Fertility Acupuncture
Acupuncture & Fertility Acupuncture
Personalised acupuncture to support your fertility, health and wellbeing
At The Natural Fertility Clinic, acupuncture is at the heart of much of what we do.
We provide specialist fertility acupuncture for individuals and couples at every stage of their journey — whether you are preparing to try for a baby, trying to conceive naturally, undergoing fertility investigations or having assisted conception treatment such as IUI, IVF or ICSI.
We also provide acupuncture for women’s health, pregnancy and general wellbeing.
Every treatment is personalised. We take the time to understand your symptoms, medical and fertility history, menstrual cycle, current treatment and how you’re feeling before creating an acupuncture plan specifically for you.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture has been practised for thousands of years and involves the insertion of very fine, sterile, single-use needles at specific points on the body.
Traditional acupuncture developed from Chinese medicine, where health is understood in terms of maintaining balance within the body.
Today, acupuncture is used by many people as a complementary therapy for a wide variety of health and wellbeing concerns.
At The Natural Fertility Clinic, our approach combines the principles of traditional acupuncture with an understanding of modern fertility treatment and reproductive health.
Acupuncture is a complementary therapy and is designed to work alongside, rather than replace, conventional medical care.
Fertility Acupuncture
Trying to conceive isn’t always straightforward.
Some people come to us with a diagnosed fertility condition, while others may have been told that there is no obvious explanation for why conception hasn’t happened.
You may be experiencing PCOS, endometriosis, irregular cycles or menstrual symptoms. You may be preparing for IVF or another form of fertility treatment.
Or you may simply want some additional support while trying for a baby.
Fertility acupuncture gives you a dedicated space to focus on your reproductive health and overall wellbeing.
Treatment is always tailored to you, rather than simply using the same set of “fertility points” for everyone.
Why Do People Choose Fertility Acupuncture?
Our patients come to us for many different reasons.
These can include:
- Trying to conceive naturally
- Preparing for pregnancy
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Menstrual and cycle-related symptoms
- PCOS
- Endometriosis
- Preparing for IVF, ICSI or IUI
- Support during fertility medication and stimulation
- Around embryo transfer
- The two-week wait
- Stress and emotional wellbeing
- Sleep
- Male fertility support
- Pregnancy-related symptoms and wellbeing
We recognise that acupuncture cannot guarantee pregnancy or the outcome of fertility treatment. Our role is to provide individualised complementary support alongside appropriate medical fertility care.
Acupuncture Alongside IVF, ICSI & IUI
If you’re undergoing assisted conception, acupuncture can be incorporated into different stages of your fertility treatment.
Some patients begin acupuncture in the months before treatment, while others first come to us once their IVF or ICSI cycle has started.
Appointments can be tailored around your treatment schedule, including during stimulation, before egg collection, around embryo transfer and during the two-week wait.
We also offer dedicated pre and post embryo transfer acupuncture appointments.
Your acupuncturist will take into account where you are within your treatment cycle and how you are feeling at each appointment.
Trying to Conceive Naturally
You don’t need to be undergoing fertility treatment to come and see us.
If you’re trying naturally, we’ll take time to understand your menstrual cycle, fertility history and any investigations or diagnoses you’ve already had.
We may also discuss areas such as nutrition, lifestyle, sleep, stress and appropriate fertility investigations, and signpost you to further professional support where necessary.
Where you’re trying to conceive as a couple, we believe it’s important to consider both partners, including male reproductive health where appropriate.
When Should I Start Fertility Acupuncture?
We welcome patients at any point in their fertility journey.
Some people choose to begin acupuncture several months before trying to conceive or starting fertility treatment, giving them time to establish a regular treatment routine and address areas of their general health and wellbeing.
Others come to us much later — sometimes during an IVF cycle or close to embryo transfer.
There isn’t one perfect time to start.
If you’re unsure, our free 15-minute mini consultation is an opportunity to tell us where you are in your journey and ask whether acupuncture may be suitable for you.
What Happens at Your First Acupuncture Appointment?
Your first appointment gives us time to get to know you.
Your acupuncturist will ask about your reason for coming, alongside your medical history, fertility history where relevant, menstrual cycle, symptoms, sleep, digestion, lifestyle and general wellbeing.
If you’re undergoing fertility treatment, we’ll also discuss where you are in your treatment cycle.
We’ll then explain the acupuncture treatment and answer any questions before beginning.
Fine, sterile, single-use acupuncture needles are gently inserted into carefully selected points on the body and left in place while you relax.
Many of our patients tell us this becomes a rare opportunity to switch off, rest and have some time for themselves.
Where Are the Acupuncture Needles Placed?
This will depend entirely on your individual treatment.
Acupuncture points are located throughout the body. Common areas used during treatment include the lower arms, hands, lower legs, feet, abdomen and head.
You remain appropriately covered and comfortable throughout your appointment, and we’ll always explain what we’re doing.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Acupuncture needles are extremely fine — much finer than the needles typically used for injections or blood tests.
You may feel a brief sensation as a needle is inserted and sometimes a dull ache, tingling, warmth or heavinessaround an acupuncture point.
Many people find acupuncture surprisingly relaxing, and some even fall asleep during their treatment.
If you’re nervous about needles, please tell us. We’re very used to treating people who haven’t experienced acupuncture before and will take things at your pace.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
There isn’t a standard number of treatments because everyone’s circumstances are different.
Your recommended treatment plan will depend on why you’re having acupuncture, your fertility or medical history, your menstrual cycle and, where relevant, the timing of your fertility treatment.
We’ll discuss this with you openly so you understand what we’re recommending and why.
More Than Fertility Acupuncture
Although fertility is our specialist area, acupuncture can also form part of our support for women’s health and pregnancy.
Depending on the practitioner and your individual circumstances, patients may seek acupuncture support for pregnancy-related symptoms and general wellbeing throughout pregnancy.
Please contact us if you’re unsure whether we can help with your particular concern.
Experienced, Personal Fertility Support
At The Natural Fertility Clinic, we understand that fertility isn’t just about a menstrual cycle, test result or treatment protocol.
There’s a person — and often a couple — behind it.
Our aim is to provide a place where you feel listened to, informed and supported, while receiving acupuncture that is personalised to where you are in your journey.
We work alongside conventional fertility care and can also connect you with other services within The Natural Fertility Clinic where appropriate.
Where Can I Have Fertility Acupuncture?
Fertility acupuncture is available through The Natural Fertility Clinic at our clinic locations, including:
Wokingham, Berkshire
Our main clinic at 9 Crescent Road in central Wokingham with Eve and Sinead.
Abingdon, Oxfordshire
Our private home clinic with Anne.
Maidenhead, Berkshire
Our dedicated Tuesday fertility acupuncture clinic with Eve at TFP Thames Valley Fertility.
Availability and practitioner days vary between locations.
Ready to Find Out More?
Whether you’re trying naturally, preparing for IVF or already undergoing fertility treatment, you’re welcome to get in touch at any stage.
If you’re unsure whether fertility acupuncture is right for you, start with our free 15-minute telephone consultation.
BOOK YOUR ACUPUNCTURE APPOINTMENT
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