Around 15% of the couples in the UK suffer from fertility challenges. Infertility has several causes, and simple reasons like stress and poor habits contribute to reproductive issues in both men and women. 

When we experience stress, the rise in cortisol level that follows can shut down our reproductive hormones. Medical research has proven how long-standing stress disrupts mental and emotional health and that it hinders sexual function. In addition, insomnia, digestive issues, depression, anxiety, fatigue, headache, and gynaecological problems. The compounding nature of these easily treatable conditions eventually contributes to a reduced ability to conceive naturally.

Whether you decide to use acupuncture to conceive naturally or as support for assisted fertility treatments, such as IVF or IUI, acupuncture will restore the mind/body state of relaxation required for a healthy pregnancy.  Recent research suggests that acupuncture increases the pregnancy success rate by 46% in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy. That means your chance to fall pregnant doubles compared to couples who do not receive acupuncture treatment during IVF or IUI.

One of acupuncture's key features is to bring the mind and body to a calm, quiet, meditative, deep yin state. In such a state, the body undergoes its self-repairing process.

In the context of infertility, it will stimulate blood flow in the reproductive organs, increase the lining of the uterus, and improve egg quality. It will also balance hormonal levels, regulate the menstrual cycle, and improve sperm quality in men. 

Acupuncture is always about bringing the body to balance and to the optimal internal environment needed. Like a greenhouse needs to have the optimal climate to allow seeds to grow into a plant, the body needs the same. You do not want it to be too cold, too hot, too humid, dry, windy, or full of obstructions; you want an ideal, internal climate rich in nutrients so that the embryo can implant and grow up to the completion of your pregnancy.  

An incorrect internal climate is the origin of many most common infertility problems, such as endometriosis, PCOS, ovulatory issues, menstrual cycle irregularities, recurrent miscarriage and low sperm count.

Resolution of those problems is fundamental for conception and is part of the acupuncturist's scope to address them during the first stage of the treatment. Dietary and lifestyle factors will also be assessed and rectified during treatment, along with physical and emotional imbalances. 

In the same line, acupuncture can offer support during your pregnancy, addressing pregnancy-related issues such as morning sickness, acid reflux, pregnancy-induced high blood pressure and oedema. Acupuncture is also used to resolve breech and posterior position problems, and it is becoming the favourite form of intervention for many couples to induce labour.

block for.