Acupuncture for subfertility (infertility), conception, IVF, ICSI, IUI


	Godmanchester (01480) 435554 St Neots (01480) 211411

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Acupuncture for subfertility (infertility), conception, IUI, IVF, ICSI

by Irina Szmelskyj DipAc, MSc, MBAcC, award winning fertility acupuncturist

Testimonials:

"Dear Irina - I wanted to wish you a Happy New year and also to express my sincere gratitude for the help you have given me since you started treating me. I firmly believe that it was your knowledge, expertise and support that helped Darren and I conceive this much wanted baby and for this I thank you.

I also wanted to let you know that I cannot currently afford to keep seeing you every week as I am no longer working but if something occurs during this pregnancy that requires treatment from you then I will be back like a shot. Everything is going well, my spotting has stopped completely and have no early pregnancy symptoms…

I talked to my friend about my wonderful experience with you, and that within one session you knew more about me than all the doctors I have ever met, and she is eager to try acupuncture - she may even travel to see you from London for her first initial appointments until you can recommend someone more locally to her. I am desperate to ensure she has a good experience with this - just like I did with you and wondered if you might be able to suggest something.

I will never forget the impact you have made on my health, my grief and my ability to look to the future with positivity and happiness."

Martina

"After needing IVF due to my husband’s previous vasectomy, I am totally convinced that not only did acupuncture contribute greatly to giving us our beautiful twin boys, but also kept me sane during the 6 cycles and over 2 years of trying. In that time, I had specific problems with ohss, (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome) and a too thin womb lining. I was treated successfully for both of these conditions with acupuncture. However, in addition to the benefits of making me calmer and those others mentioned above, the compassion, sensitive understanding and care I received at the Godmanchester Osteopathic and Acupuncture Practice will always be remembered and I would wholeheartedly recommend acupuncture, and specifically this practice to anyone undergoing IVF treatment."

Mum of 5 months old twin boys

"My husband and I had tried unsuccessfully to conceive for 5 years. I had tried many suggestions to improve the possibility of conception but to no avail. One of the doctors that was part of the referral for us to be on the IVF programme was an advocate of acupuncture and so the golden pathway was paved. The GP treated me for a period of 3 months but knew that an acupuncturist with a fertility specialism was necessary to ensure success with IVF.

When I began my treatment with Irina at Godmanchester Osteopathic and Acupuncture Practice I was beginning the IVF process the following week. The acupuncture was fantastic for ensuring calmness, during a stressful time and beginning to ensure my body was in the best working order. Unfortunately the first IVF treatment was unsuccessful but rest assured this was no reflection on the use of acupuncture. The acupuncture treatment continued because of the emotional support, dietary advice and constant monitoring to ensure optimum fertility.

Within 6 months of working with Irina, following the suggested diet and regular appointments what I thought was the impossible was achieved - I became pregnant, and not during an IVF cycle either!

I would like to recommend acupuncture and Irina as a fantastic practitioner that I would recommend working with and providing a service that has resulted in a couples immense happiness."

Hazel and baby Maaya

"After 4 years trying for a baby with no success, we gained a place on the NHS waiting list for IVF. We decided to give ourselves the best possible chance and after lots of research, read that acupuncture could increase the success rates. I found the whole idea of infertility the hardest thing I had ever experienced as very few people understand the emotions you go through.

I started having acupuncture, and not only did it regulate my cycle, but I at last felt someone was supporting us through it. Irina helped us with temperature charting, diet, exercise and explained about what supplements we should take to increase our chances.

We took all her advice and in January 2006 we started our 'get healthy' campaign ready for the IVF. Irina advised me on what to eat, what not to eat and gave me acupuncture at the same time. One month before our IVF was due to start we discovered I was pregnant!! No drugs, no IVF, just acupuncture and a good diet.

Not only does Irina understand everything there is to understand about acupuncture but she listens to you. She never rushes you out the door or looks at her watch when you're with her.

I truly believe that without Irina, our beautiful daughter would not be here today."

Mum to 5 months old baby girl

"Following a referral from a friend, who Irina helped get pregnant, I decided to give acupuncture a go to help me in getting pregnant, having had a miscarriage. A found Irina and staff at the Huntingdon practice to be very friendly and professional. During the months of trying to get pregnant and after successfully falling pregnant, Irina would explain which needles would be used, where and why. Having been uncomfortable with needles, she made me feel very relaxed. Irina was very supportive, taking my charts and analysing them and helping me work out the 'best times' for conception. (Which also made it easier for my hubby!!). I also used acupuncture to support with stress and also my sleep issues.

I still believe that if it was not for Irina and acupuncture I would still be trying for a baby. The whole process helped me learn more about my body when it comes to planning on getting pregnant. Should we decide to try for another one, I will be contacting Irina again. I have spread the word at NCT classes and coffee mornings about Irina and how helpful acupuncture is and if anyone is having difficulties then contact Irina."

Nicola

"Having been treated for infertality at the practise we have finally achieved our dream of having a family. The treatment we received was not only professional, but also very personable. I was always able to ask questions and received additional advise on things I could do to support each stage of the IVF process. I really feel receiving acupuncture helped me both mentally and physically and would absolutley recommend it to anyone starting out on the infertality journey."

Mum to twins

As a mother and a member of NCT I often meet proud parents of little bundles of joy. However, as an acupuncturist, I increasingly see more and more couples who are unable to conceive. Some of these couples already have a child, but are struggling to conceive another one. This is called secondary subfertility and, worryingly, is thought to be on the increase.

The desire for children in these couples is so strong, my heart breaks knowing that some of them may never experience the joy of having a child, the joy that many of us take for granted. But fortunately, most of my patients eventually go on to conceive. Meeting their babies is the most rewarding part of my job, which makes up for all the rollercoaster of emotions I often share on their journey to become parents. Perhaps this very brief article on subfertility will be a small helping stepping stone in someone’s fertility and conception journey.

What is subfertility (infertility)?

Most experts define subfertility (infertility) as an inability to conceive by a couple who have regular unprotected intercourse for at least 12 months. It is thought that at least one in six couples suffer from subfertility and this figure is on the increase.

Causes of subfertility (infertility)

There are many causes of subfertility (infertility). Many couples leave it too long before starting a family, often due to no fault of their own. Chances of conception decrease with age for both male and female partners. For some couples lack of time and energy to have regular intercourse at the right time in the menstrual cycle is a problem. Lifestyle factors, such as excessive alcohol intake, poor diet, smoking, stress, too much or too little exercise can all contribute to difficulties conceiving.

For some couples, however, subfertility (infertility) is caused by medical conditions, which may require investigation and treatment. Approximately 30-40% of subfertility (infertility) is caused by both male and female factors, 30-45% by female factors and 19-30% by male factors. In approximately 30% of cases no cause for subfertility (infertility) can be found. The most common medical conditions, which can cause subfertility (infertility) are sperm dysfunction, ovulation failure due to conditions such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), damaged tubes and endometriosis. Early ovarian failure (premature menopause) is another cause of subfertility (infertility).

Tests and investigations

Sperm test will be carried out on at least two separate occasions and sperm will be analysed for the number of sperm, the motility (movement), the shape and volume. Women will have their blood hormone levels checked (i.e. FSH, LH, AMH, progesterone) to see if they are ovulating and to make sure that they are not going through a premature ovarian failure (premature menopause). Other investigations include ultrasound scan hysterosalpingogram (HSG) (a quick way to determine uterine and tubal abnormalities). Couples may also be tested to exclude sexually transmitted diseases as a cause of subfertility (infertility).

Treatments

Medical treatments of subfertility (infertility) depend on the cause. Ovulatory problems, such as PCOS, are often treated with pharmacological drugs, such as Clomiphene (Clomid) or Metformin. Surgery might be indicated in the cases of endometriosis and fibroids. In many cases, however, Assisted Reproductive Treatments (ART), such as IVF or ICSI are indicated.

Non-medical treatments of subfertility (infertility) include acupuncture. Research shows that acupuncture can almost double the success rate of IVF. A German study (widely referred to as the German protocol) showed that women who received acupuncture while undergoing IVF had 43% conception rate compared to only 26% in those women who received no acupuncture. The women who had acupuncture also had fewer miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies. A recent review published in the British Medical Journal reported that acupuncture can increase IVF success rates by up to 65%.

How to improve your chances of conception?

Become an expert in understanding how your body’s reproductive system works. Learn about the signs of ovulation, to ensure that you have intercourse at the right time of your cycle, thus increasing your chances of conception in that month. Ovulation kits are very expensive and are not always reliable. I teach my patients about Basal Body Temperature (BBT) charting as a method of predicting the ovulation. Vaginal mucous secretions (egg white mucus) are also a useful indicator of when a woman is ovulating. Many experts say that having intercourse every 2-3 days is enough. However, the latest opinion on this is that intercourse should be as frequent as possible during the fertile window (which usually starts about 5-7 days before ovulation and ends approximately 24 hours after the egg is released).

Ensure that you eat a healthy diet. Good quality protein is very important in regulating reproductive hormones. In my experience, many women eat very little or no food that is insufficiently high in iron. If you are a vegetarian, make sure that you eat plenty of greens, beetroot and vegetable sources of protein, such as beans and pulses. Tofu and soya based foods should be avoided, as these have been implicated in causing subfertility (infertility), especially in men. Blood sugar regulation is also extremely important. Make sure that you have a good breakfast each morning, ideally should include some protein. A good pre-conception vitamin and mineral supplement may also be beneficial.

Both partners should avoid or reduce their alcohol intake, especially around the time of ovulation. Smoking must also be avoided.

Men should try and keep their testicles as cool as possible, as sperm is affected by heat. Hot baths, steam rooms, laptops when used on the lap and heated car seats are the most common culprits.

But perhaps the most important thing you can do is to reduce your levels of stress. Don’t worry if you didn’t manage to have intercourse every day during your fertile window or if you "sinned" by having an extra cup of coffee. Stress will severely affect both partners. Subfertility is extremely emotionally demanding on the couple. Try to support and understand each other. Ensure that you keep your relationship as strong as possible, in particular when it comes to intercourse. Having sex when trying to conceive can become quite tiresome and monotonous. Accept that you cannot make it exciting each and every time.

Book an appointment with Irina Szmelskyj DipAc, MSc, MBAcC, award winning fertility acupuncturist.

Download subfertility (infertility) factsheets.

Email details of your fertility journey to have your case reviewed by Irina Szmelskyj DipAc, MSc, MBAcC, award winning fertility acupuncturist.

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