Fertility & IVF Support
Over 20 years experienceFiona has specialised in seeing fertility patients for over 20 years whether they are preparing to conceive, trying to conceive or having tests and Western medicine fertility treatment such as IVF.
She has seen numerous women, men and couples, each with their unique story and experiences. A common thread with these stories is the enormous level of stress, frustration and sadness experienced at times, not feeling in control and a sense of continual uncertainty.
Fertility & IVF Support
Contact me for further information or to book an appointment
Fiona’s wealth of knowledge and time spent during the consultations can help give you the tools you need to regain a sense of control whether it is through having a course of acupuncture , making lifestyle changes , seeking out more information or tests or feeling more informed about your specific situation . She can answer questions you may have on Western medicine fertility tests / procedures within Lothian Health board NHS or private fertility clinics in the UK and abroad.
The initial session is all about taking your case history including your medical history, test results, questions about your menstrual cycle, diet, lifestyle and stress levels. It can be helpful for the person who will be supporting you through treatment to come along to this first consultation. Please also bring any information you may have about your condition plus any investigation or blood test results you’ve had.
Based on what I find in our first meeting I will make a personalised Chinese medicine fertility diagnosis. A treatment plan is then discussed and emailed to you when I may recommend a course of acupuncture, give specific nutritional and supplement advice, discuss techniques on how to improve pelvic blood flow and how to reduce stress. A course in Chinese herbal medicine may be advised for more complex cases.
Depending on your case history I may also recommend that you consider other Western medical tests, or see other members of the fertility team at the Natural Fertility Centre - such as our nutritionalist , fertility massage therapist or fertility counsellor.
Ultimately the goal is to promote the best egg and sperm quality and the optimal womb environment for implementation of the embryo and to reduce stress levels through this time of trying to conceive. And thereafter the aim is to support you through a healthy pregnancy and the birth of your baby!
Heather was diagnosed with premature ovarian failure aged 32 and advised that egg donation IVF was her only option . She was still having a regular cycle and ovulation – I recommended acupuncture, Chinese herbs and supplements and to keep trying naturally - her baby girl was born in June 2020 – naturally conceived!
Coming to see you gave us some hope to keep trying and made us think about everything in a different way to give us back some control.
Heather – June 2020
How can Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine promote optimal fertility?
Acupuncture
can help reduce stress levels and have a positive effect on overall fertility health for women and men at any point on their fertility journey. Acupuncture has been shown to increase blood flow to the ovaries and testes, therefore helping the transportation of nutrients and oxygen to the eggs and sperm. This is key in promoting an optimal quality of sperm and egg that is needed to create a successful embryo. Acupuncture has been shown to improve the womb lining – a critical factor for successful implantation of the embryo. It has also been linked to boosting progesterone levels, regulating hormonal balance and in men research trials have seen positive effects on sperm count, motility and morphology in men.
Chinese herbs
are used to enhance fertility and prevent miscarriage in China and the Western world and can help regulate the menstrual cycle, promote better hormonal balance, relieve stress-related symptoms and improve sperm count, motility, and morphology. Chinese herbs are recommended by Fiona in combination with acupuncture or on their own for more complex cases such endometriosis , Polycystic Ovarain Syndrome ( PCOS ) , premature Ovarian Failure ( POF ) , low egg reserve , possible autoimmune issues , repeated miscarriage, for women over the age of 38 and men with any low parameters on their semen analysis.
Fiona recommends having acupuncture and or taking herbs for 3 months as this is the length of time it takes for sperm and eggs to mature. Also this gives time for regulating a menstrual cycle, improving period blood flow and reducing clots and pain.
Just want to let you know my little boy arrived….thanks for all help during my IVF journey.
Anna (June 2020)