Fertility Acupuncture on the Gold Coast
“Support for your unique fertility journey”
Trying to conceive can be stressful and bring up so many different emotions.
Excitement. Hope. Anxiety. Disappointment. Frustration. And sometimes a feeling that your body has suddenly become something you have to constantly monitor and analyse.
Whether you're just starting to think about having a baby, have been trying naturally for a while, or are already working with a fertility specialist, acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be used as a complementary part of your care.
At Rachel Fitzpatrick Acupuncture, I support women and men through preconception and fertility, including natural conception, IUI and IVF.
My clinic is in Paradise Point on the Gold Coast, and my approach is personalised to you rather than based on a one-size-fits-all fertility protocol.
Fertility support for every stage
There isn't one fertility journey.
You might be preparing for pregnancy and wanting to optimise your general health.
You might have PCOS or endometriosis and be concerned about your cycle or fertility.
You might have been trying to conceive for some time and feel like you need additional support.
Or you may already be working with a fertility clinic and want acupuncture alongside your IUI or IVF treatment.
Wherever you are in the process, we'll start with where you are now.
Preconception Acupuncture
Preconception is an opportunity to slow down and look at your health before trying to conceive.
During your initial consultation, we'll talk about your menstrual cycle, general health, sleep, stress, digestion, lifestyle and any existing health concerns that may be relevant to your fertility journey.
For some people, this may simply be about supporting overall wellbeing before conception.
For others, there may be specific concerns such as an irregular cycle, PCOS, endometriosis or previous fertility difficulties that need more attention.
Learn more about preconception acupuncture →
Natural conception
If you're trying to conceive naturally, understanding your cycle can become an important part of the process.
Your treatment may focus on supporting your general health and wellbeing while taking your individual cycle and fertility history into account.
We'll also consider the emotional side of trying to conceive because fertility isn't just a physical experience.
It can take up a huge amount of mental and emotional space.
Having somewhere to slow down and be cared for can be valuable in itself.
IVF & IUI Acupuncture
If you're undergoing assisted reproductive treatment, acupuncture can be used as a complementary therapy alongside your fertility clinic.
I work with patients throughout different stages of IVF and IUI and can tailor treatment around your treatment plan, medications and important dates.
This may include support before and during stimulation, around egg retrieval and embryo transfer, and during the waiting period afterwards.
Your fertility clinic remains responsible for your medical fertility treatment, and I see my role as providing complementary care alongside that treatment.
Learn more about IVF acupuncture →
PCOS/PMOS & Fertility
PCOS is one of the common reasons people seek support with their menstrual cycle and fertility.
If you are living with PCOS, we can look at your cycle, symptoms, overall health and fertility goals and develop a treatment plan that is appropriate for you.
Acupuncture may form part of a broader approach alongside medical care, nutrition, lifestyle support and fertility treatment where required
Learn more about PCOS acupuncture →
Endometriosis & Fertility
Endometriosis can make the fertility journey particularly complex.
If you have endometriosis and are trying to conceive, acupuncture may be used as a complementary therapy alongside your medical care.
Treatment is individualised according to your symptoms, health history and fertility plans.
Learn more about endometriosis acupuncture →
Male Fertility
Fertility isn't just a women's health issue.
I also support men as part of preconception and fertility care.
If you are a couple preparing for pregnancy, both partners should be considered as part of the broader fertility picture.
Treatment is individualised and may focus on general health, stress, sleep, lifestyle and reproductive health, depending on your circumstances.
What happens during a fertility acupuncture appointment
Your first appointment is a deep dive into your health history.
We'll talk about:
your menstrual cycle
ovulation and cycle patterns where relevant
previous pregnancies
fertility history
IVF or IUI treatment
medications
diagnosed conditions such as PCOS or endometriosis
sleep
stress
digestion
energy
lifestyle
your goals for treatment
I'll then develop an acupuncture treatment approach based on your individual presentation.
If you're undergoing IVF or IUI, we'll also work around your fertility clinic's treatment schedule.
Acupuncture During IVF
IVF can be physically and emotionally demanding.
There are appointments, medications, blood tests, scans, procedures and an enormous amount of waiting.
Acupuncture can provide a regular space for care and support throughout that process.
Your treatment plan can be coordinated around your IVF cycle, with the timing discussed during your consultation.
Learn more about IVF acupuncture →
How often should I have fertility acupuncture?
This depends on your circumstances.
Some people choose regular weekly treatment during the preconception period, while others come in around specific stages of an IVF or IUI cycle.
We'll talk through what makes sense for you rather than automatically prescribing the same treatment schedule to everyone.
If you're preparing for pregnancy, starting earlier can also give us more time to get to know your health history and establish a treatment approach.
Working alongside your fertility team
I see acupuncture as complementary care.
If you're working with a GP, fertility specialist, IVF clinic, obstetrician or other healthcare professional, your medical treatment remains an important part of your care.
I'm not here to replace your fertility team.
I'm here to provide another layer of support alongside it.
A Personal Approach to your fertility care
My interest in fertility comes from both my professional experience and my own personal health journey.
I understand that fertility treatment can be incredibly vulnerable territory.
My goal is to create a space where you don't have to explain away how you're feeling or pretend that the process isn't difficult.
We can talk about the physical side of fertility, but also the stress, uncertainty and emotional load that comes with it.
You deserve care that sees the whole person.
FAQs
Can acupuncture help me conceive naturally?Acupuncture may be used as complementary support during a natural conception journey. It isn't a replacement for fertility assessment or medical treatment where that is needed.
Do I need to have a diagnosed fertility problem to see you?No. Some people see me simply because they want to prepare for pregnancy and focus on their health before trying to conceive.
Can I have acupuncture during IVF?Yes. Acupuncture can be used alongside IVF, with treatment planned around your individual fertility treatment schedule.
Can my partner have acupuncture too?Absolutely. I work with both women and men in preconception and fertility care.
When should I start fertility acupuncture?There is no single correct time. Some people begin several months before trying to conceive, while others come in once they're already trying or beginning fertility treatment.