Q1. Does Acupuncture hurt?
A1. We only use very fine (0.16mm gauge) Japanese needles, thinner than a cat's whisker! Sensations are a slight buzz, tingle or a gnat's bite.
Q2. How many sessions will it take?
A2. We recommend a MINIMUM of 3 menstrual cycles of treatment (12 weekly sessions). Getting pregnant and preparing a woman's body for pregnancy takes time and naturally it takes a woman's body at least 3 months to grow an antral follicle and improve the blood quality/endometrium. Any underlying health issues may also need to be addressed first.
Q3. When should I start Fertility Acupuncture if I'm having IVF/IUI?
A3. We prefer to start treating ladies a minimum of 3 months before they start on their ART journey. This has a more successful outcome as we focus on trying to boost egg quality, endometrium and/or sperm, not egg quantity which the IVF clinics focus upon.
Q4. Do you treat Male Sperm issues?
A4. Yes we do, as we are finding that 40% - 50% of a couple's infertility issues are male factor issues. Points are mainly located in the lower leg and hands! It takes about 90 days to improve sperm with weekly Acupuncture, diet advice and supplements, but sperm benefits quickly with good lifestyle changes.
Q5. What other therapies do you utilise?
A5. Besides Fertility diets, supplemental and lifestyle advice, we also utilise Chinese Cupping, Spinal Manipulation and Heat therapy for back pain, pelvic/hip imbalances, period pains and poor circulation. For those ladies with poor circulation we offer heat pads for the lower abdomen to ensure the uterus is warm and nourished with good blood flow.
Ovarian massage techniques can also be shown for your partner to practice during ovulation and to help period pains and improbe blood circulation.
Relaxation and meditation techniques can also be taught for highly stressed individuals.
Q6. What age group do you specialise in treating?
A6. Mainly 30 yrs to 45yrs.......we tend to specialise in treating the more difficult or complex cases.
Q7. I work all week do you offer late evenings, Bank Holiday or weekend treatments?
A7. Yes we do offer late night appointments in the week and treat IVF/ICSI/IUI patients at the weekend and Bank Holidays for egg collection and transfers.
Q8. How successful have you been?
A8. Fertility outcomes depend on many factors including age, diagnosis, ovarian reserve, sperm factors, underlying health and the fertility treatment being used. I therefore do not quote an acupuncture “success rate.” My role is to provide individualised acupuncture and wellbeing support alongside your fertility journey.
Fertility Acupuncture has also been shown, in smaller studies, to increase IVF outcomes to approx 42% live birth rates, see Fertility & Sterility Report (ref: Paulus Wolfgang et al, 2002)
See below babies of patients we've had the privilege of supporting with fertility acupuncture.
Q9. Do you offer treatment for same sex couples?
A9. Yes we treat a wide range of patients from same sex couples, single ladies, donor eggs, donor womb etc...
Q10. Are your premises licensed?
A10. Yes. Our clinic has been assessed and granted a licence to practice Acupuncture under Sefton Council's local bylaws, following standard hygiene requirements and safe removal of used sharps boxes & clinical waste.