Infertility in the UK
There are 3.5 million people in the UK facing fertility issues, Around 1 in 7 couples may have difficulty conceiving. And yet, the experience of infertility can be such a lonely journey for many who are left feeling alone in the fertility struggle.
From the gruelling pain of endometriosis, the hormonal challenges of irregular anovulatory cycles such as PCOS, poor semen quality, to the heartache and emptiness of pregnancy loss, the end result remains the same. Well meaning friends and family can empathise and offer sometimes unhelpful advice such as ‘relax and it will happen’ when the reality is, there may be a fundamental biological underlying issue that needs resolving you may both need further investigations. There may be a combination of factors that when added together may increase the time it takes to conceive. It can be challenging and overwhelming to know where to start, and how to get the support needed.
When to seek support
If you have been trying to conceive for over a year (or 6 months if over 36) your GP is a great first step for both partners to have some initial fertility tests, such as hormone and thyroid testing, sometimes with a physical examination to feel for fibroids, PID or other causes of infertility. Men can be offered a semen analysis and a visual/ physical examination to rule out physical obstructions such as varicocele. These are great preliminary investigations, however dependant on your history further assessments would be helpful.
Lifestyle and fertility
Lifestyle factors can hugely effect fertility such as smoking, trans fats intake, alcohol and poor sleep to name a few. Making changes a minimum of 3 months before conception is recommended. Nutrition is extremely important especially you can help yourself by consuming a rainbow full of fruit and vegetables, ideally organic where possible (especially the dirty dozen) a diet naturally full of antioxidants and healthy fats is essential. Resolving any gut issues is extremely important to ensure you can actually absorb the nutrients. This is general advice just scratching the surface, It would be highly beneficial to enlist the help of a nutritionist or functional medicine practitioner to support your individual needs.
How Acupuncture Can Support Fertility:
Over the past few decades, acupuncture has rapidly gained recognition as a powerful modality for supporting fertility. Both individuals and couples have experienced significant success incorporating fertility acupuncture into their journeys.
Acupuncture has been particularly beneficial in cases of unexplained infertility, offering a holistic approach when other medical explanations may be lacking.
Regulates Menstrual Cycle and Supports Ovulation Acupuncture helps balance the cycle, ensuring healthy ovulation patterns and hormonal regularity.
Balances Hormones Stress and other factors can disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis (HPOA), leading to hormonal imbalances. Acupuncture promotes hormone regulation by influencing:
Beta-endorphin release in the brain
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland
Oestrogen and progesterone from the ovaries
Increases Blood Flow to Reproductive Organs Improved circulation helps enhance the function of the ovaries and uterus, supporting fertility and overall reproductive health.
Supports Conditions Like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Acupuncture can counteract the effects of PCOS, a common cause of infertility, by helping to regulate hormonal balance and improve ovarian function.
Regulates Natural Killer (NK) Cells Excessive or deficient NK cell activity can lead to implantation issues. Acupuncture helps maintain the right balance for a healthy pregnancy.
Supports Natural Conception and Assisted Reproductive TreatmentsWhether trying to conceive naturally or alongside assisted fertility protocols (IVF, ICSI), acupuncture can provide support at every stage – before, during, and after pregnancy.
Acupuncture for Male Fertility:
Improves Sperm Quality Studies show that acupuncture, performed twice weekly for 5 weeks, can significantly improve sperm motility and morphology, enhancing overall sperm health.
Increases Sperm Count Acupuncture has also been found beneficial for men with very low sperm counts, supporting increased production of healthy sperm.
Stress Reduction and Fertility
One of the well-documented benefits of acupuncture is its ability to reduce stress, which plays a crucial role in supporting fertility. The stress relief acupuncture provides is especially welcome during what can often be an emotionally and physically challenging time. By calming the nervous system and promoting relaxation, acupuncture helps create a more balanced and supportive environment for conception.
Resources
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