Acupuncture for Fertility
Fertility issues are an increasing western problem. Currently 1 in 6 couples have difficulty in conceiving and are referred to a specialist. In London this figure is even higher.
It is thought that approximately 40% of fertility lies with the man, 40% with the woman and 20% to a combination. It is therefore important that infertility is viewed a joint condition.
Chinese medicine has been successfully treating infertility for more than 2000 years and more recently western research has seen it come more and more to the forefront in fertility medicine as either a support or as an alternative.
Patients come with recognised conditions which can cause infertility. For women this can include:
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Blocked Fallopian tubes
- Endometriosis
- Low sperm count, motility or morphology
- Auto-immune disorders
- Hormone imbalances
Additionally many cases of infertility will have an unknown western cause.
Chinese treatment for infertility is based not just on these medical terms but on traditional pattern discrimination. The first step is to look at the menstrual cycle and attempt to regulate it. This may involve changing the length or regularity of the cycle, the heaviness and nature of the period, or premenstrual symptoms. See the discussion of the menstrual cycle for further explanation. Making these improvements can improve mature egg quality, fertile mucus and the endometrium which in turn increase the likelyhood of fertilisation and implantation.
In our clinic, we pay close attention to every detail of the menstrual cycle and by studying the subtle changes in symptoms and temperature we can provide a very targeted treatment. Our aims with each treatment depend on where you are in your cycle and what the body needs to be doing at that time.
Acupuncture and herbal medicine do not have to be an alternative to western medicine. Used in conjunction with medication like Clomid and Metformin or, as in the case of IVF, the chances of conception can increase even further.
The London Acupuncture clinic has specialised in the treatment of fertility related issues for the last 10 years and sees over 300 couples trying to conceive each week. We work in close connections with many gynaecologists and fertility units and have provided in-house service at IVF units.