Fertility and Womens' Health

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"Following two unsuccessful rounds of fertility treatment we decided to try acupuncture alongside our third attempt. At our initial meeting, Wendy put us both at ease and we found it very easy to be open and honest about our situation. As we both suffer from fertility problems we decided to have individual sessions. Seeing Wendy each week benefited us both physically and emotionally and we left each session feeling like we’d made a positive step on our road to pregnancy. During the critical period of egg collection and embryo transfer Wendy was especially supportive and two weeks later we were delighted to inform her that we were pregnant. We are now proud parents of a beautiful baby girl who we know would not be here without Wendy’s help.

H & S C, ages 33 & 40, Low Fell, Gateshead

Wendy has experience of using acupuncture and/or herbs to help with a range of gynaecological issues, including:

  • Irregular periods
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Anovulation (lack of ovulation)
  • Premenstrual Tension (PMT)
  • Painful periods
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Endometriosis
  • Fibroids
  • Peri-menopause and menopause

The ultimate aim of treatment is produce regular, pain-free periods with a good flow of red blood. For those experiencing menopause it can help alleviate symptoms such as hot flushes, mood swings, nightsweats, dry vagina etc.

Fertility

Treatment will depend on your particular condition and your Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis. It is possible to achieve pregnancy with the help of Chinese Medicine (acupuncture and/or herbs). Basal Body Temperature Charting (BBT) can be an invaluable tool in helping to identify issues in the menstrual cycle and thus help to better inform treatment.

For some people, IVF is the chosen treatment for infertility. Acupuncture and/or herbs can be very helpful in preparing the body for IVF treatment. It is preferable to start 2 or 3 months in advance of IVF treatment. However, benefit can be gained from acupuncture started at any time during the process. Acupuncture can help:

  • Alleviate the side effects of medications and improve responses to hormonal stimulation
  • Improve the flow of blood to the uterus and ovaries
  • Alleviate the stress of IVF processes
  • Calm the uterus in preparation for implantation

Acupuncture treatment will focus on different issues at different stages of the process – "Down regulating" hormones, "Up regulating" hormones, Egg Retrieval and Egg Transfer.

Male infertility

Whilst men are rarely completely infertile, low sperm count and mobility are increasingly modern-day issues. A significant percentage of infertility is directly related to the male partner. Acupuncture and/or herbs can be used to:

  • Improve quality, counts and volume of sperm
  • Improve general health

Pregnancy

If pregnancy is achieved (either naturally or by IVF) acupuncture offers a drug free treatment for many conditions arising in pregnancy, for example:

  • Nausea
  • Threatened miscarriage
  • Heartburn
  • Constipation
  • Back pain / pubic pain
  • High blood pressure
  • Fatigue and exhaustion
  • Anaemia
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Oedema

Pre-birth

Acupuncture also provides pre-birth preparation (from week 36) to encourage an easier labour.

Breach Babies can be encouraged to turn by the use of regular use of Moxa (a herb) which is burnt over a specific acupuncture point. You can be taught how to use this treatment at home.

Acupuncture to help induce labour can be started from week 40.

Wendy has a postgraduate Diploma in TCM Gynaecology and Obstetrics and is an Associate Practitioner of the Women’s Natural Health Practice.

Find out about other conditions treated

Just ask…

If you are having any health concerns and you think acupuncture and/or herbs may help, or you would like any further information, please fill in the contact form or call Wendy on 07896 229 384.

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