Tag: sperm

IVF: Why days 3-5 are key

by JMReflex, posted in Acupuncture, Fertility, fertility acupuncture, ICSI, IVF, Male Factor
Embryo forming.

When going through IVF, and in particular ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), its super important to pay as much attention to male factor as it is female.

Usually when using ICSI there is an issue with sperm, and its ability to penetrate the egg for fertilisation. This might be due to poor morphology or low sperm count for example. Or perhaps you have tried IVF before and the eggs failed to fertilise naturally. ICSI allows the sperm to be injected directly into the egg by an embryologist.

Some might say that the ability of the sperm to penetrate the egg is no longer important as this penetration is bypassed by the injection technique.

However, just because the sperm is manually injected into the egg, doesn’t mean that its role is then finished!

As the embryo starts to develop, the egg’s energy is solely used to power cellular division, up to around day 3. From day 3-5, the male chromosomes start to contribute to the development of the embryo.

If you have experienced embryos that have arrested in development at this stage, it is a clear message that what’s actually underneath isn’t healthy enough, the genetic material isn’t viable enough, what’s happening with the male Qi is not good enough for the sperm to power through an embryo development.

Taking time for the man to work on and improve his health and lifestyle for the next 3 cycles before going for another round of IVF is super important and really effective.

Allowing a couple 3 months to prepare for conception, whether that be naturally or through IVF is really good advice. It takes around 100 days for an egg to mature, and the same amount of time for health improvements and lifestyle changes to be reflected in sperm.

Taking the time to really focus on your health and prepare properly really is key when you are trying to conceive.

Book in for acupuncture with me today and start your journey feeling fully supported and empowered through your fertility journey.

If you are looking for fertility support in Lancashire please get in touch.

Acupuncture for Infertility

by JMReflex, posted in Acupuncture, Fertility, Menstrual Cycle, Stress, TCM

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of traditional medicine, which has been used in China and other eastern cultures for thousands of years to restore, promote and maintain good health.

Research has found that acupuncture treatments can have a positive effect on those trying for a baby and can actually aid the conception process.

Fertility focused acupuncture treatments can help to increase blood flow to the reproductive organs, balance hormonal levels, regulate the menstrual cycle and help improve the lining of the uterus and quality of eggs released. Additionally, conditions such as polycystic ovaries and endometriosis have also been shown to improve with acupuncture.

Benefits to male fertility have also been helped by acupuncture with positive effects on sperm count, sperm morphology and mobility.

Some of the positive effects of acupuncture in fertility treatments are thought to include:

  • regulates the menstrual cycle and promotes regular ovulation
  • regulates the hormones to produce larger numbers of follicles
  • improves the functions of ovaries to produce better quality eggs
  • enhances the vitality of sperm
  • relieves the side effects of drugs used in IVF
  • increases the thickness of the uterine lining so to encourage successful implantation
  • reduces the chance of miscarriage

It is known that stress has an adverse effect on the fertility hormones. Acupuncture can be used to support the process, thus enabling couples to cope with any stress and anxieties they may experience during this time. The acupuncture treatment can help promote a calm, positive and relaxed frame of mind which can bring a more successful outcome for conception.

If you are looking for fertility support in Lancashire please get in touch.

Information for this blog has been taken from British Acupuncture Council

Jackie Marsden MAR is a qualified reflexologist and clinical acupuncturist, working from Elder Cottage Clinic, Warton, nr. Preston.