Fertility

Fertility is a state of health and well-being. When the mind and body are in a state of health the body naturally produces the hormones needed for reproduction. Internal and external factors can disturb this state.

External factors can include, diet, environment and lifestyle, physical conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovaries, and over- or under-weight.

Internal factors consist of beliefs, emotions, physiological response. When these factors are not addressed, fertility may be negatively affected. 

Infertility and the Use of Hypnosis

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) defines infertility as ‘failing to get pregnant after two years of regular unprotected sex’.  Some couples have physical conditions or anatomical reasons which prevent conception or make it very difficult to achieve.  ‘Unexplained infertility’ is where no such condition prevents pregnancy; under these circumstances hypnosis is widely accepted as increasing the chance of natural conception and successful in vitro fertilisation.

A recent study at Harvard Medical School measured what happened when women who were having difficulty conceiving were given group CBT. They were taught how to identify recurrent negative thought patterns and how to separate truth from fear. 55% of the women who participated had a baby, compared to 20% who received no treatment (Nicholas, M. “3 Steps to Fertility” p113)

The use of hypnosis during embryo transfer doubles the IVF/ET outcome in terms of increased implantation and clinical pregnancy rates. Furthermore it seems the patients’ attitude to treatment was more favourable. “Impact of hypnosis during embryo transfer on the outcome of in vitro fertilisation-embryo transfer: a case-control study.”  (Fertility and Sterility Journal, May 2006; 8 (5):14040-8)

The Role of Stress in Infertility

Infertility can affect every aspect of your life, from your relationship with your partner, to family and friends and even your career. Every month brings a reminder that you have not conceived, and the overwhelming feeling of disappointment can leave you struggling to cope. Stress continues to build as your beliefs about remaining childless grow stronger.

Excessive stress may lead to complete suppression of the menstrual cycle, and in less severe cases will lead to irregular menstrual cycle or failure to ovulate.

“In a tribe under threat from another tribe or marauding wild animals, the females would fail to ovulate during this time, similarly if there was a famine, that too would be a bad time to bring a child into the world.” (Peter Bowen Simpkins MD, Clinical Director, Cromwell IVF Fertility Centre. Introduction: Shape UK, March 2001) 

In the modern, developed world, the stress that we are subjected to may be of a different nature, (sometimes self-imposed) however, the impact of stress on fertility remains the same, i.e. the hormonal response to stress is antagonistic to fertility.

Therapeutic Approach

Preparing for natural conception

During the first session I will ask you questions which will enable me to ascertain the optimum approach for treatment for you.  We will decide how many sessions you will need and over what time period. Sessions can vary from three to ten; however, my aim is to take the briefest effective approach to help you and your partner.

Together we will identify and resolve emotional issues, negative beliefs and past event trauma. You will learn simple self-help tools that allow you to regain control over your mind and body, reducing stress and increasing mental and physical relaxation, preparing the best possible ‘internal environment’  for conception and healthy pregnancy.

Preparing for IVF

We will work together through the first five stages of IVF, (a-e) ideally commencing before the first stage. i.e.

1. a)Down regulation
   

2. b)Ovarian stimulation
   

3. c)Egg collection and sperm collection
   

4. d)Embryo transfer
   

5. e)The two-week wait
   

6. f)The result
   

There are various techniques, as well as regular hypnosis, which complement each stage of the process.  Every individual is different, and every set of circumstances likewise; your sessions will reflect what is happening to you as you progress. 

You may wish to continue hypnosis sessions throughout your pregnancy, focussing on sustaining a healthy pregnancy and learning self-hypnosis and other techniques to help you through the very natural process of delivery; the timing of these sessions may be monthly, bi-monthly or every three months, depending on how you are feeling during this very personal experience.

If you have any questions, or would like make an appointment, please telephone me on 020 8367 7830

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