Jonathan: Acupuncture After Two Failed IVF Attempts

My wife and I found Lianne after two and a half years of failing to conceive and two failed NHS IVF attempts. We had one remaining NHS IVF attempt and wanted to make sure we gave it the best possible chance of success. From people, we had met and many online forums and articles we were aware that many people felt acupuncture was highly beneficial in assisting with infertility and in particular IVF so we booked a consultation. I wasn’t sure what I expected from acupuncture but I was interested to find out more.

At this point in time, our infertility had placed a huge strain on our relationship. We were both feeling down and were struggling to be positive about the future. We also felt very alone. People don’t really talk much about infertility and it can be quite an isolating experience. Help is available from the NHS and IVF clinics but we found it impersonal and matter of fact. I had lost hope that we would ever have a family.

Skip forward in time and as I write this my daughter is 6 months old and asleep next to me. Lianne is a part of her life and a friend to my wife and I. We are strong believers that acupuncture made the difference for us.

Our cycle went much better after acupuncture treatment than they ever did before without it. My wife began to respond much better in egg numbers and quality. I also began to have the treatment and saw a marked increase in sperm quality markers.

We also benefited from the huge amount of knowledge and expertise Lianne had, not just about acupuncture but infertility and IVF in general. Many times she guided us in choices and decisions or pointed us to research. It finally felt like we had an expert who knew who we were and cared about helping us. Another benefit was the sessions acted as much needed emotional support. Infertility and IVF is a roller coaster and in the downtimes, I used to look forward to our next appointment. In the lowest moments, Lianne would pick us up and restore hope that everything was going to work out. I found that treatment made me feel much calmer and more positive.

There are a handful of people in our journey whom I will always consider as personally responsible for its very happy end. Lianne is one of those people and I would thoroughly recommend her to anyone who is facing fertility issues. We will be booking sessions with her again soon as we go for baby number 2!