Supporting Assisted Conception With Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a safe, effective natural treatments which can help create the optimum environment for conception. If you are undergoing assisted conception I work with you to support your mind and body as well as aiding with any side effects.
Early Preparation
Ideally, it’s advised that the couple meet with their acupuncturist from between 3-6 months prior to IVF. This is so that treatment can support eggs and sperm which take around 90 days to mature. But don’t be put off by this even if your treatment is underway.
Acupuncture can have a very positive effect on natural fertility and for those undergoing assisted reproductive techniques (IVF, ICSI, IUI). It can help with many issues including hormonal imbalances, PCOS, irregular periods and low sperm count to name just a few.
To get the best results treatment should be weekly or fortnightly for a few months, if possible.
Treatment Plan During IVF, ICSI
Down regulation, if you’re undertaking the long protocol, acupuncture can help your body deal with hormones in your system and help you stay calm.
Stimulation phase, acupuncture can help blood and energy to support and assist your follicles as they grow rapidly. It can also support your endometrial lining as well as promoting general relaxation.
Egg collection, treatment can help you overcome discomfort and stress. It is also advisable for the man to receive treatment either the day before or of the retrieval to boost his sperm’s energy.
Pre and post transfer acupuncture has been demonstrated to significantly increase success rates. Pre transfer treatment is aimed at dilating the cervix, relaxing the uterus, lessening cramps, and aging implantation. Post transfer aims to support circulation to the uterus, nourish embryo growth and support the prevention of contractions. Ideally these treatments should be on the same day as the transfer, but it’s worth noting that the benefits of acupuncture last for many hours and days beyond treatment.
The most commonly used acupuncture protocol for pre and post transfer IVF is the Paulus Protocol. Jo has a great deal of experience supporting patients during IVF and her research into the positive effects of acupuncture on success rates of IVF has been published in the Journal of Chinese Medicine.
The Two week wait, after transfer and before your pregnancy test can feel like an eternity. Acupuncture during this time can help you keep your calm as well support your potential pregnancy.
Early Pregnancy
If you have a history of miscarriage or any reason for concern during this time, acupuncture can be very helpful. It is also very effective in treating normal pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, sickness, and low energy.
Jo has had a great deal of success workin with IVF patients. If you’d like to book you can do so online
What People Say About Acupuncture For Fertility With Jo
I found Jo when I started IVF and acupuncture was recommended. It was a daunting time but right from our first contact, where Jo moved things around to see me, I knew I was in good hands.
As an older patient, the success rates were slim, however Jo provided confidence, care, balance and stability during a sometimes difficult and emotional journey.
She inspired me to hand myself over to her and her practise, which eventually resulted in a positive pregnancy.
I continued with acupuncture throughout the pregnancy and found it immensely nurturing and effective, especially in the first 12 weeks and the latter 4.
When plans of a home birth were replaced with a stay in the hospital, I called upon Jo and her magic needles. With a western medicine clock ticking in the background, Jo’s session miraculously induced labour and within 24 hours I gave birth naturally to a beautiful baby girl.
That’s my personal experience and I encourage anyone searching for support with fertility treatment to also hand themselves over to the talented, caring and brilliant Jo Hull.
Forever indebted
