Female Fertility

There are many factors affecting fertility: 

These are some of the most common:

• Endometriosis and adenomyosis
• Problems with ovulation (PCOS)
• Cycle irregularities (common after coming off the pill)
• Low ovarian reserve
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Chronic stress and anxiety
• Uterine fibroids and other uterine anomalies

Endometriosis, adenomyosis and PCOS are conditions we work with using acupuncture and other facets of Chinese medicine such as herbs and nutrition. See our women’s health section for more information. We believe it’s an important part of our work to educate our clients about how our bodies work – particularly for reproductive health.

Irregularities of the menstrual cycle are common and can be due to various causes. We take a full case history so as to understand the root of the problem. Both acupuncture and herbal medicine can be used to regulate the cycle.

Being told you have low ovarian reserve or low AMH can feel devastating. But it doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant. It only takes one good egg. We help you understand what’s happening in your body and work towards optimising  your general health and fertility. As well as acupuncture we recommend diets based on Chinese dietary therapy and often work alongside western nutritionists.

Evidence is building about the impact of mental and emotional health on fertility. Additionally, trying and failing to get (or stay) pregnant is stressful. Monitoring ovulation, timing sex, frequent disappointments, worries about getting older, and for some women frequent early miscarriages are emotionally and physically exhausting.

Uterine fibroids (if large) and issues associated with uterine shape are best treated by conventional western medicine, and we can work alongside to support you.

How does acupuncture help with female fertility?

Fertility reflects our general health and mental and emotional wellbeing.

Emotional stress can disrupt communication between the brain and ovaries, causing hormonal imbalances. Acupuncture has been demonstrated to soothe the nervous system and therefore can be used to balance reproductive hormones, in turn regulating the cycle.

Scans show that acupuncture can increase blood flow to the ovaries providing an oxygen rich environment to nourish developing eggs.

The circulatory effect of acupuncture can also help thicken the lining of the uterus. The endometrium is the growing medium for an embryo and  a crucial factor in fertility.

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