Is acupuncture the answer to your fertility problems?
Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points around the body. Chinese Medicine has been using this practice for more than 2,000 years to address pain, illness, and imbalance in the body and mind… but also fertility.
There are many benefits to acupuncture. It often helps with underlying issues like stress, anxiety, indigestion, or insomnia because it creates a general sense of calm and wellbeing.
It also has proven effects on fertility. Clinical studies show IVF patients who’ve undertaken acupuncture go on to have a healthy pregnancy past 12 weeks of gestation. In the past, there’s been a question mark over these findings but now medical bodies and IVF clinics are actively recommending acupuncture to their patients.
According to the NHS, 1-in-7 couples in the UK have trouble conceiving. So, we spoke to acupuncturist Rebecca Mathiszig Lee to understand what acupuncture really does to help fertility.
How can acupuncture help if you’re trying for a baby?
Acupuncture helps to regulate menstruation in women by encouraging a regular cycle and addressing painful, heavy, sporadic or missing periods such as those linked to conditions like polycystic ovaries or endometriosis.
Acupuncture also nurtures emotional wellbeing. Dealing with miscarriages and fertility hardships can hugely affect anxiety and stress levels. It’s important this is addressed because we believe the mind, body, and spirit are interlinked.
What does a session involve?
It starts with an initial consultation that focuses on getting to know you, your main complaint, and all the areas within your life such as diet, lifestyle, digestion, medical history, periods, and emotions. We also note the quality of your hair, skin, and nails, before finally taking a tongue (which shows us what is happening inside the body’s organs) and a pulse reading for further diagnosis.
We’ll then put together a diagnosis and treatment plan, explaining what we’re looking to address from a Chinese medicine perspective and how much treatment we anticipate you needing.
Next, it’s time for your needle nap. Needles will be placed in the body and you should feel a sense of deep relaxation rather than a experience fear. You might even fall asleep.
The needles are left in for around 20-30 minutes, after which you may feel rejuvenated and relaxed.
It’s worth bearing in mind that acupuncture has a cumulative effect and we encourage patients to come back to ensure the benefits are felt. That’s why a treatment plan with your practitioner is a good guide to finding out regularity and price details for your recommended course before committing.
View this post on Instagram
How soon after are you likely to see the effects?
Some clients can see a difference in emotional state almost instantly. For others, especially if their treatment is aiming to regulate cycle or help with something like endometriosis, it can take up to six months. Everyone is different but, regardless of whether you have a chronic or acute condition, a treatment plan will give you a realistic idea of what and when to expect positive changes.
At what stage should it be booked?
Everyone’s circumstances are different, but in general we recommend starting acupuncture a good two-three months before trying for a baby. This prepares your body to be in the best possible condition right from the start.
Some enjoy coming for treatments once a month for a couple of years before trying to conceive to keep everything ‘topped up’ and regulated. Initially, you’ll benefit from weekly treatments — ideally up to six sessions.
The only way fertility sessions vary is if you’re planning IVF. In this case, the acupuncturist will want to discuss the process and for you to start IVF treatments three months before undergoing acupuncture. But we still welcome you into the clinic whenever works with you.
Again, every patient is different. Some don’t have a period, some don’t know their period day, and some track their cycles on an app so know when it will start down to the exact hour. Whichever bracket you fit in, it’s always best to see a practitioner for the initial consultation and a personalised treatment plan.
Are there fertility benefits for men?
Absolutely. As the old saying goes, it takes two. Acupuncture can increase sperm count and motility. In Chinese Medicine, herbs are highly recommended for male fertility so it may also benefit you to work with a Chinese herbalist.
How much does it cost?
Private acupuncturist treatments can range from £50-£110 per session in London, though there are many £20-£50 sessions if you’re comfortable with using a multi-bed clinic.
Rebecca Mathiszig Lee is a licensed, traditional, Chinese medicine trained acupuncturist and a member of the British Acupuncture Council.
