From left to right, Sabine Le Boulicaut from Shen Dao Acupuncture, Niamh Muldowney from Anam Mai Acupuncture and Sharon from Sharon McGinty Acupuncture having lunch in Relish Cafe, Bettystown.

Your local acupuncturists Niamh (that's me!) from Anam Mai Acupuncture, Sharon from Sharon McGinty Acupuncture and Sabine from Shen Dao Acupuncture have joined forces to spread the wonders of acupuncture. We are co-writing a series of articles for The Meath Coaster Magazine. The 1st one "Quit Smoking with Acupuncture"! is posted below and now this is the second one:

Acupuncture Can Help You Conceive
Did you know that acupuncture can improve reproductive health, both in men and women?
Acupuncture is a great way to prepare yourself before conception whether you are trying naturally or going down the assisted route.

Natural conception
Acupuncture is ideal for women who want to boost their fertility naturally, prepare themselves in the best way possible before IVF or try to conceive again after experiencing a miscarriage.
Treatments work alongside the menstrual cycle and aim to improve egg quality, improve the quality and quantity of cervical secretions, promote ovulation, improve the quality and thickness of the uterine lining to promote implantation, address PMT symptoms and promote an efficient menstrual bleed.
Acupuncture can therefore address underlying conditions such as PCOS and endometriosis.
The great strength of acupuncture lies in restoring physical, hormonal and emotional balance to allow conception to happen.

Male fertility
Male factor infertility accounts for 45% of all fertility.
Couples diagnosed with male factor infertility are quickly referred for ICSI when there is a lot men can do to improve their fertility naturally.
Men are constantly producing sperm and it takes roughly 75 days to make new sperm.
Considering the cost of ICSI and the increased risk of birth defects associated with it, it makes sense for men to do everything they can to let their sperm improve on their own.
12 acupuncture treatments coupled with a few lifestyle changes can significantly improve the count, motility and morphology, allowing for natural conception to happen.

Assisted Conception
Embarking on IVF/ICSI treatment after having been TTCing for a while can be a hopeful and joyous time, but it is also a very stressful time. The procedures are invasive and also very costly.
Having regular acupuncture treatments in the lead up to IVF will ensure that you are in the best shape possible and could increase your chances of success by as much as 40 to 60%. Ideally preparation for IVF/ICSI should begin 2 to 3 months before starting the cycle. 
Acupuncture during an IVF/ICSI cycle improves pelvic blood flow, improves egg quality and quantity, creates a thicker uterine lining and therefore increases the chances of implantation and prevents the uterus from contracting after transfer. It will also keep you calm and relaxed and reduce the side effects from the medication.  
It is important to mention that acupuncture does not hurt and is in fact a relaxing and enjoyable experience and that patients look forward to their treatment.
No matter where you are on your conception journey, Sabine, Niamh and Sharon can support you at whatever stage you find yourself. We are always happy to take the time to answer queries and discuss your personal circumstances with you. Please do not hesitate to ring one of us for a confidential chat