Fertility, Gynaecology & Obstetric Acupuncture
What does Fertility Acupuncture benefit?
Fertility Acupuncture is proven to help:
reduce stress and cortisol
stimulate blood flow to the uterus
influence the natural menstrual cycle and ovulation
regulate female and male reproductive hormones
promote follicle development
What support is recommended?
Natural conception leading to a successful pregnancy can take 12 - 18 months. A minimum lead in period of 3 months fertility acupuncture, sometimes called the pre-mester or zero trimester, is suggested for the pre-conception plan, allowing sufficient time to integrate acupuncture, supplements, nutrition and lifestyle adjustments as it takes 100 days for the sperm and follicles to mature.
How does Fertility Acupuncture support Assisted Fertility?
Fertility Acupuncture is recommend 3 months prior to IVF, ART, ICSI. Acupuncture may also support IVF stimulation phase, before and after embryo transfer and 7 days after your embryo transfer. Many women benefit from receiving Acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer or within a 24 hour period before and after transfer.
Should I inform my Doctor?
It is important that you let your Doctor and your Fertility Team know you are receiving Acupuncture. The Clinics and Consultants that we know either offer Acupuncture or support Acupuncture as an integrated part of the Fertility journey include:
Obstetrician Consultant Dr Nikhil Purandare of Fertility and Fetal Health
SIMS
What are the benefits of Fertililty Acupuncture?
5 Elements Acupuncture benefits Women's and Men's Sexual and Reproductive Health, with acupuncture for Fertility, Gynaecology, Obstetric, Infertility, ART, IVF, IUI, ICSI Natural and Assisted Conception. Couples treatments are available. Positive self care activities are encouraged to support and deepen couples bonding and connection.
What is the research for Fertility Acupuncture?
Research shows that Acupuncture can be effective both before and during fertility treatment, assisting with hormone stimulation, ovulation and embryo implantation by: reducing stress and anxiety, improving blood circulation, regulating hormones and menstrual cycle, increasing conception/implantation success, reducing side effects during ART, increase successful pregnancy, supporting natural delivery and post-natal recovery. Acupuncture supports a range of Male and Female Fertility and Infertility issues.
In a recent NCBI paper their research concludes that “some investigations have already demonstrated that Acupuncture had positive effects in anovulatory subfertility , male subfertility, pain relief during oocyte retrieval, IVF implantation rates, and the quality of life of patients undergoing IVF. Also, there are reviews suggesting that certain effects of Acupuncture are needed by uterus and it improves pregnancy rates and live birth among women undergoing IVF.
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It is widely accepted that the following factors are significant for overall health and can impact your ability to conceive and sustain a healthy pregnancy:
smoking
being overweight
alcohol
drugs prescribed and non-prescription
stress
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Generally, it is advised that you get referred, if you have been actively trying to conceive for at least one year.
Actively trying to conceive is described as sexual intercourse every 2-4 days during ovulation without contraception.
If you are over 35, you are advised to get referred sooner.
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We recommend you consult with your GP, Fertility Specialist and Medical Professionals, who have undertaken extra training in Fertility and Gynaecology.
Fertility tests for women:
Blood tests: The levels of the hormone Progesterone is checked to indicate ovulation.
STI’s: You may be tested for Chlamydia and other STI’s.
Ultrasound or X-ray: Ultrasound and X-ray will be recommended if there is a clinical indication and as part of medical investigation.
HyCoSy: HyCoSy is a Hysterosalpingo Contrast Sonography, a transvaginal ultrasound for the fallopian tubes. A safe contrast dye is used to provide a contrast image of the fallopian tubes. The test informs your Gynaecologist or Obstetrician if there are any blockages.
Fertility tests for Men:
Semen analysis
Blood tests
STI’s
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Q10 - research shows that supplementation can improve both male and female fertility and can even improve fertility treatment such as IVF.
Selenium - Selenium may support fertility and pregnancy
Selenium contributes to normal spermatogenesis; the process in which sperm is made, supporting male fertility.
In a 2009 study, men receiving 200μg of selenium daily had significantly increased total sperm count and motility compared to those taking a placebo.
Selenium may also support female fertility and improve the chances of conception in couples opting for IVF treatment.
Studies also show that selenium may decrease symptoms of postpartum depression, and a particular study (known as SPRINT) conducted in the UK showed that SelenoPrecise reduced the risk of pre-eclampsia, a condition that can cause raised blood pressure and seizures in pregnancy.
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For relationships to thrive, good communication and discussion is vital during all stages of the Fertility journey.
You can listen to Esther Perel, leading couples psychotherapist, podcast, Where should we Begin. Esther believes ‘that the quality of our relationships determines the quality of our lives’.
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Emotional health is as important as physical health in 5 Element Acupuncture. We explore any fears you may have, past traumas or other emotions that may need to be addressed. It is common to experience some level of anxiety when making significant life decisions.
Lifestyle changes: reduce stress, address fears or blocks to conception, strengthen bond with partner.
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Regular acupuncture treatment, to address any health issues, to balance energy, to boost the immune system, to balance the hormones, to reduce body response to stress and to support through all stages of the journey. Acupressure, Moxibustion, Meditation and Tapping Techniques are also recommended.
Lifestyle recommendations include: increase sleep, reduce stress, NO alcohol/drugs/cigarettes, regular exercise, balanced nutrition, supplements and meditation.
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Sex is energy. Treatment will support and enhance your sexual energy and intimacy. Your treatment plan will support your health and encourage the deeper bonding and intimate space necessary for creating your family.
Lifestyle changes: guided exercises and meditation to promote and develop intimacy, bonding and sexual energy.
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In a study, benefits of acupuncture on pregnancy success rates for women undergoing in vitro fertilization, Guven et al, observed that:
“three sessions of acupuncture before and after ET (embryo transfer) significantly increased the pregnancy rates in women with unexplained infertility. It was also found that acupuncture significantly reduced anxiety levels that occurred before ET.”
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In this study, Ball et al, 2020, assessed the benefits of Acupuncture for managing chronic pain in women with endometriosis was reviewed with , Diet, Exercise and Psychological Interventions.
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I attended Mary's practice after months of being nauseous during first trimester, having weekly migraines and difficulties to sleep. Traditional medicine failed to diagnose the root cause, Mary did it on the first visit! Going there is not just having needles in, you benefit from a clean and relaxing environment thanks to the addition of meditation music. You are also listened to, and the treatment is adapted week to week. Mary really helped me physically and psychologically to be again the actor of my life.
Magdalena, Galway
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I’d highly recommend Element Acupuncture!! Acupuncturist Mary is the sweetest, kindest lady, she is so experienced and professional. She really helped to prepared me for the delivery of my bundle of joy. Mary made the last few weeks of my pregnancy more comfortable and I felt very relaxed and focused for the big day! Thank so much Mary!!
Fiona, Galway
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I had dabbled in acupuncture in the past but never felt fulfilled after the experience...that was until I met Mary. A warm, safe & welcoming environment set the tone for what became a journey for me both physically & emotionally. I originally attended Mary with the intention of having Cosmetic Acupuncture. However I soon realised that 5 element acupuncture was to play a huge part in my overall well being. Mary's caring, calm yet professional way made me feel at ease from the start. We started a therapeutic journey together which ultimately led to me discussing my desire to become pregnant but how it hadn't "happened". Being the wrong side of 30 I knew my time was running out but didn't want to embark on the IVF journey. So instead Mary took me on a holistic journey over 3 months involving lots of chats, meditation & applying the principles of 5 Element Acupuncture.
Fast forward 9 months later & we welcomed the greatest joy to our life...our happy, healthy little baby boy. Mary was with me throughout my entire pregnancy...low energy, sinus congestion, digestion, back ache, hormonal days...all the things that came with each trimester Mary adapted the treatment as necessary. At the final "hurdle" I was due to be induced. Mary again saw me every day in the run up to this & as a result I avoided induction & laboured naturally. So I couldn't but recommend Mary & 5 Element Acupuncture as an alternative for anyone considering fertility treatment. My little boy has great a connection with Mary already & I have a feeling he's going to be a regular customer going forward too.
Margaret, Galway