Struggling to conceive? Learn a few secret tips from a fertility acupuncturist
As an acupuncturist I was trained to study ever facet of a patient’s health including digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, urinary, musculoskeletal, energy levels, body temperature regulation, memory, concentration, headaches and sleeping patterns. This allows me to form a deep understanding to create a unique plan for each person.
During a whole year, a woman has up to thirteen opportunities to conceive depending on the length of menstrual cycle. This varies, some women with longer cycles could have only half of those chances. Knowing this information lets go through some common issues I see in practice.
Are you having sex at the right time?
The average time of ovulation falls anywhere from day 11 to day 16. Lots of women use app’s to tell them when their fertile peak arrives but I suggest ditching the phone to observe how you feel (libido) and cervical mucous changes. After your period (Day 6 to 9) wear black underwear to notice the shift from dry to stretchy egg white looking mucous. This is called ‘spinnbarkeit’, this is fertile mucous which the body creates at this magic time to allow sperm to travel easily to the egg. If this discharge isn’t in balance (thick & pasty) you likely have damp in the uterine pathways which will block conception. Having an orgasm after your partner is also a very important step. The contraction of the uterine muscles assists in the sperm moving further into the uterus.
LH surge strips can also be used as an indicator of ovulation. The LH surge begins around 36 hours before ovulation. Once the egg is released, it survives about 24 hours, then the fertile window shuts. For women who have unpredictable cycles these tests can cause more harm than support so I wouldn’t suggest using them, stay out of overwhelm it will stop you from conceiving.
Start to have sex every second day around Day 7/8.
The fertile peak can be a mysterious space of time, but medical evidence points to a 5 day window. Sperm can live in the uterus for up to 5 days! (But the egg’s window is 12 to 24 hours). The target is to have sex five times before ovulation and one day after ovulation.
A word about BBT charting
This is tool used by most fertility acupuncturists when working with a natural cycle. BBT charting provides a deeper understanding of the underlying patterns which might hinder conception. It’s starting to be more recognised from a western perspective, some important patterns become apparent around month three of charting. If your temperatures seem to be to low throughout, you might need to get some tests run. This could be an issue with an under active thyroid or low progesterone.
Click here for my download on tracking your fertile peak
Miscarriage(s)
Did you know in the UK a woman must endure three miscarriages before the NHS will refer on to the fertility unit?
This is another massive benefit of receiving acupuncture treatment. Miscarriage is considered a serious issue requiring a succinct diagnosis and treatment plan. Fertility consultants will tell you just to keep trying each cycle, and in the case of IVF they often push for back to back rounds if no eggs are collected.
For women, we loose something called ‘vital energy’ (jing) which is another step up from just your normal sort of energy (qi) through conceiving children. Men loose this energy from ejaculation. Every miscarriage, termination, ectopic, assisted conception attempt and live birth count in terms of vital energy being consumed that you won’t get back.
If you have suffered from miscarriage I urge you to consider self care as your number one goal. It takes an immense amount of energy to conceive no matter if its early days or third trimeter. We are all allotted a certain amount of energy in this life. You’ll understand this concept if you have always been a low energy type. People with tonnes of energy often can’t get this concept.
Most women feel exhausted after a miscarriage. Vital substances (qi, blood, yin and yang) have been wiped out! Choices need to be made around food, exercise levels, social commitments and quality sleep. Additional complimentary therapies such as acupuncture, seeing a fertility nutritionist, reflexology and chinese herbs are often required to regain the vital components to conceive again.
I often get asked, but when can I try again? The chinese medicine gold standard is three months post loss with weekly to biweekly treatments to avoid the pattern repeating.
Once you conceive again, I highly recommend attending weekly acupuncture sessions until week 12 to 14 to ensure the development of the follicle to foetus, calm anxiety around the past events and support ‘upright’ energy (there is literally a set of points I use to strengthen upward energy to ensure the womb holds the pregnancy).
It’s not me… (NO, it actually is!)
It is estimated male factor sub fertility in the UK is 30% which is the same number as women. 40% of infertility cases are due to ‘unexplained factors’. I obviously run a female centred practice, however I do suggest both parties in a heterosexual couple attend acupuncture. Despite 12 + years of practice I still hear the same old stories with each new female patient. ‘Oh, he’s really hesitant to get his sperm checked.’ He thinks everything is okay.’ No, I’m not kidding!
READ THIS part out to him… If you think it’s okay that your partner has felt deep sadness through months of not conceiving or suffering a miscarriage you better take a deep look at your commitment level to have a child. She has eaten all the right food 90% of the time, stopped having a glass or two when she feels like it, worked hard on her activity levels, has come to acupuncture and listened to your tales of woe about getting a simple test! Sorry to be blunt, but this mindset has to change.
FYI! For men who have already conceived with another partner it doesn’t exclude the possibility of a newly acquired sub fertility issue.
Acupuncture and sperm
As does with women, it takes around three months to support quality sperm. It’s important to have tests done close to starting acupuncture treatment for an improvement to be seen in semen parameters three months later. As with women, men have unique pathologies causing sub fertility. Lifestyle can play a big role! As you might expect, use of alcohol, recreational drugs (even past use), being over weight, smoking, exposure to toxins, occupational factors, poor diet, lack of exercise, stress and older age can all play a role in not conceiving.
The advice here: preparatory acupuncture is incredibly important to reduce the risk of a failed IVF round or miscarriage in the first trimester. Both partners need to get on board with lifestyle shifts during the period of trying to conceive. It could make the difference between your life long dream and the misery of too many health events which may require medical intervention.
PS: To the men: acupuncture needles are not like blood taking syringes. They are so fine you will barely feel them when I insert them into a point. If you are highly sensitive there even finer needles which can be used! Not a reason not to get acu tx.
How long will treatment take?
Great question, sorry I don’t have an answer. That’s how you can tell I’ve been doing this for awhile.
A woman’s cycle isn’t a mystery especially when we use a BBT chart for natural fertility. That being said, if you have been diagnosed with PCOS or have a erratic cycles it can take time to get into sync. What usually happens in tracking a cycle sometimes underlying patterns are revealed. Can acupuncture help correct a pattern? Yes it can. However, you may need additional help from a fertility specialist who isn’t trying to convince you to jump to IVF immediately.
There are some great medical interventions in the fertility space. Progesterone should be more readily available through the NHS, but often you have to go through the fertility unit. Over the years I have found that lack of progesterone at the later end of menstrual cycle holds back the process of implantation. This hormone is akin to the functions of yang. The womb needs warmth, excellent blood flow and the proper hCG surge to ensure a start to pregnancy. This is why 99% of assisted conception protocols include progesterone pessary until week 12.
Another common issue is lack of ovulation or months when the cycle skips. This can happen to women who don’t have a PCOS diagnosis as well. Sometimes Clomid can administered for a short time (3 months usually). Ultra sound is used to monitor follicle development to ensure this protocol is suitable.
Suggestion: try to get an appointment with a GP who listens to you. It’s often always better to bring a second person (partner or friend) to fertility related appointments so all the information presented can be recalled. Of course if you have a budget going private will often be a faster approach to forming a treatment plan.
A word about spirit…
Chinese medicine works on three levels at all times. Mind, body and spirit. This three fold approach is so important in every persons wellbeing. A woman’s spirit can become weakened overtime due to negative outcomes each month and losses she wasn’t aware she would face in life. I often hear, ‘we really didn’t think this would happen to us’.
I have witnessed amazing shifts in treating emotional elements around conceiving which ended up with beautiful babies. Always remember, there might be something physical impeding conception, but never underestimate your thoughts, self talk, spiritual commitment, self care, self love and love of how amazing and magical you are!
Common lifestyle issues which will impede conception for both partners!
Being run down
Male / Female One partner is too run down. Remember it take two to tango.
Healthy egg + Healthy sperm = baby
Becoming run down happens for a variety of reasons. If you know you are a person who catches everything and simply never gets a break you may need to work on immunity prior to conceiving. Yes to acupuncture, as well as a nutritionist who can support you with the correct choice of supplements. This can really make a difference!
Stress
Stress impedes the smooth flow of energy (qi). Energy then stagnates, causes deeper patterns of disharmony leading to varying fertility issues. Emotions become entrenched in the psyche leading to a domino effect of poor health.
Not dealing with miscarriage
There is physical toll, but more importantly there is an emotional toll. If feelings of grief and loss are suppressed physical symptoms start to happen. (remember the body, mind and spirit are not separate) Talking therapy is a great choice to work through these events. Obviously acupuncture and flower essence’s are excellent adjunct therapies. Journalling is your friend! It’s one of my top recommendations.
Not enough movement & exercise
Often life is super focused around our work. Many of us work in sedentary jobs sitting at screens for much of our working lives. What do you think this is doing to sperm and egg quality?
If you have this sort of job consider getting up for a walk each hour, purchase a moveable desk which allows to sit and stand, try getting some support from your company. Energy stagnation causes a bounty of symptoms! Fertility especially. In order to promote quality implantation each month after ovulation uterine blood must be moving. Sitting for hours impedes this function.
Avoid high level cardio exercise such as running and aerobics. Switch to gentle walking and yoga. High cardio exercise is not advised due to the adrenaline forming qualities which in turn releases cortisol. Over a period of time, cortisol has a negative impact on the body’s reproductive function. Try to practice regular meditations (mindfulness or manifesting meditations).
Relationship issues
It goes without saying, when getting pregnant becomes a longer process than anyone predicted plenty of emotions come knocking at the door. These might be in the form of childhood trauma, hang ups around sex, self blame, lack of confidence in self and the relationship. You love each other, you didn’t bargain on how tough this process was going to be, no one does until they get there.
One thing I can say, you will make it through and your relationship will be much stronger. Communication is the key. If you struggle with word, consider writing down your thoughts and then speaking them aloud. Talking therapy is always a great support, even if you get someone to provide some tips on communication. Stagnated emotions block the qi of reproductive organs which can lead to the fertility journey being halted.
Poor nutritional choices
The ready made meal or store bought sandwich during the work week won’t do any damage. Think again. Food is medicine. Say it out loud with me: ‘Food is medicine’. The chinese have known this for thousands of years.
Reduce or stop cold, raw meals. Eat warm wholesome cooked meals. Drink room temperature water and warm herbal teas. The old acupuncture saying ‘you can’t grow a baby in a fridge’ is something to keep in mind. If we lived in the tropics of course guidance would differ.
Eat protein regularly to keep your blood sugar levels stable. If your blood sugar levels are not stable, this will cause your insulin levels to fluctuate which causes hormone in- balance.
Try to eat organic, especially meat and fish, avoid farmed salmon (almost all salmon is farmed unless otherwise stated) keep tuna and mackerel to a minimum. Lots of beans, ancient organic grains, green vegetables should be part of each days meals. Reduce or stop white stodgy breads.
In the world of Chinese Medicine, it’s always suggested to avoid dairy products because they cause phlegm and damp, which can cause blockages in the reproductive organs. Substitute cow’s milk with almond, rice or goats milk. If you love cheese, choose from goat or sheep products which do not create the same issues.
If your a current patient I do have specific guides on what to eat based on your diagnosis. These can be accessed if you email me.
Too focused on getting pregnant & every symptom during pregnancy
A bit of a double edged sword. Yes of course there will be a focus which is congruent to each persons unique situation. This is inevitable in the fertility journey. However, there are situations when obsession impacts mental and spiritual connection to the womb.
Case 1: a patient spent several hours searching on the web about every detail the type of IVF she was doing. Her mental functions were running her down, this caused an issue with her first IVF round. This obsession drained her of valuable energy for round 2.
Case 2: a patient became so focused on exactly every minor detail of her IVF case she eventually would only deal with the director of the unit and one specific nurse which was not warranted. She was so highly strung she almost lost the baby at week 34 due to extreme pre-eclampsia. In the end an emergency c-section was performed to save both.
Both patients were treated for thoughts edging on obsession, we all have been there with some facet of life! Even me. But I want to point out too much information often can become too much of a burden. Focus on the positives. Avoid Dr. Google.
In summary
Much of my beloved work is around connection and spirit, if these can flow freely then balance follows with quality eggs and sperm, a warm inviting uterine lining for implantation, the connection of the heart and womb in the pivotal time before confirmation of pregnancy, a smooth first trimester, a smooth second & third trimester. A woman who is ready to give birth and feels connected with very little anxiety, with a partner who is able to provide support during the birth. The smooth flow of life takes care of everyone when we can live in balance.
Thanks for reading through this, I know it was alot of information!
References
Did the NICE guidelines for progesterone treatment of threatened miscarriage get it right? Reproductive Fertility. April 7, 20222.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9066946/#:~:text=NICE now recommend to 'offer,16 completed weeks of pregnancy’
Extent of the Problem, Alison Taylor, BMJ. 2003 August 2003
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC188498/
Acupuncture for IVF and Assisted Reproduction, Irina Szmelskyi and Lianne Aquilina. Churchill Livingstone. 2015.
1 in 6 people globally affected by infertility: WHO. April 4, 2023.
https://www.who.int/news/item/04-04-2023-1-in-6-people-globally-affected-by-infertility
How to Improve Male Fertility
Tommy’s. March 2, 2024
Fertility Investigations
Fertility Network UK.
https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/trying-to-conceive/treatment-overview/fertility-investigations/
Conception Tips
Fertility Network
