Acupuncture is an increasingly popular choice in the treatment of fertility issues whether used alone or alongside western fertility programmes. It is used to help promote and achieve pregnancy for those experiencing difficulties with conception or sustaining a pregnancy. Couples may face some the following challenges with fertility:

• Unexplained infertility.
• Endometriosis.
• Polycystic ovaries.
• Recurrent miscarriage.
• Inadequate hormone levels.
• High prolactin levels.
• Poor egg quality.
• Thin endometrial lining.

In males:

• Low sperm volume.
• Low sperm motility.
• Low sperm morphology.

Chinese herbs, diet and lifestyle recommendations may also be incorporated alongside the acupuncture treatment where required.

In conjunction with IVF and other Western medical interventions, acupuncture has been shown to increase conception rates by up to 26% for couples experiencing a range of fertility difficulties

During IVF treatment, acupuncture helps promote fertility by:

• Reducing stress to help optimal blood flow circulate the uterus and calm the body.
• Balances the internal temperature to ensure a healthy womb climate for conception.
• Supports and enhances follicle growth alongside prescribed stimulation.
• Relaxes muscle contractions within the uterus after the transfer.
• Strengthens the body’s own hormonal system during and after the conception.

The combination of the these mechanisms increases the likelihood of successful embryo implantation and of maintaining a pregnancy. Ideally, it is recommended that treatment is started before beginning an IVF programme to yield the best results.