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. Where possible, we recommend starting fertility treatment a minimum 3 months before an IVF/IUI cycle. Research suggests acupuncture may be more effective when given as an appropriate course of treatment over a period of time, rather than just around embryo transfer. Starting earlier allows us time to provide an individualised acupuncture programme before IVF/ICSI and valuable support for stress, anxiety, and general wellbeing during what can be a demanding fertility journey.
See the Paulus Protocol for further details of this smaller study regarding IVF & Acupuncture and clinical pregnancy success rates.
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 of weekly Acupuncture, dietary advice and supplementation 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 before egg collection and on the day of 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 been shown, in smaller studies, to increase IVF outcomes to approx 42% live birth rates, versus 26% without, see the Paulus Protocol (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 and donor womb for IVF, IUI & ICSI.
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 local hygiene requirements and safe removal sharps boxes & clinical waste.