Sometimes natural conception options have been exhausted. Then medical intervention is needed, this is where Fertility Clinics step in.

NHS clinics offer several rounds of treatment, the number depends on the region in which you live. The waiting list can be long, health criteria must be met, there is an age limit depending again on region.

Private Clinics are numerous, prices vary, success rates vary. UK clinics have an age limit, clinics in Europe offer competitive packages and are less strict with age limit.

 

ICI - Intracervical Insemination

ICI increases the chances of conception.

Sperm are placed in a cup (similar to a menstrual cup), and inserted into the vagina, the cup sits over the cervix, increasing the chances of conception.

This takes place when the woman is ovulating.

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IUI - Intrauterine Insemination

IUI increases the chances of pregnancy.

Specially prepared sperm are injected high up into the uterus, via the cervix, using a catheter and syringe. This gives the sperm a good head start, increasing the chances of conception.

This takes place when the woman is ovulating.

 

IVF - In Vitro Fertilisation

A woman's menstrual cycle is hormonally manipulated. Ovaries are stimulated to produce multiple follicles, eggs are are collected with medical intervention. A man's sperm is collected. Eggs and sperm are mixed in a culture medium under laboratory conditions. Fertilized eggs become embryo after 2 - 6 days. Embryo transfer via the cervix, by method of a catheter, into the woman's uterus, takes place at the Fertility Clinic's determined time. Hormone medication is taken to control the menstrual cycle. The intention is to establish a successful pregnancy. 

Embryos not transferred are frozen for future rounds of IVF.

 

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ICSI - Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection

The process is the same for the woman as IVF. 

If a man's sperm has motility issues or abnormal sperm morphology. 

If a man has had a vasectomy or has blockage of sperm ducts, medical extraction of sperm is necessary.

A single sperm is injected into an egg under laboratory conditions.

 


 

How Can I Help and When to Start?

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The process of ICI, IUI, IVF, ICSI is very demanding on a woman's body both physically and mentally. A woman's menstrual cycle and hormones are artificially manipulated using drugs. Firstly they are halted, this can give symptoms of peri-menopause like hot flushes, palpitations, insomnia, headaches, anxiety and depression. Then the balance of oestrogen and progesterone are reintroduced, the ovaries are strongly stimulated to produce multiple follicles, hormones again given to release the eggs or ovum. Then depending on method determined by the Fertility Clinic, sperm are introduced. Then a wait, to see if fertilization or conception takes place. Again depending on method, a clinical intervention may take place for embryo transfer to the woman's uterus. Then an anxious wait...

 

Acupuncture treatment is very effective at helping with the whole process, preparing the body, of relieving uncomfortable symptoms and relaxing the body and mind. I know many Fertility Clinics recommend Acupuncture to assist with the process, I have been approached by some clinics to work alongside them.

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• You need to consider having a Course of Acupuncture when you first consider your Fertility Clinic journey, to increase your chances of a positive pregnancy. I recommend starting 3 menstrual cycles before considering hormonal intervention.

•  Acupuncture is not a stand alone treatment, you will need a course of treatment to be effective.

• Successful pregnancy outcomes occur, when my Treatment Plan and advice is followed. Fertility Clinic success rates vary, positive pregnancy outcomes don't always happen 1st time. However, the sooner you consider preparation with Acupuncture, the greater the probability is, of a positive pregnancy outcome.

• I run a busy clinic, think weeks or months ahead to book an appointment.  

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A Positive Pregnancy Test Is Just The Start

 

So, you have a positive pregnancy test, this is the beginning, now holding the pregnancy is important. The first 12 weeks are important as your body adjusts, even to 16 weeks it is important to have regular treatment. Then monthly treatments to full term to ensure your health and development of your baby. Regular treatment during pregnancy helps ensures labour is straightforward.  It is a time of both excitement, joy and naturally anxiety.  

I treat throughout the whole pregnancy, to labour and post-partum. There are many issues during pregnancy I can assist with.

 

• Morning Sickness

• Fatigue

• Bleeding

• Threatened Miscarriage

• Headaches

• Tinnitus

• Anxiety and Depression

• Cramping

• Fluid Retention

• Hypertension

• Gestational Diabetes

• Insomnia

• Sciatica

• Turn Breech Position

• Labour Induction

• Recovery from Labour

• Recovery from Caesarean Section

• Lactation Issues 

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