acupuncture points for my fertility issues, Sandra also treated me for stress; sleep problems, and even colds! So I would say to people that it is a broad alternative therapy that can be used for all kinds of purposes.”

Tara now plans to have acupuncture again, to regulate her cycle and for her general health. *Name changed to protect patient confidentiality.

For further case studies on how acupuncture could help you conceive click here for IVF support and induction or here> for IVF support and pain management.

Abigail* and her husband had been trying for a baby with no joy and eventually had to have IVF. Abigail decided to try acupuncture to give her body an extra boost and help her stay as relaxed and healthy as possible.

During her initial consultation we discussed her full medical history, including details of her menstrual cycle, and made observational diagnoses. We also carefully explained what she could expect in an acupuncture session.

Abigail had always had a fear of needles, so she was nervous about having acupuncture for the first time. However after the initial session she was relieved that it wasn’t painful at all. “I was pleasantly surprised at how relaxing and calming it was,” she says.

Her appointments also included nutritional advice and what dietary and lifestyle changes she could introduce to support the IVF process and bolster her health.

Abigail firmly believes the treatment played a significant part. “I believe it definitely helped with balancing my body and regulating blood flow to areas that needed it,” she says. “ I got pregnant!” The sessions also helped her to feel relaxed, supported and nurtured during what is often a very demanding and stressful time.

She then decided to have tailored acupuncture treatment to help prepare her body for labour, including an induction session. Acupuncture for the induction of labour is a very gentle process. “The first induction session, which was a partial induction, worked a treat,” she explains. “I went into labour at midnight, that night! The whole labour was nine and a half hours from start to finish.” The result? A safe, happy delivery and a healthy baby.

Sophie G* came to The Forge Clinic in Richmond to try acupuncture in 2014 following three unsuccessful rounds of IVF.

Acupuncture is commonly used to help lessen the risk of IVF failure and increase the chances of getting pregnant.

Sophie had been recommended acupuncture to improve the thickness of her endometrial lining, which was thought to be a significant reason for the unsuccessful IVF.

The endometrium is the layer of the uterus that thickens in preparation for the implantation of the fertilised embryo. When it comes to in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, preparation of the uterine lining is crucial. If it is not thick enough the embryo will not implant itself after transfer.

It is believed that acupuncture can help increase blood flow to the uterus, which will in turn promote the growth, thickness and quality of the endometrial lining, improving the chance of having a baby with IVF.

Sophie chose The Forge Clinic, Richmond after being recommended acupuncture and one of our Acupuncture therapists, Maureen McCann, specializes in IVF support. Sophie was new to acupuncture and wondered what the needles would feel like. “I was pleasantly surprised,” she said, adding: “It was helped by Maureen explaining the treatment to me… honestly and with great accuracy.”

Sophie was impressed with Maureen’s knowledge of fertility treatment and the specific issues she was experiencing. Maureen’s kind and sympathetic support and practical, straight-talking advice was just what Sophie needed and appreciated during the challenging time she faced.

Maureen provided a personalised treatment plan to help prepare Sophie’s body for a successful implantation, and it worked. The result was not one, but two successful pregnancies!

Sophie is convinced that after three failed IVF attempts, having acupuncture helped her to become pregnant both times through IVF.

It is not uncommon for women to experience back and pelvic pain during pregnancy, relating to increased weight and postural and hormonal changes. Pain is typically experienced in the lower back, pelvis and pubic area – commonly caused Pelvic Girdle Pain or Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD).

Sophie had suffered with lower back pain for over twenty years, and being pregnant made the condition worse. She also suffered with SPD during both pregnancies.

So Sophie continued with regular acupuncture treatments throughout her pregnancy as a method of natural pain management.

“Prior to acupuncture I tried various changes to my lifestyle, diet, other alternative treatments and remedies, however it was acupuncture I believe that made the difference.”

Acupuncture is very safe to have during pregnancy and is an effective option at a time if, like many women, you want to avoid taking medicine for minor ailments. It is essential that you choose an acupuncturist who is trained and a member of a professional body such as the British Acupuncture Council.

For more information and case studies on Acupuncture and Fertility treatment click here.

*Name changed to protect patient confidentiality

To book your appointment at The Forge Clinic, Richmond with one of our qualified Acupuncturists, please call us on 020 8332 6184, email us at info@theforgeclinic.com or book online.

Please note that our treatments do not replace medical advice and treatment. If you have any concerns, please see your GP first.

Acupuncture is an increasingly popular treatment to help with infertility. It is generally accepted that acupuncture could be worth trying if you’re looking to increase your chances of success. If you would like to book an appointment, please give us a call on 020 8332 6184, email us at info@theforgeclinic.com. Alternatively, you can book online.

Please note that our treatments do not replace medical advice and treatment. If you have any concerns, please consult your GP first.