Fertility and Pre-Conception
Dr. Ryan Llewellyn is a Pre-Conception and Fertility Acupuncture specialist. He has worked closely with Dr. Andrew Orr (Masters in Reproductive Medicine) in his fertility clinic in Brisbane. Overall, good health for both the male and female is important if you want o to conceive a happy, healthy baby. Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, Naturopathy and Osteopathy, work fantastically well in helping you achieve this goal.

The latest research shows Acupuncture Improves the uterine vascularization and blood flow to the uterus and ovaries.
Gives an increased chance for the triple-line pattern, seen in the uterine lining and considered the best for conception.

It regulates sugar levels for people with diabetic and poly-cystic ovarian conditions and increases uterine receptivity via increasing HOXA10 protein, which is also low in women with Endometriosis, PCOS and Hydrosalpinx (blocked fallopian tube).
It also Optimizes ovarian volume and AMH and Regulates hormones and the menstrual cycle.

Treatment
In the few cases where there is severe Endometriosis, Blocked tubes, Poly Cystic ovaries and structural issues with the reproductive organs, surgery may be a pre-requisite to conception. However, many gynecological issues such as period pain, irregular cycles, non-ovulation, and amenorrhea can be addressed with acupuncture, herbs, and naturopathy. Male complications such as low sperm count, motility and morphology can also be addressed by natural medicine. For example, the acupuncture point Spleen 6 can increase blood to the ovaries and regulate the kidneys, spleen, and liver. Kidney 9 is known for keeping the foetus in the womb. Acupuncture points such Ren 4 and 12, move blood thru the ovaries and help regulate hormones. Liver points such as liver 3 can also have this effect. Stomach 27 is directly over the ovaries and moxa on this point can be used to help ovulation. Bladder 67 can be used to turn the baby from a breech position, and spleen 3 can help with morning sickness. Chinese Herbs can also help nourish the foetus and the mother, improve lactation and assist with a speedy recovery from birth. If there is a gut imbalance or similar issue, I work closely with Dr. Cameron Barker a fabulous and dedicated Naturopath. When structural issues arise, I turn to Dr. Nick Bradley (Osteopath) who has great success working with pregnant women.

Pre-Conception Program
This program involves acupuncture for both the male and female as well as herbs and supplements. The aim is to improve sperm and egg quality. This can be measured these days. I encourage a reduction in alcohol and high carbohydrate or sugary food. That means foods such as grains, bread, cakes, alcohol, and chocolate. A decent breakfast is quite important. I don’t encourage fad dieting, but rather a long-term switch in healthy eating habits. I have designed a simple and easy to follow program which will lead you to a state of optimum health. Ideally, you should be following the program for at least three months before trying to conceive. This is because it takes around three months to improve sperm and egg quality, increase the quality of the uterine lining and regulate hormones.

Why does the male need to have acupuncture and take herbs/supplements?
It is vitality important that couples understand, that conception concerns both the male and female equally. Clinically speaking, it is usually the female who takes the lead, with the make not wanting to be too involved in the process. If you only treat the female, then you are only addressing 50% of the problem and are therefore not treating fertility. The latest research indicates that a high sugar diet or a high ethanol (alcohol) intake in males can affect the DNA of their offspring. Gentleman, this means that your current state of health is passed onto your children. The field of Epigenetics has now shown that your diet and lifestyle greatly affect which genes get turned off and which get turned on. The research followed male rats (for ethical reasons) that were given a high sugar intake in one study and a high ethanol intake in another study. The offspring of the rats which were given high ethanol/sugar diets tended to be smaller, with more genetic defects. It is now undeniable that diet and lifestyle factors such as stress, relationships, sugary food, work and the home environmental, will affect our genes and therefore our children. So, if you have poor relationships causing emotional upset, live in a damp mouldy house, eat poorly and watch a lot of TV, then your children will be adversely affected.

If you would like more information, have questions and would like to have a chat, please check out the website http://acupuncturehub.com.au/ for my contact details and information.