Over half of the people that visit us are going through assisted conception techniques (ACTs) using IUI, IVF or ICSI.
We offer bespoke programs for both partners in preparation for ACTs, with the aim of ensuring optimal health, reducing drug side effects and managing stress both before, during and after. Or you might like to book our IVF support package.
We recommend that you come to us at least 3 months (ideally longer) before you start IUI, IVF or ICSI. This allows time for you to make changes to your diet and lifestyle and for treatments such as acupuncture, nutritional therapy, counselling or herbal medicine to take effect. However, even if you are due to start in the next 1-2 months, we can still work with you so contact us as soon as possible.
Acupuncture for IVF
Acupuncture is now widely used during IVF treatments and there are an increasing number of studies to show that it may help in various ways. A major 2006 study concluded that acupuncture appears to have a positive effect and no adverse effects on pregnancy outcome.
We use acupuncture at various stages and believe that it can help with calming anxiety, relieving side effects of ivf drugs, promoting follicle and egg maturation, encouraging blood flow to the uterus and supporting early pregnancy.
The choice of acupuncture points is dependent upon the patient’s stage in the protocol. We use various acupuncture point protocols which have been found in studies to benefit pregnancy outcome.
Hypnotherapy for IVF
We advise using Hypnotherapy as a powerful way to dissolve any physical and emotional barriers to conception, full-term pregnancy, and to becoming a parent. Hypnotherapy encourages you to develop a positive attitude which aids conception and a successful pregnancy. It can also help calm anxiety levels in general, and during medical procedures.
Our fully-trained and experienced hypnotherapists offer sessions of brief, focused hypnotherapy for IVF to help you relax and decrease your stress levels. You will also learn the tools of self-hypnosis for use during medical procedures, and the hypnotherapy session can be recorded so that you can use it at home.
Diet and Nutrition
We recommend that you visit one of our Nutritional Therapists for dietary and nutritional advice in the 3-6 months before you start IVF. This gives enough time to increase the levels of the nutrients in the body that are important for healthy sperm and eggs, implantation and division of the embryo. If male and female partners are involved in the assisted conception process it is important that both have a healthy diet and adequate nutrient levels, so we recommend that you both come along for a personalised nutritional program.
For more information on how we can help you through IUI, IVF or ICSI please contact us.