Fertility acupuncture in Wokingham, Berkshire

Name: Wokingham Therapy Clinic
Brand: Wokingham Therapy Clinic
SKU: hd-local-wokingham-01

Fertility acupuncture is a specialist branch of acupuncture focused on supporting reproductive health in both men and women. It is used to help couples conceive naturally, to improve outcomes for those undergoing IVF or other assisted reproductive treatments, and to support a healthy pregnancy once conception has occurred. There is now a substantial and growing body of research supporting its use for fertility.

At Wokingham Therapy Clinic, fertility acupuncture is provided by Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto, one of the UK's most experienced fertility acupuncturists, with over 20 years of specialist practice in reproductive health.

How acupuncture helps fertility

Acupuncture supports fertility through several well-researched mechanisms:

Regulating the menstrual cycle – acupuncture influences the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, helping to normalise the hormonal signals that regulate ovulation and cycle length
Improving blood flow to the reproductive organs – acupuncture increases blood supply to the uterus and ovaries, supporting endometrial development and follicular growth
Improving egg quality – sustained improvement in ovarian blood flow over a period of months prior to conception can positively influence egg quality
Supporting implantation – acupuncture helps create a more receptive uterine environment, reducing excessive uterine contractions and supporting the implantation window
Improving sperm parameters – research has shown acupuncture can improve sperm motility, morphology and count in men with subfertility
Reducing stress and cortisol – fertility problems are significantly associated with stress, and elevated cortisol can disrupt the hormonal environment. Acupuncture has a well-documented calming effect on the stress response
Addressing underlying conditions – including PCOS, endometriosis and thyroid dysfunction that can affect fertility

Conditions and causes treated

Fertility acupuncture can help with a range of fertility-related conditions and concerns, including:

Unexplained infertility
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Endometriosis
Irregular or absent periods
Poor ovarian reserve or poor response to IVF stimulation
Recurrent miscarriage
Male factor infertility – low sperm count, poor motility, poor morphology
Age-related fertility decline
Hormonal imbalances affecting fertility
Preparation for IVF, ICSI, IUI and other assisted reproductive treatments

Pre-conception care

Preparation for pregnancy ideally begins three to four months prior to a planned conception attempt or the start of an IVF cycle. This timeframe is significant because it takes approximately 90 days for both eggs and sperm to complete their development cycle – meaning that what you do in the three months before conception can directly influence the quality of the egg and sperm that come together at fertilisation.

A pre-conception programme with Dr (TCM) D'Alberto typically includes weekly fertility acupuncture, personalised dietary and supplement advice, and, where appropriate, Chinese herbal medicine. Lifestyle and stress management guidance is also provided throughout treatment based on the extensive research Dr D'Alberto has reviewed in writing his books on fertility.

Where male factor infertility is present, a combined programme of acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and dietary and lifestyle changes is recommended to optimise sperm parameters over the three-month pre-conception period.

During pregnancy

Acupuncture can continue to provide valuable support once pregnancy is achieved. For natural conceptions, weekly sessions are recommended during the first trimester (up to week 12) to support the foetus, promote a healthy pregnancy and minimise the risk of miscarriage. For pregnancies achieved through IVF, weekly sessions are recommended up to week 20.

Acupuncture during pregnancy can also help with nausea and morning sickness, fatigue, back and pelvic pain, anxiety and sleep difficulties. From around 36 weeks, acupuncture can be used to help prepare the body for labour.

Research and evidence

The evidence base for fertility acupuncture has grown substantially over the past two decades. Key research findings include:

A systematic review found that acupuncture significantly improved clinical pregnancy rates in women with PCOS undergoing ovulation induction
Research has shown that acupuncture improves sperm motility and morphology in men with subfertility, with effects comparable to those of pharmaceutical treatment
Studies have demonstrated that acupuncture improves blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, as measured by Doppler ultrasound, which is associated with better IVF outcomes
Research published in Fertility and Sterility found that acupuncture significantly reduced cortisol levels in women undergoing fertility treatment, which may support a more favourable hormonal environment
Multiple studies have found that acupuncture reduces anxiety and improves quality of life in people undergoing fertility treatment, which may itself improve outcomes

Explanation video

Frequently asked questions

When should I start fertility acupuncture?

Ideally, three to four months before you plan to start trying to conceive or before beginning an IVF cycle. This allows time to work on egg and sperm quality, regulate cycles and prepare the body. However, acupuncture can still be beneficial if you begin closer to your conception attempt or IVF cycle start date.

How often will I need treatment?

During the pre-conception phase, weekly sessions are typically recommended. The frequency may increase during specific phases of an IVF cycle. Dr D'Alberto will develop a treatment schedule tailored to your individual circumstances and fertility timeline at your initial consultation.

Can fertility acupuncture help if I have unexplained infertility?

Yes. Unexplained infertility is one of the most common categories in couples trying to conceive. From a Chinese medicine perspective, there is always a reason for infertility even when Western investigations are normal, and acupuncture can address subtle imbalances in cycle health, stress, blood flow and constitutional factors that may not be captured by standard fertility tests.

Is fertility acupuncture safe during IVF?

Yes. Fertility acupuncture is specifically designed to complement IVF and other assisted reproductive treatments, not interfere with them. Dr D'Alberto has extensive experience coordinating acupuncture treatment with IVF protocols and will ensure the timing of sessions fits with your medical schedule.

Our fertility acupuncturist

Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto BM (Beijing), BSc (Hons) TCM, MBAcC, MATCM

Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto has been practising acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for over 20 years, specialising in the treatment of male and female infertility. He is a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) and is the author of My Fertility Guide and My Pregnancy Guide.

Dr (TCM) D'Alberto graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine from Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in China – a full-time, five-year degree programme that included six months of clinical internship at two of the largest hospitals in Beijing.

Dr (TCM) D'Alberto has an excellent success rate and has helped many couples conceive, including those facing a range of complex fertility challenges.

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