Tag: ttc journey

When Fertility Tests Are Normal, But Pregnancy Isn’t Happening

by JMReflex, posted in Acupuncture

One of the most common stories I hear in clinic goes something like this:

“My tests are normal. My partner’s tests are normal. We’ve been told everything looks fine…”

Yet month after month, pregnancy still isn’t happening.

Now don’t get me wrong. Sometimes investigations genuinely don’t reveal an obvious cause. Fertility is complex and there are no guarantees.

But I often find myself wondering whether we’ve asked enough questions.

Because when I sit down with someone and take a detailed history, I rarely hear a story that sounds completely straightforward.

Perhaps they’ve struggled with energy for years.

Perhaps they experience strong sugar cravings, energy crashes, or find themselves relying on caffeine to get through the day.

Perhaps their periods are painful, heavy or contain clots.

Perhaps they’ve had recurrent thrush, BV or urinary tract infections.

Perhaps they’ve gained weight despite eating well and exercising regularly.

Perhaps they’ve been told their thyroid is “normal”, yet still have symptoms that leave them feeling anything but normal.

None of these things automatically explains fertility difficulties.

But they do make me curious.

Because our bodies don’t tend to develop symptoms for no reason.

What if these symptoms aren’t separate problems?

What if they’re clues?

The more I learn, the more interested I become in the connections between fertility and the rest of the body.

Blood sugar regulation.

Hormone balance.

Inflammation.

Nutrient status.

Gut health.

The vaginal and urinary microbiome.

Sleep.

Stress.

These systems don’t exist in isolation, and neither does fertility.

This is why I believe it’s important to look at the whole picture rather than focusing solely on whether a result falls within a reference range.

“Normal” is an important starting point. It’s not always the end of the conversation.

Need support?

If you’re trying to conceive, preparing for IVF, or simply feel there may be pieces of your fertility story that haven’t yet been explored, I’d love to help.

Together we can review your symptoms, health history, lifestyle factors and existing test results to identify areas that may benefit from further investigation and optimisation before taking the next step on your fertility journey. Book in today or contact me for a free discovery call.

Why am I not getting pregnant?

by JMReflex, posted in Acupuncture, Fertility, fertility acupuncture, IVF, Male Factor, Menstrual Cycle, Nutrition, Pregnancy, Stress, TCM
A man comforts a distressed woman sitting on a couch, emphasizing emotional support and empathy.

It is quite common to think that it is easy to get pregnant. At school we were scared into believing that it is really easy to get pregnant and there was a huge push to educate on contraception. But statistically it takes time to fall pregnant.

For women up to and including the age of 25, 60% will be pregnant at 6 months of trying; 85% at a year. And of 100 couples trying to conceive, 40 will not be pregnant after 5 months, and 15 will not have conceived after a year of trying.

For women of 35 or over the statistics lengthen: 60% will be pregnant at a year, and 85% at 2 years. Age being the factor to reduce the chances of conception.

Men account for almost 40% of the reasons behind fertility treatment.

When that positive pregnancy test doesn’t come quickly, anxiety and worry can quickly set in, and this level of stress only adds to the problem. And this then often leads to a quick jump into IVF without properly giving the issue enough time and attention it needs to potentially happen naturally.

What can I do?

Get to know your cycles

Understanding your menstrual cycle is key to timing intercourse properly and knowing the signs of ovulation and a healthy follicular and luteal phase, as well as a healthy bleed. Don’t rely on apps to tell you when you are ovulating and when you should be next on your period; look for that egg white mucus and make a note of which day of your cycle this is observed. Take your basal body temperature first thing every morning with a properly calibrated thermometer and mark this on a chart. Look at your mentrual blood and observe its colour, texture, and notice any prementrual pains and tension you feel, and whether this carries on into your period. Doing this for a few months can built up a good picture of your menstrual health and allows you to time intercourse accordingly (every other day between the end of your bleed and ovulation).

What do you class as normal?

By this I mean, what are the things that you regularly put up with that really you shouldn’t have to. Such as extreme pain, running to the toilet after eating certain foods, avoiding particular foods/products because they irritate your tummy or skin, heart burn, fatigue, heavy periods, painful periods, acne, hot flushes, IBS, constipation, diarrhoea, headaches. Symptoms you put up with could be indicators of imbalances that need to be smoothed out in order to create a baby-friendly body.

Dig a little deeper

Get tested properly. A basic Day 2 hormone panel from the GP is a good starting point, but even that can be difficult to get. Progesterone needs to be tested separately 7 days after you have ovulated (another good reason to get to know your cycle). A full thyroid panel is also useful, as is Vitamin D and iron levels. Consider using Medichecks or another company to get these panels done privately if necessary.

Look at him

As previously mentioned, 40% of all fertility treatment is because of male factor. It is so easy to improve sperm quality quickly by improving diet, nutritional choices, reducing alcohol and smoking, and keeping those testicles cool and free. Reduce the use of hot baths, saunas, hot tubs. Reduce sitting around in tight clothing. Look at hobbies which can increase the heat to this area: cycling, gaming etc. Use a good quality men’s fertility health supplement like Ovum. Keep mobile phones out of front trouser pockets.

Looking for Answers?

If you’ve been trying to conceive and are wondering why it’s not happening, it’s easy to feel frustrated, confused or overwhelmed. The reality is that fertility is influenced by many factors, including hormones, ovulation, metabolic health, inflammation, nutrition, stress and sperm quality.

I offer a personalised approach that looks beyond the basics, combining comprehensive testing, acupuncture and tailored support to help identify potential barriers to conception and create a plan that is right for you.

If you’re ready to investigate what may be holding you back, get in touch to arrange a fertility consultation.

Why Blood Sugar Balance Matters for Fertility and IVF

by JMReflex, posted in Acupuncture, Fertility, fertility acupuncture, Nutrition, TCM

When we think about trying to conceive, or preparing for IVF, diet and lifestyle often come up, but one area that’s sometimes overlooked is blood sugar balance. Keeping blood sugar steady isn’t just important for long-term health, it can directly affect fertility and IVF outcomes.

Egg quality and hormone balance

Every time we eat, our body responds with insulin to help move glucose into our cells. If blood sugar rises and falls sharply, insulin can spike too. High insulin levels disturb the delicate balance of reproductive hormones, which can affect how eggs mature and respond during IVF stimulation.

The challenge is that blood sugar imbalances do not always cause obvious symptoms

For some women, this may show up as symptoms such as irregular or absent menstrual cycles, difficulty predicting ovulation, stubborn weight gain around the middle, sugar cravings, fatigue after meals, brain fog, or feeling shaky, light-headed or irritable if meals are delayed. Others may notice increased facial or body hair, acne, or difficulty losing weight despite eating well. These can all be clues that blood sugar regulation and insulin signalling are not working as efficiently as they should, even when routine fertility tests appear normal.

The uterine environment

Blood sugar swings also create inflammation, and this can influence how receptive the uterine lining is. A stable environment helps with healthy blood flow and hormone signalling: two essentials for implantation.

Embryo development and pregnancy

Embryos in their earliest stages are very sensitive. Research shows that unstable blood sugar and insulin resistance can reduce embryo quality and even increase the risk of early miscarriage. On the other hand, keeping blood sugar balanced supports embryo growth and helps sustain pregnancy.

Sliced avocado and soft-boiled eggs on whole grain toast, topped with pine nuts and black pepper.

Simple ways to support balance

Pair protein and healthy fats with carbohydrates to slow down sugar release.

Avoid eating naked carbs.

Favour whole foods over refined carbs and sugary snacks.

Ensure you are eating the rainbow. Lots of colourful vegetables and some fruit adds metabolic corrective polyphenols.

Eat at regular intervals instead of skipping meals or grazing throughout the day.

Gentle exercise like walking after a meal also improves insulin sensitivity.

The good news

Balanced blood sugar supports steady hormones, healthy eggs, a receptive uterine lining, and developing embryos. For anyone trying to conceive or preparing for IVF, it’s one of the simplest but most powerful foundations to put in place.

Could Blood Sugar Imbalances Be Affecting Your Fertility?

Many women are told that their fertility tests are normal, yet underlying issues with blood sugar regulation and insulin resistance can still be affecting ovulation, egg quality, implantation and IVF outcomes.

I offer comprehensive fertility support, including advanced hormone and metabolic testing, acupuncture and personalised guidance to help identify factors that may be standing in the way of conception.

If you’d like to better understand your fertility picture and explore whether blood sugar balance could be playing a role, get in touch to book a consultation.

References

Li, Y., Li, R., Qiao, J., Zhang, Q. & Xu, Y. (2013). Effect of insulin resistance on the outcome of in vitro maturation treatment in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 11(1), 31. doi:10.1186/1477-7827-11-31. Available at: PubMed

Huang, W., Chen, Q., Fan, Y., Ma, Y., Zhang, Y., Fang, T., & Wang, Y. (2021). Association between insulin resistance and embryo quality in lean, non-PCOS women undergoing in vitro fertilization. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 12, 741981. doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.741981. Available at: PMC

Trying to Conceive? Why Natural Skincare Matters More Than You Think

by JMReflex, posted in Acupuncture, Fertility
Hands forming a heart shape over a bare stomach.

When you are trying to conceive, it is natural to focus on diet, supplements and lifestyle. You might start tracking your cycle, supporting your hormones, or eating more nourishing, fertility-friendly foods. But one area that is often overlooked is the everyday products we apply to our skin, hair and body.

We are usually careful about what we eat, but do we pay the same attention to what we put on our skin? The skin is permeable and many ingredients in personal care products are absorbed into the bloodstream. This becomes particularly relevant in the preconception phase, when you are working to create the healthiest possible internal environment for pregnancy.

The Problem with Petrochemicals

A large number of mainstream skincare, body care and cosmetic products are based on petrochemicals. These are substances derived from petroleum and crude oil. They may be used to preserve products, make them feel silky, create foam or fragrance, or simply to bulk them out because they are cheap and widely available.

Petrochemicals can burden the liver and disrupt the endocrine system. Some are known or suspected endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which means they can interfere with your hormones. This is especially important during the delicate process of trying to conceive, when hormonal balance is essential for ovulation, implantation and embryo development.

Petrochemical-Derived Ingredients to Avoid

Here are some common ingredients that may appear in your skincare products, all of which are derived from petrochemicals and can impact fertility:

  • Paraffinum liquidum (mineral oil) Often used in moisturisers, this is a by-product of petroleum refining. It forms a film on the skin that may block pores and inhibit natural detoxification.
  • Propylene glycol Common in creams and serums to help retain moisture, but it can irritate the skin and increase the penetration of other chemicals.
  • Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben) Used as preservatives, they mimic oestrogen in the body and are linked to hormonal disruption.
  • Phthalates Often hidden under the word “fragrance” or “parfum,” these are plasticisers that can disrupt reproductive hormones and have been associated with reduced fertility.
  • Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulphate (SLES) These are foaming agents that can irritate the skin and are often contaminated with by-products of the petrochemical industry.
  • Synthetic fragrance or parfum A single artificial fragrance can contain dozens of undisclosed chemicals, many of which are derived from crude oil and may disrupt hormones or sensitise the skin.

The Preconception Window is Precious

In the months leading up to conception, your body is preparing in subtle but powerful ways. Detoxification, hormonal signalling, egg and sperm quality, and the uterine environment are all influenced by your internal balance. Reducing your toxic load by avoiding petrochemicals is a simple but significant step that supports these natural processes.

Nourish Yourself Naturally

Choosing natural personal care products is an act of self-love. Look for certified organic or naturally formulated options that are free from petroleum-derived ingredients, artificial fragrance and synthetic preservatives.

Brands such as Neal’s Yard Remedies focus on high-quality botanical ingredients that support rather than suppress your body’s natural rhythms. Begin with the products you use most often, such as body lotion, deodorant and facial care. These small shifts create long-term benefits, not only for fertility but for overall well-being.

Conclusion

Trying to conceive is a time to simplify, nourish and connect more deeply with yourself. By making thoughtful changes to the products you use every day, you support your body in doing what it was made to do. Natural personal care is not about being perfect. It is about creating space for your hormones to settle, your liver to work freely, and your skin to breathe.

You deserve to feel safe, supported and ready. Let nature take care of you, so you can take care of what matters most.

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