Philippa Summers Acupuncture

Acupuncture can support male and female fertility whether you are preparing for future conception or trying to conceive, either naturally or using some form of ART.  It can be an emotional rollercoaster of a journey, particularly when undergoing IVF and other ART procedures. I offer treatment for men and women where you can share your situation, experiences and any worries in a relaxing and supportive space.

After taking a detailed medical history, treatments are chosen according your situation and the principles of Chinese Medicine combined with the results of recent scientific research and clinical trials. Alongside treatment an appropriate diet, relaxation and exercise in moderation are also often pivotal to improving overall health and fertility. I like to keep things as simple as possible but in some cases further tests and investigations may be useful and I can provide some guidance of matters to discuss further with your GP.

I work closely with other fertility specialists including other acupuncturists, herbalists, a hypnotherapist and a nutritionist, as well as a team of wonderful therapists in West Norwood and Brixton.

For Women

Acupuncture can help support female fertility by regulating the menstrual cycle, supporting ovulation, raising egg quality and encouraging healthy development of the uterine lining. The focus of treatment will depend on your particular circumstances and will shift depending on where you are in your cycle. Acupuncture helps to regulate hormones, increases blood flow to the ovaries and the uterus and very importantly also helps you to feel more relaxed.

• Menstrual cycle irregularities
• Ovulatory disorders including PCOS
• Endometriosis
• Improving Egg Quality
• Encouraging healthy uterine lining to aid implantation
• Support during natural and assisted conception
• Managing Stress

Your developing eggs undergo a long process of maturation especially in the 3-6 months leading up to their release when you ovulate. Good nutrition, avoidance of toxins and a healthy lifestyle can help to support their development and raise egg quality and is something that I would encourage every woman trying to conceive to give time to. It is a good idea to start sooner rather than later so that you can benefit from this preparatory phase of treatment whether you are trying to conceive naturally or with ART.

Many women undergoing IVF have acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer but to get the most benefit  I advise having regular sessions through the earlier stages of IVF especially during the stimulation phase.

For Men

Fertility issues for men contribute to infertility in almost half of all couples and frequently the issue is with sperm quality and count. Regular acupuncture for the 3 months that it takes the sperm to develop can help and the treatment is very straight forward with no local points! A healthy diet, exercise and stress reduction are also important.

• Improving Semen Parameters
• Managing Stress

My Fertility and Gynaecology Training
My training in Acupuncture for Fertility and Gynaecology included treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Endometriosis, and I have since taken many related short courses. I endeavour to keep abreast of the latest developments through lectures, workshops and on-going education programmes with specialists in the field including gynaecologists and IVF consultants, acupuncturists and nutritionists.