For some couples assisted reproduction (e.g. IUI/IVF/ICSI) may provide the best chance for achieving conception.  Where this is the case, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine alongside modern fertility treatments are proving to be an effective combination.

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How may acupuncture and Chinese medicine complement assisted conception?
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine may be used to provide supportive treatment throughout the various stages of an assisted cycle. Whilst their mechanisms are yet to be fully understood, studies which support their use suggest that both modalities may help influence the outcome of an assisted cycle through the modulation of several factors such as the level of reproductive hormones, the way our body reacts to biological stress, and through improving blood flow to the reproductive organs.

When is the best time to begin treatment with acupuncture and/or Chinese herbal medicine when used as a supportive treatment to assisted conception?
Treatment with acupuncture and herbs may be broken down into two major phases: 
 

• Preconception Care and the Preperation Phase  This refers to a period of about 3-4 months before the onset of an assisted cycle. During this time period treatment is aimed at preparing the body of both partners and optimizing reproductive health. In women, emphasis is placed on addressing factors such as ovarian function, egg quality and endometrial health; in men, emphasis is placed on addressing sperm quality. 

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• Supportive phase Depending on the nature of a couple's fertility treatment, supportive treatment with acupuncture (and occasional herbs) may be given at several stages of an assisted cycle. For example, in a long IVF protocol acupuncture is often used to offer symptomatic relief to adverse effects that may arise from down-regulating drugs. When used during the stimulation phase of an IVF cycle, acupuncture treatment focuses on improving ovarian response and supporting the endometrial lining by promoting a healthy blood supply to the ovaries and uterus. 

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