Dr Michael Monk - Infertility

What these treatments can achieve for you.

As a doctor and a psychologist we have a strong scientific background and so we look to the research evidence to give you an idea of what these treatments can do for you, rather than just relying on our ideas and impressions.

Both acupuncture and mindbody medicine (MBM) have been shown to almost double success rates when used to enhance IVF treatment.
MBM has also been shown to considerably increase your chance of conceiving naturally, without IVF.
Acupuncture has been shown to improve hormone balance so that women labelled 'poor outlook' for IVF are upgraded to 'good outlook' thus improving their chances of success.
Both treatments have been shown to reduce levels of stress hormones such as cortisol. High cortisol levels disturb the GnRH pulse which controls LH/FSH release, and high levels are associated with poor outcomes.
One of the MBM techniques we use has been shown to increase levels of DHEA. This hormone declines steadily, particularly during your thirties, but it may be important in maintaining egg quality. If you are an 'older' woman this technique may be particularly important for you.
MBM has been shown to support patients emotionally so that they don't give up IVF before they have completed enough cycles (usually quoted as 3-4) to have a realistic chance of pregnancy. Couples are usually surprised to learn that the stress of treatment, rather than the cost, is the commonest reason for couples dropping out of IVF too quickly.
Acupuncture has been shown to help men with low sperm counts and poor quality sperm.
Both MBM and acupuncture have been shown to restore ovulation in women who are not ovulating. Drug treatment to restore ovulation does not always work, and so our approach provides another possibility if you have tried that, or if you don't want drugs, or cannot tolerate them.
If you become pregnant, acupuncture has been shown to reduce the risk of ectopic pregnancy which would lead to miscarriage and possibly long term tube damage. Acupuncture is also associated with a statistically increased chance of a live birth.
When you are pregnant, MBM has also been shown to reduce levels of maternal stress, reduce the risk of miscarriage and the risk of a stillbirth. Reducing maternal stress also has a positive effect on the early health of your baby, such as reducing the chance of ADHD and learning difficulties in your child.
If, sadly, you don't get pregnant, MBM has been shown to lower the risk of depression in women who have not conceived.

Also, it is good to know that these treatments:

Are non invasive
Are low stress in themselves as well as lowering stress.
Are safe, when used by qualified practitioners.
Have no moral or religious issues.
As an alternative to IVF these treatments are considerably cheaper than IVF.
Are a relatively low cost addition to IVF to help to ensure success as quickly as possible whether you are paying yourself, or having free NHS cycles.
Help to ensure that you don't drop out of IVF too soon due to stress. Stress is the commonest cause of dropping out of IVF - not the cost. Most people need three cycles or more to become pregnant.
Go on working for some time after treatment ends. After the initial concentrated treatments you just need an occasional top-up to maintain effects over several months.