We know that people going through fertility issues have between 25-60% higher levels of anxiety and depression than those who don’t, however, stress and mental health issue do NOT cause infertility, and we think it’s important to reassure women that high-stress levels are not the reason why you are going through fertility issues.
PCOS is the most common cause of anovulatory infertility. Research has shown that women diagnosed with PCOS have a higher chance of pregnancy complications than other women. Acupuncture can treat PCOS by regulating hormones and increasing blood flow to the ovaries to reduce the number of cysts helping to re-establish ovulation.
Benefits of Acupuncture for PCOS:
• Regulate insulin resistance
• Help with weight loss
• Reduce androgen excess
• Reduce to cysts
• Re-establish ovulation and a regular cycle.
• Menstrual Cycle health
• Digestive System
• Vaginal Health
• Immune system function
• Sleep
• Lifestyle
• Stress
• Potential male factor
In TCM, a robust regular menstrual cycle optimises fertility. A balanced cycle with a steady follicular phase as the ovum grows, matched with an even length luteal phase is what we are aiming for. The lead up to a period should be without PMT, and when flow starts it should be without pain. A healthy flow should not be too heavy or too scanty and without clots. Acupuncture treatment is given at key times during the menstrual cycle, depending on your particular needs, to address the disharmonies present and ensure a smooth harmonious cycle.
When treating menstrual issues, Anna will normally ask you to use a BBT (Basal Body Temperature) charting. We use the pattern of the temperature changes to help us determine the diagnosis and to decipher which phase of the cycle needs attention.
Acupuncture for fertility. Anna's aim is to help guide you to investigations that may not have been done, and to thoroughly explore all areas of your health and fertility to get you the right treatment.
Research on Acupuncture and miscarriage is very promising. One recent study on Acupuncture alongside IVF showed a 50% decrease in the miscarriage rate.
Another study suggests Acupuncture may even be a potential supportive treatment for threatened or recurrent miscarriages due to its beneficial effects on serum cortisol and prolactin levels during IVF.
Endometriosis is a condition where the endometrium, the innermost lining of the uterus, grows in other areas of the reproductive system and thickens, breaks down and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. The tissue is unable to leave the body and becomes trapped, resulting in scar tissue and adhesions.
Women often experience a delay in diagnosis for endometriosis, left untreated it can cause severe pain, bladder and bowel problems and fertility issues.
According to recent studies, acupuncture is more effective than hormone therapy for treating endometriosis. Acupuncture can alleviate menstrual pain, reduces pelvic masses and can decrease the recurrence rate of endometriosis, improving women's quality of life and enhancing the chances of conception.
Many couples who are struggling to conceive have been diagnosed with unexplained infertility, this accounts for between 30-50% of couples that are having difficulty getting pregnant. Often what is needed are more thorough investigations to try and get to the root of the issue.
Anna can help guide you through all the western medical tests that may not have been thoroughly investigated to help find any underlying conditions which may be impacting fertility. Often by addressing areas such as vaginal health, the immune system, menstrual health and lifestyle, answers can be found.
