Fertility & IVF
Trying to conceive can take over your whole life. The waiting, the tracking, the appointments, the two-week waits. I want my treatment room to be the one place where you can put all of that down for an hour.
I have a special interest in fertility, for both natural conception and assisted reproduction like IVF, IUI and frozen embryo transfers. I completed a post graduate mentorship in both male and female fertility, in the legendary clinics of Jane Lyttleton, the woman who wrote the book we all studied from at University. I still practise in her clinic, The Acupuncture Pregnancy Clinic, one day a week.
How Chinese medicine can support fertility
In Chinese medicine, your cycle, sleep, digestion, energy and emotions all tell part of the story. I listen to all of it, then build treatment around what your body needs right now.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine may help to:
-
support a regular, healthy menstrual cycle
-
ease the stress and anxiety that so often come with trying to conceive
-
improve sleep and energy
-
support circulation and relaxation around IVF procedures
I can't promise a pregnancy, and no honest practitioner can. What I can offer is calm, consistent, personalised care that works alongside your GP, fertility specialist or IVF clinic.
Acupuncture and IVF
If you're going through IVF, I'll time your treatments around your cycle: stimulation, egg collection, and the days around embryo transfer. Ideally we start around three months before collection or transfer. That's roughly how long an egg takes to mature. But it's never too late. I often see people a week or two before transfer, and we focus on what matters most for that stage.
Male Fertility
Fertility is a shared story. Sperm take around three months to develop, roughly the same as an egg. Research shows that sleep, stress, diet and lifestyle all play a part in the development of sperm. Acupuncture, Chinese herbs, along with food, lifestyle and supplement recommendations can create profound impact in short amount of time. I see men on their own or as part of a couple, and their care is just as personalised.
What to expect
-
Your first visit will be 60-75 minutes. We talk through your cycle history, any test results, Western medical diagnosis, what has gone on so far and how you're feeling. Then your first acupuncture treatment.
-
Your plan. I'll suggest how often to come in, based on whether you're trying naturally or working towards an IVF date.
-
Follow-up visits will be 45-60 minutes. We will talk through any relevant updates. Acupuncture, plus herbs or dietary advice if they suit you.
Private health rebates can be claimed on the spot. Please bring any recent blood tests, scans or semen analysis results.
Common Questions
How often will I need to come? It depends on your situation. Many people come weekly while preparing, then more often around an IVF cycle. We'll work out a rhythm that suits your life and budget.
Can I have acupuncture and take herbs during IVF? Acupuncture, yes. For herbs, I'll talk with you about timing, and I always encourage you to tell your fertility specialist what you're taking.
Do I need a referral? No. You can book directly.