TREATMENT PROGRAMMES & IVF

Please note that it is essential that all patients have an initial consultation and assessment with the acupuncturist before embarking on these programmes.

Treatment programme for natural conception

This programme is appropriate for you if:

•  you have had difficulty in becoming pregnant

•  there is no obvious reason for this (‘unexplained infertility')

•  you wish to conceive naturally

It complements and builds on the Fit for Fertility programme.

The treatment programme lasts for three to six months and consists of weekly acupuncture treatment combined, where necessary and appropriate, with Chinese herbal medicine, dietary advice and therapeutic exercise. The aim is to regulate and harmonise your qi system and your menstrual cycle, thus helping to remove any ‘energetic' hindrances to conception.

If you have not already done so, you will be asked to complete a temperature chart (BBT chart) in the first month as this can be invaluable in helping us to determine the correct acupuncture treatment for you.

Treatment programme for IVF/ICSI

These programmes are appropriate for you if:

•  you have had a number of unsuccessful cycles of IVF/ICSI in the recent past, or, if you have had repeated early miscarriages;

•  you are planning to have your first IVF/ICSI cycle and want to give yourself the best chance of this working first time.

Treatment to prepare you for IVF/ICSI

Treatment begins three to six months before the IVF/ICSI cycle and is weekly. The aim is to harmonise your qi system and optimise the function of your ovaries and uterus so that you respond well to the IVF/ICSI process.

Treatment during the IVF/ICSI cycle

This consists of two treatments per week, beginning at the same time as down-regulation and continuing throughout the cycle. Treatment is also given on the day of embryo transfer, immediately before and after the transfer . A further single treatment is given three to four days after transfer.

Also known as ‘the German protocol'.