For the past ten years I have supported hundreds of couples in their journey to conception. Some of my patients are in the process of seeking conventional medical treatment such as ovulation induction, IUI, IVF or ICSI while others are looking into more natural ways to enhance their fertility.

Whatever the case, a growing body of research assures us that acupuncture treatment alone or in combination with Chinese herbal medicine can improve both male and female fertility. Acupuncture has been shown to regulate the menstrual cycle, improve ovarian function and thus improve the regularity of ovulation, encourage better blood flow to the reproductive organs and bring hormonal balance, as well as improve sperm parameters such as sperm count and motility.

For my female patients the holistic approach of Chinese Medicine will have a detailed look at the menstrual cycle over the years, a history of operations, past pregnancies and their outcome as well as a full history of the patient’s general health and well being. This in combination with blood tests and scan results will allow us to form together a detailed treatment plan unique to the individual.

Similarly, for male patients a full medical history is taken in order to identify whether past infections, operations or lifestyle choices may have impacted on the quality of the sperm. Acupuncture treatment can calm the mind and reduce stress, which often has a detrimental effect on sexual health, as well as improve blood flow to the pelvic area and therefore improve sperm count and motility. Advice on diet, exercise and nutritional supplements is also given to improve sperm morphology ad overall health. 

The conditions that we most often see in clinic that can affect fertility are:

• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
• Endometriosis
• Amenorrhoea
• Dysmenorrhoea
• Fibroids or cysts
• Poor egg quality
• Low sperm count
• Low sperm motility
• Poor sperm quality