Liverpool fertility Acupuncture

Liverpool fertility Acupuncture

IVF Acupuncture at Hewitt Centre Liverpool

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IVF Acupuncture at Hewitt Centre Liverpool

Our specialist fertility acupuncture service has been based at the Hewitt Centre since 2011 with three experienced British Acupuncture Council acupuncturists providing treatments seven days a week from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, we are able to offer flexible appointments to support patients their IVF journey.

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How we can help

We support individuals and couples at every stage of their fertility journey, including:

  • Preparing for natural conception
  • Female fertility optimisation
  • Male fertility support
  • Unexplained infertility
  • Ovulation induction (including Clomid and Letrozole cycles)
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Endometriosis
  • Adenomyosis
  • Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
  • Recurrent miscarriage
  • Low ovarian reserve or low AMH
  • IVF treatment
  • ICSI treatment
  • Frozen embryo transfer (FET)
  • Donor egg or donor sperm treatment
  • Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
  • Support during the two-week wait
  • Stress reduction and emotional wellbeing throughout fertility treatment

How can it help you

Find the right Acupuncture treatment for your stage of IVF

Select where you are in your treatment to see when acupuncture is recommended

If you have time before starting your IVF cycle, acupuncture can begin in the weeks or months leading up to treatment. Ideally, we recommend starting acupuncture up to three months before IVF, as this allows time to support your overall wellbeing and prepare your body before treatment begins.

This recommendation reflects the approximate time it takes for eggs to develop before ovulation. For this reason, many fertility practitioners encourage patients to begin preparing in advance, giving the body time to respond before IVF treatment starts.

We understand that not everyone has the time or budget to commit to treatment this far in advance, and many patients begin acupuncture later in their IVF journey. However, if you are able to start earlier, it provides the opportunity to support your health and wellbeing before treatment begins, as natural changes take time.

Many patients choose to have weekly acupuncture sessions in the lead-up to IVF to help them feel relaxed, supported and prepared for each stage of their fertility treatment. If you’re unable to start three months in advance, don’t worry—we can tailor your treatment plan to fit your individual IVF schedule and make the most of the time available.

If you’re unsure when to start, please get in touch. We’ll advise you on the most appropriate treatment plan based on your individual cycle.

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Before starting your stimulation injections, you will usually be prescribed medication to help regulate and schedule your IVF treatment cycle. We usually recommend an acupuncture treatment towards the end of this stage.

For example, if your cycle is being scheduled with Norethisterone, we would usually recommend having acupuncture around day 8-9 of your medication. Many patients experience no troublesome side effects, while others may notice mood changes, tearfulness, feeling hot or flushed, disturbed sleep, headaches or feeling more emotional than usual.

Acupuncture at this stage is often used to promote relaxation, support emotional wellbeing and help you feel calmer and more comfortable before starting your stimulation injections. If you’re unsure when to book, we’ll be happy to advise you based on your individual treatment schedule

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The ovarian stimulation phase of IVF usually lasts around 10 days. During this time, you’ll take daily hormone injections to encourage the development of multiple follicles before egg collection.

We usually recommend two acupuncture treatments during this stage of your IVF cycle. The first is typically between days 3–6 of stimulation, followed by a second treatment between days 6-9 Appointments are arranged around your monitoring scans wherever possible, and we’ll advise you if your treatment schedule changes.

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The day before egg collection can be an anxious time. Acupuncture is commonly used to promote relaxation and support emotional wellbeing in the lead-up to your procedure. Some patients also experience abdominal bloating or pelvic discomfort as the ovaries enlarge during stimulation, and acupuncture may help support comfort during this stage. Following egg collection, some patients choose to have a further treatment within 24–48 hours of egg collection to help mature the eggs and promote relaxation and support their recovery before embryo transfer.

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Acupuncture on the Day of Embryo Transfer

We offer two acupuncture treatments on the day of your embryo transfer – the pre-and post transfer. Our treatment room is conveniently located just across the corridor from the embryo transfer area at the Hewitt Centre, allowing you to move easily between your acupuncture treatment and your transfer appointment.

Your pre-transfer acupuncture treatment is usually scheduled for approximately one hour before your embryo transfer. This treatment is designed to help you feel calm and relaxed, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote healthy blood flow to the uterus, creating the optimum conditions in preparation for your embryo.

Following your embryo transfer, we recommend a post-transfer acupuncture treatment to provide continued support during this important stage of your fertility journey. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the treatment aims to maintain the smooth flow of Qi (the body’s vital energy) and Blood (circulation and nourishment). In simple terms, the goal is to help keep the body balanced, well-nourished and relaxed, creating the best possible environment during the implantation phase.

The treatment also encourages deep relaxation and gives you time to unwind before returning home. Many patients tell us that having both the pre- and post-transfer treatments helps them leave the clinic feeling calm, positive and well supported as they begin their two-week wait.

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We recommend a further acupuncture treatment approximately 6–8 days after your embryo transfer, during the two-week wait. This treatment is designed to provide continued support during this important stage of your IVF journey. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, the focus is on maintaining the smooth flow of Qi (energy) and Blood, supporting balance within the body and creating the optimum conditions during the implantation phase and early pregnancy. The treatment also aims to help reduce stress, promote relaxation and support your overall wellbeing during what can be an emotional time.

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Our IVF Acupuncture Treatments

Prices:

  • Acupuncture with consultation and Acupuncture treatment -£6
  • Follow on Acupuncture sessions - £50
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Acupuncture Packages

Many patients choose to have acupuncture in the weeks leading up to their IVF treatment to help prepare their body for the cycle ahead. We recommend a course of five acupuncture sessions, carefully timed to support each stage of your IVF treatment. Treatments aim to promote healthy blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, support hormonal balance, reduce stress and anxiety, and help optimise your wellbeing throughout your fertility journey. Your treatment schedule will be tailored around your individual IVF protocol to provide support at the most beneficial times.

IVF Assist Packages

  • 5 Acupuncture sessions - £260.00

Our IVF Assist Package includes five acupuncture treatments, carefully timed to support the key stages of your IVF cycle. This typically includes :- · 1 treatment around day 8–10 of Norethisterone (or just before stimulation begins) · 2 treatments during ovarian stimulation · Pre-embryo transfer and Post-embryo transfer treatment both on the day transfer. Each treatment is designed to promote healthy blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, support relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety, and help create the best possible environment for implantation.

  • Acupuncture session two week wait - £50

Support During the Two-Week Wait. Many patients choose to have a further acupuncture session during the two-week wait before their pregnancy test. This appointment provides continued support during what is often the most emotionally challenging stage of IVF treatment.This treatment is available in addition to the IVF Support Package and can be booked at a time that best fits your treatment schedule.

  • 10 Acupuncture sessions - £50

Support During the Two-Week Wait. Many patients choose to have a further acupuncture session during the two-week wait before their pregnancy test. This appointment provides continued support during what is often the most emotionally challenging stage of IVF treatment.This treatment is available in addition to the IVF Support Package and can be booked at a time that best fits your treatment schedule.

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Male Fertility Support

  • 10 Acupuncture sessions - £500

(acupuncture sessions do not have to be paid for via a package and also can be paid for individually/pay as you go) Male factors can play an important role in fertility, and acupuncture is sometimes used as part of a couple’s preparation for natural conception or assisted fertility treatment, including IVF and ICSI. Treatment is tailored to each individual and, from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, aims to support balance within the body and overall wellbeing. Many men find acupuncture helpful as part of their fertility journey, particularly for relaxation and managing the stress and emotional demands that can accompany fertility treatment. Where possible, we recommend starting acupuncture around three months before planned fertility treatment, as this allows time for regular treatments during the period of sperm development

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Acupuncture during IUI

  • Five Acupuncture sessions - £260

Acupuncture can be provided alongside your IUI treatment plan, with appointments scheduled around the key stages of your cycle. This may include treatments during the preparation phase before IUI, on the day of the insemination procedure, and during the two-week wait. Our IUI support package is tailored around your individual treatment plan and provides support throughout this important stage of your fertility journey. We also support patients undergoing both natural and medication-assisted cycles, including treatments such as Clomid or Letrozole. Our IUI acupuncture support package includes five treatments scheduled around your individual treatment plan.

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Meet Our Practitioners

Dedicated Team of Experts

Emma Southgate

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Leon Southgate

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Pat Levey-Bennett

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Why choose us?

Based within the Hewitt Centre

Being based within the Hewitt Centre allows our acupuncture team to work alongside your fertility care pathway. We liaise with the Embryology team where possible to help coordinate appointment times around your embryo transfer, giving you one less thing to worry about during what can be an emotional and busy time.

Knowing your acupuncture appointments are arranged around your transfer schedule can provide reassurance and allow you to focus on your treatment journey.

Our team specialises in fertility acupuncture and has many years of experience supporting patients undergoing IVF, ICSI, IUI and natural conception journeys.

Our practitioners are registered with the British Acupuncture Council and have extensive experience in fertility-focused acupuncture.

We understand that fertility treatment involves many important dates and appointments. We tailor acupuncture appointments around your individual treatment plan wherever possible.

Where possible, we liaise with the Embryology team to help arrange your acupuncture appointments around your embryo transfer time, providing reassurance and reducing the stress of organising appointments at this important stage.

With acupuncture appointments available seven days a week, we offer flexibility to fit around your fertility treatment schedule.

We provide a calm and supportive space where patients can take time to relax and focus on their wellbeing during what can be an emotionally demanding process.

Every patient receives an individual consultation and treatment plan tailored to their own fertility journey and needs.

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Patient Testimonials

5/5

Thank you Emma.

After nearly 2 years of trying my husband and I became very despondent in our fertility journey. Still in my late 20s and my husband in his early 30s we weren't sure what to do. I booked a consultation with Emma and am so glad I did, she was understanding, knowledgeable and supportive. Since then I've been to Emma for weekly sessions of acupuncture and am now soon to be entering my third trimester! Emma's sessions have doubtlessly helped us on our pregnancy journey, whilst also making me feel calmer and less stressed. I plan to continue to see Emma even after my baby is born and can't recommend her enough!

5/5

Would Recommend

Emma is a fantastic acupuncturist. I started going every week and a short time later I was pregnant. Emma is extremely knowledgeable on all areas of fertility and will help to put you at ease. If you are thinking about going I would 100% recommend! I will continue to go to her.

5/5

Elleviates My Pain

Emma has provided exceptional treatment and care. I have bouts of terrible shoulder & back pain & this is resolved after each treatment. Emma is very kind, caring & takes good care of you. Highly recommended!

5/5

Changed My Life!

Highly recommend. Excellent support throughout. I suffered from PCOS and had tried many conventional treatments to get pregnant before trying acupuncture. I was skeptical when I started and wasn’t sure if I believed it would make any difference to me but I couldn’t have been more wrong. It changed my life completely and now have 2 healthy boys which I know would not be here if it wasn’t for the guidance and treatments Emma advised.

5/5

Consistently Great

Emma is a fantastic acupuncturist - knowledgeable, kind, meticulous. It's a great help and a pleasure to visit her.

5/5

Miscarriage Support

I was introduced to Emma in 2016, after suffering 4 miscarriages (2 consecutive) someone recommend her to me. I am the worst patient, I faint when giving blood so to say that I was nervous was an understatement, but Emma was so lovely, supportive and very patient with me. I went on to have our beautiful daughter in September 2017. A short time after our daughter we decided to try again, I had a further 2 consecutive miscarriages so got back in touch with Emma again and now as I approach the end of the first trimester I couldn't be happier. I would definitely recommend Emma to anyone who has struggled with miscarriage.

5/5

The Best Fertility Acupuncture

After multiple rounds of IVF and some resulting miscarriages, I went to Emma for weekly sessions of acupuncture. The service she provided was personally adapted to my needs and she offered a reassuring support system through some difficult times. Importantly, her treatment was also manageable with my restricted budget. I felt that I could trust her when I was feeling very vulnerable and her treatment gave me confidence and also helped me to relax. When I eventually had a successful pregnancy I continued my sessions with Emma and she even came to visit me once I'd had my baby! She is highly recommended!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine and most patients feel little to no discomfort during treatment. You may feel a mild sensation as the needles are placed, but many patients find the experience calming and relaxing.

The number of acupuncture sessions recommended will depend on your individual fertility journey, treatment plan and personal preferences.

Some patients choose to have regular acupuncture in the months leading up to fertility treatment, while others prefer to focus on treatments around key stages of their cycle, such as embryo transfer.

For IVF, ICSI and IUI cycles, acupuncture can be scheduled around your individual treatment plan and may include support during preparation, stimulation, and around embryo transfer. Some patients choose our IVF Support Package, while others prefer to have just the pre- and post-transfer treatments on the day of embryo transfer.

During your initial consultation, we will discuss your fertility history and help you decide on an approach that feels right for you.

We would advise you to wear loose comfortable fitting clothes that allow easy access to arms, legs and lower abdomen.

We recommend having a small snack within the hour before your acupuncture appointment. This allows us to work with your body’s own energy and helps you get the most from your treatment.

Yes. Fertility is a journey you take together, and we welcome partners who would like acupuncture support. Treatment can be tailored to individual needs, including support for men preparing for conception or fertility treatment, as well as helping both partners manage the stress and emotional demands that can come with fertility treatment.

There are a number of parking options available when attending Liverpool Women’s Hospital, including paid parking on site, the Mulgrave Street car park and on-street parking in the surrounding streets near Mulgrave Street. The Hewitt Centre is located within Liverpool Women’s Hospital and is easily accessible from these parking areas

One of our acupuncturists will meet you for your Acupuncture appointment in the usual waiting area at The Hewitt Centre on the second floor of the Liverpool Womens Hospital

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Take the next step and schedule an appointment today, or ask us any questions you might have

    48 Hour Cancellation Policy

    Please be aware in order to serve our patients efficiently, we operate a 48hr cancellation and rescheduling policy. If for whatever reason you wish to cancel or reschedule with less than 48hrs notice, OR a no show, then 50% of the session fee will apply. Thank you for your consideration in this matter.