• Are you trying to conceive, but it hasn’t happened as easily as you’d hoped?
• Are you stressed out by the monthly roller coaster ride, the emotional highs and lows?
• Are you tired and frustrated with how clinical the process seems to have become?
• Looking for an alternative way to help your body conceive?

If you’ve answered yes to the above questions, then you must know that you’re not alone. Trying to conceive a child without success is one of the hardest challenges in life to face. Not only because often the reason is left unexplained – but because the process itself is very disempowering. Medication, hormones, medical procedures, and diet & lifestyle changes often fail to make any significant difference. This can leave many women – and men – with feelings of stress, anxiety and depression. The sad part is that in a cruel cycle, it is often times the stress and anxiety that further decrease the chances of conceiving, because the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline interfere with ovulation and conception.

Acupuncture: Utilizing a combination of modern research & ancient wisdom.

Acupuncture is used to help return the body back to its most optimal natural balanced state, so that it has the best possible opportunity to conceive and to maintain a pregnancy. Research has shown that Acupuncture improves the chances of conception, and a substantial amount of people undergoing IVF and also those trying to conceive naturally, incorporate Acupuncture into their treatment plan. Research from 2006 (link) indicates that Acupuncture may help improve pregnancy success rates in IVF recipients that have received Acupuncture during IVF treatment.

How does Acupuncture help?

The Acupuncture fertility treatment plan focuses on strengthening the immune system, regulating hormones, reducing stress, improving ovarian function, relaxing the uterus, maintaining implantation and nourishing embryo growth, preventing uterine contractions, and improving semen quality and quantity in men.

Natural fertility cycles.

For women: the focus is to regulate the menstrual cycle and ovulation, regulate
hormone levels & ovulation and support implantation. Ideally, up to three months’ treatment is required, but longer may be needed if there is a history of underlying problems such as Polycystic Ovaries or Endometriosis. However, some improvement in other symptoms, such as the length and quantity of flow or the reduction or disappearance of pain should occur within 1-2 cycles. For men: acupuncture has been shown to be effective in improving low motility or sperm count, which accounts for 40% of infertility cases in presenting couples in the West.

IVF and ART cycles.

For couples trying to conceive, IVF is a stressful and challenging time, both physically and emotionally. In order to increase thickness and nourishment to the lining of the womb, treatment should ideally be started 3 months before implantation. However, treatments only a couple of weeks in advance will also help. Acupuncture is given weekly prior to ovulation/egg collection, and then directly before and after embryo transfer. After a positive pregnancy test, if there is a history of miscarriage, treatment is recommended up to week 12.

What can we expect to achieve?

The ultimate goal is to achieve a positive pregnancy test, and then a pregnancy that carries successfully to 12 weeks, and further. There are no guarantees as to the outcome you will receive, given the number of factors that may be at play. Some are lucky enough to fall pregnant in the first few cycles, for others it can take longer. However, you can expect to notice a difference in a number of other symptoms after the first few sessions – improved menstrual cycles (reduced pain, improved regularity, better blood flow, more consistent moods), improved immunity and well being, better sleep patterns, and reduced levels of stress and anxiety.

What does the treatment plan consist of?

Once a full case history has been taken, a recommended treatment plan will be discussed and agreed upon. Your constitutional type and diagnosis in Chinese Medicine will also be shared, along with recommended dietary and lifestyle changes. For the most part, treatments are weekly, so that you can be treated at key times during your menstrual cycle.

You’re in good hands.

Ann is a fully qualified and accredited Acupuncturist, who is passionate about helping and supporting couples who are trying to conceive naturally, or those undergoing assisted conception (IUI/ IVF). This approach helps to optimise fertility, naturally, using a unique combination of tried, tested and proven methods.

Ann is recognised by all health funds that offer rebates for Acupuncture. Check with your fund to confirm your level of cover.