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 Leeds Reproductive Medicine Unit
At the current time, Leeds is home to two of the most successful Reproductive Medicine Units (RMU's) in the country. One unit is based within the Clarendon Wing at Leeds General Infirmary and the other unit is located within the Gledhow Wing at St James's University Hospital. Plans are at an advanced stage to bring the two units together in a newly developed facility.
The Clarendon Wing Reproductive Medicine unit was established in 1991 by Mr Rutherford. Since then the unit has grown rapidly and is now acknowledged as one of the largest units in the United Kingdom. The Gledhow Wing Reproductive Medicine Unit was formed by Mrs Sharma in 1991, and was quickly established as one of the most successful units within the United Kingdom. When the two units merge, they will form one of the largest and most comprehensive services within the UK.
In most women one egg is released during every menstrual cycle. This usually occurs in the middle of the cycle. The first part of the cycle, from the start of the period to ovulation, is called the follicular phase. During this phase, the egg that will be released that month, is selected from a batch of about 20 immature eggs. Each egg is surrounded by a layer of hormone-producing cells and together they constitute what is called a follicle.
The follicle that is selected grows under the influence of a hormone, called follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). This hormone is released by a small gland at the base of the brain call the pituitary gland. As the follicle grows, a lake of hormone-rich fluid forms around the egg. This can be seen using an ultrasound scan, which produces a picture using harmless sound waves. On the scan, the follicle appears as a black circle in the grey background of the ovary. When the follicle reaches a certain size and the egg is mature, a second hormone, Luteinizing Hormone (LH), is released from the pituitary glad. This starts the mechanisms that lead, some 36 hours later, to ovulation (the release of the egg).
The hormone-producing cells in the follicle produce the sex hormone oestradiol. This is released into the blood stream and stimulates the lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium, to thicken. After ovulation a second hormone, progesterone, is released from the same hormone-producing cells in the ovary. Together, the oestradiol and progesterone prepare the lining of the uterus for the developing embryo.
www.leedsreproductivemedicine.co.uk
The Reproductive Medicine Unit
Clarendon Wing
Belmont Grove
Leeds
LS2 9NS
Tel: 0113 3923132
Acupuncture clinic in Leeds
Many woman and men visit my clinics for acupuncture support with their fertility and pregnancy. Some come to try to promote their natural fertility, others come as they are experiencing problems conceiving and some come as they are preparing for IUI, IVF or ICSI. Other women access treatment when pregnant to deal with a variety of pregnancy related issues. I trained with Zita West in 2006 and Debra Betts in 2007, strengthening my experience and knowledge of fertility, pregnancy and labour issues. I have compliled this page of information which I hope will be useful to anyone who is interested in fertility issues.
Acupuncture may help to increase the motility, morphology and volume of sperm being produced. Sperm take 3 months to form and a course of treatment, alongside a good diet, can affect sperm quality and quantity. Researchers, in the medical journal Fertility and Sterility, reported in 2005, on a study which showed an improvement in sperm quality following acupuncture, especially the structural integrity of sperm. Dr. Jian Pei, from Christian-Lauritzen-Institut in Ulm, Germany, and colleagues assessed the benefits of acupuncture therapy in 28 men with unexplained sperm abnormalities, including malformed and motionless sperm, and low numbers of sperm. A variety of standard acupuncture points throughout the body were used. Acupuncture led to a significant increase in the percentage and number of sperm without structural defects, the investigators report. Visit Infertility Health Information website for some good advice and information about optimal sperm health.
Follicular stimulating hormone (SH) has to reach a certain level to signal the release of an egg for ovulation to occur. As women become older and their ovarian reserve (the number of eggs they have) declines, their level of FSH can increase. Ideal levels for FSH are under 6, 6-8 is normal, 8-10 is fair, 10-12 suggests lower than normal ovarian reserve, 12-17 indicates lower still reserves, and more than 17 generally suggests a very poor response to assisted conception techniques. However anecdotal evidence from acupuncture practitioners such as Zita West and Randine Lewis, suggests that women with high FSH levels have gone on to have successful pregnancies.
www.caitlinallen.co.uk
2 Woodside View
Leeds
LS4 2SR
0113 274 6897
Calverley and Rawdon Acupuncture Clinic
The use of acupuncture to improve the outcome of in vitro fertilisation [IVF] has become widespread over the past few years. Numerous randomised controlled trials published since 2002 have shown that acupuncture significantly increases pregnancy rates. This research strongly endorses the use of acupuncture during IVF. Acupuncture is a safe adjunctive therapy for women undergoing IVF as there are no adverse effects from treatment.
The first study to present evidence suggesting acupuncture can significantly improve the success of IVF was by Paulus and colleagues in 2002 involving 160 women. The clinical pregnancy rate in the non-acupuncture group was 26.3% compared to 42.5% in the acupuncture group.
Chinese medicine addresses specific complaints as well as related symptoms through the use of acupuncture, herbs, dietary and lifestyle changes. Depending on the case, treatment can make significant changes in just a few weeks. However, further benefit is gained from longer courses of treatment since sperm development is approximately 3 months. Chinese Herbal Medicine can help to restore natural fertility and avoid more extreme measures.
Caroline runs a very busy clinic and has been in practice for over 11 years. She has considerable successful experience in treating a wide variety of physical and emotional problems. Caroline has undertaken extensive further postgraduate training including : addressing male and female fertility issues, Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation and the treatment of pain.
Caroline is a registered Acupuncturist and member of The British Acupuncture Council and has undergone full Acupuncture training. She is also qualified in Chinese Herbal Medicine and is a member of the Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
www.leedsacupuncture.co.uk
Caroline Haigh
24 Micklefield Lane
Rawdon
LeedsWest Yorkshire
LS19 6AZ
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