Treating the root cause

The menstrual cycle is a complex interplay of hormones, which all need to be released at the right level and at the right time in your cycle to produce a healthy and mature egg. Psychological and emotional stress has an impact on the production of hormones. Cortisol is one of the hormones which can raise with long term stress, affecting the reproductive hormones. Prolactin is another hormone which can increase with stress, high levels of prolactin can suppress ovulation and also cause loss of libido in women. Stress causes the body to go into “fight or flight” response, making blood flow away from the pelvic organs to more vital areas for survival.

It is of particular importance to maximise the blood flow to the ovaries and the uterine lining to increase the supply of oxygen and nutrients to these pelvic organs. For implantation to occur, the uterus needs to provide an optimal environment in which the uterine lining is thick enough for the embryo to implant. One study (2) which looked at the effect of fertility acupuncture on uterine blood flow concluded that there was a significant increase in uterine arterial blood flow after the acupuncture treatment, this, in fact, may improve the chances of implantation.

Improve your chance of natural conception

When treating a female for fertility, it is crucial to inform women about their reproductive system. Part of the fertility acupuncture session includes providing the patient with information for increasing their chances to fall pregnant. During the consultation, important fertility topics that are discussed: such as different phases of their menstrual cycle, factors needed for conception,  how to work out your fertile time and all about ovulation. Very often I find that couples are willing to make radical changes to their lives and consider spending a great deal of energy, time and emotion on elaborate treatment, however they may simply be having sex at the wrong time or be unaware of the intricacies of the female reproductive cycle.