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A c u p u n c t u r e

Fertility & Pregnancy

Acupuncture has been used for many years to treat fertility issues in both women and men, and today, it can still be used pre conception and to support IVF, pregnancy and post natal recovery for new mums.

Treating fertility and pregnancy

Fertility and conception
It seems that fertility has become an issue for an increasing number of couples. Difficulty in conceiving can have a medical label or can be ‘unexplained’. No matter the reason, being unable to start or increase a family can lead to sadness and frustration.

I have experience in treating both female and male fertility issues. Treatment can be an alternative to or in conjunction with western medicine. For women, treatment may be aimed at helping to improve general health in preparation for conception or supporting a course of Clomid; or may be more directly aimed at the ovulation process, the menstrual cycle or a specific condition such as ovarian cysts, fibroids/polyps, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, premature ovarian failure or habitual miscarriage. Evidence from my practice suggests that aligning treatment with the woman’s menstrual cycle and monitoring ovulation and the menstrual cycle generally can help improve chances of fertilization and implantation

Working with men may also be beneficial to sperm health. Because the sperm maturation process is around 70 - 90 days, sperm quality/quantity may be influenced via a range of measures, such as addressing stress, diet, tight clothing, alcohol intake etc. Acupuncture may be beneficial to men wishing to address general health issues relating to sperm quality. Treatment can include assessing the impact of lifestyle as well as helping address stress and anxiety so often a part of our everyday lives

Supporting IVF
Many couples may need to turn to IVF as a way of achieving conception and pregnancy. Acupuncture can be used to complement the IVF process. For women, treatment can begin before IVF injections start and can continue throughout the process. Treatments just before and after embryo transfer can be extremely valuable. Evidence from my own clinic shows they help relax and calm the woman before embryo transfer and help prepare her for the 'two week wait' before her pregnancy test. Men can also benefit before IVF begins by addressing issues relating to sperm quality/quantity.

Supporting pregnancy
Acupuncture can be beneficial during pregnancy. Treatment every 4 - 6 weeks can encourage energy flow to the uterus as well as helping general energy levels and relieving conditions common in pregnancy - nausea, backache, fatigue and haemorrhoids.

Acupuncture 4 - 6 weeks before the due date can help to prepare for birth. It can also be used to help turn breech babies and induce labour if the pregnancy is over term.
Zita West recommends acupuncture every week from 36 weeks onwards.

Supporting post natal recovery
New mums are often tired and acupuncture treatment can help to replace energy lost in the birth and whilst breastfeeding. Just a few treatments can help to rebuild your energy, relax you and treat any specific conditions such as backache.

The Zita West National Network for Reproductive Health

The Zita West National Network for Reproductive Health is now in its second year. Two training events per year ensure that network members stay up to date with Zita West’s holistic approach to achieving optimum reproductive health. Zita West is a midwife, author and fertility and pregnancy expert based in London. Her clinic is the largest integrated (medical and complementary) practice in the UK specialising in all aspects of male and female reproductive health

As an independent acupuncturist, being part of the Zita West network means I have access to the skills and experience of Zita and her team of doctors, midwives and complementary therapists, to help my work with clients who wish to boost fertility, enhance IVF, improve pregnancy, enhance birth outcomes and support post-natal recovery

Click to access the Zita West website for more information about the benefits of working with a Zita West Affiliated Acupuncturist

Fertility articles

These articles may be of interest to men and women considering acupuncture to improve their chances of conception:

Acupuncture improves IVF success Rates by 65%!!
A scientific report published in the Guardian, The Times and The Daily Telegraph Newspaper and BBC News in Feb 2008.
Click to read the study online.


Influence of Acupuncture on the Pregnancy Rate in Patients who Undergo Assisted Reproduction Therapy (ART)
The Paulus study published in 2002 that drew attention to the part acupuncture can play in improving pregnancy rates after ART.
Click to read the study online.


Acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer significantly improves the reproductive outcome in infertile women: a prospective, randomized trial.
The Westergaard study (2006) used the same protocol as the Paulus study before and after IVF implantation.
Click to read the study online.


Evidence suggests that acupuncture can have an effect on sperm production and quality
The 2005 Pei study that found that treatment of unexplained male infertility could benefit from treatment with acupuncture.
Click to read the study online.