"....I truly believe that the acupuncture benefited me throughout the second round of treatment. The eggs and embryos were of better quality than in the first round and I am now happily pregnant with twins. Caroline has been a great support throughout..."

The use of acupuncture to improve the outcome of in vitro fertilisation [IVF] has become widespread over the past few years. Numerous randomised controlled trials published since 2002 have shown that acupuncture may significantly increase pregnancy rates. Acupuncture is a safe adjunctive therapy for women undergoing IVF as there are no adverse effects from treatment.

The first study to present evidence suggesting acupuncture can significantly improve the success of IVF was by Paulus and colleagues in 2002 involving 160 women. The clinical pregnancy rate in the non-acupuncture group was 26.3% compared to 42.5% in the acupuncture group.

More recently, in February 2008, the British Medical Journal cites research carried out in the US showing that 'Acupuncture may help increase IVF success by 65%' . This research involved 1366 women undergoing IVF, it demonstrated that women who also had Acupuncture at the same time had improved chances of pregnancy by 65%. For further information see The Guardian article.

The Acupuncture Protocol during IVF:

Preparing properly for IVF or other assisted fertility treatments is even more important and potentially beneficial than if you are trying for a baby naturally.

Embarking on IVF can be very demanding and stressful but support can help you get through anything! The right physical, nutritional and emotional support, before and during the treatment, can help off-set these stresses and enhance your overall wellbeing. Support from the clinic can keep you positive and in the right mind set too. All of which can improve your chances of success.

Prior to commencing treatment a full consultation will be undertaken. From this an individual plan will be developed to include all the things which can be done to maximise your chances of conceiving. This focuses on looking at the reproductive health of both partners, looking at you as a whole person and not just at your medical history. Specific advice about how to maximise fertility through lifestyle changes and nutrition is given, in addition to recommendations about suitable supplements to take. This is backed up with plenty of written information and useful handouts.

Prior to commencement of treatment: It is beneficial to attend for regular sessions leading up to starting treatment. This may include preparing the body for IVF by beginning acupuncture three months ahead of IVF. A plan is devised at initial consultation.

During IVF: Treatment is recommended which supports where you are in the IVF process, this is usually weekly during down-regulation and twice weekly during stimulation to increase the blood supply to the uterus and ovaries and have a positive effect on egg development and thickening the lining of the uterus to prepare for implantation. Specific treatments are given pre and post embryo transfer.

Post Conception Care: Following conception, weekly acupuncture will reduce the risk of miscarriage in the first trimester.

Sessions are suitable for same sex partners and for those undergoing IVF with donor eggs or donor sperm

Read about Caroline's success stories in a Yorkshire Evening Post article

Caroline is a Zita West Affiliated Acupuncturist having undertaken fertility training with Zita West and her colleagues from the famous London Clinic. Danielle has been trained to use the same Acupuncture protocols. They have access to the Clinic for specialist fertility and nutritional advice where this may be necessary, and access to a national network for consultation and general advice.

Acupuncture offers a safe, natural therapy throughout all stages of pregnancy and can be used to ease morning sickness, for breech presentation and labour induction.

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine also offer support around Male Fertility issues.