IVF

Acupuncture in support of IVF has received a certain amount of press coverage and research in the last three years and my practice receives enquiries every month from women seeking support during IVF.

I am a member of the Acupuncture Fertility Network, which is a group of acupuncturists that share information, ideas and suggestions, and members undergo some further training in this area. I have attended further courses relating to IVF as well as gynaecology and issues around infertility.

I have one daughter, and I am familiar with the emotions, hopes and rewards involved in starting and bringing up a family.

At the end of this section are various links to websites that you may find useful and informative.

Much of the press coverage is positive, although some reports challenge the research findings. 

Women undergoing IVF

For women undergoing IVF, appointments generally starts around 4 to 6 weeks before the start of the IVF process, where possible. I then normally treat at weekly intervals until close to the transfer procedure where I follow set acupuncture protocols which involve treatment shortly before egg collection, and then shortly before embryo transfer, and again shortly after embryo transfer.

Do please call me should you wish to discuss acupuncture treatment alongside IVF.

Weblinks

News reports on IVF:

.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7233500.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/1933901.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7047431.stm

 http://www.ivf.net/ivf/acupuncture-may-increase-ivf-success-rates-o3223.html

Research article on acupuncture and IVF in BMJ:

http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/bmj.39471.430451.BEv1?eaf

General fertility advice and information:

http://www.fertilityexpert.co.uk/

http://www.britishfertilitysociety.org.uk/

http://www.fertilityfriends.co.uk/

http://www.srf-reproduction.org/

http://www.fertilityconnect.com

Any research cited in each of the above cases should not be interpreted as universally accepted and in certain cases there may be a division of scientific opinion arising from research undertaken.