What brings people in
People come to us at every point, from just starting to try to years into it.
- Trying for a while: months of trying without a pregnancy, and wanting to understand why
- Irregular or unpredictable cycles: finding it hard to know when, or whether, you are ovulating
- PCOS or endometriosis: support alongside your medical care
- Getting ready to try: looking after your health before you start
- After pregnancy loss: gentle support when you feel ready to try again (see our article on support after miscarriage and stillbirth)
- Partners: male partners who want to look after their own health too
Going through IVF? See our IVF support page.
Why we look at the whole picture
Fertility rarely comes down to one thing.
Your cycle, sleep, stress, nutrition and general health all play a part, and so does your partner’s. Focusing on one piece can mean missing another.
So we start with your history, your cycle and any tests you’ve had. We help you understand what the results mean, check whether anything has been missed, and suggest what to ask your GP. If you have a male partner, we suggest an early semen analysis, so you’re both working on it together.
Then we treat what we find, and give you practical advice on nutrition, supplements, timing and lifestyle.
What to expect
1. Discover
Your first visit is longer. We go through your cycle, health history and any tests, and work out a plan together. You’ll have treatment in that first session.
2. Support
Regular treatment, usually weekly, planned around your cycle. We review progress over a few cycles and tell you straight how it’s going, including when it’s worth seeing a fertility specialist.
3. Next steps
If you fall pregnant, we can keep supporting you through pregnancy. If you move on to IVF, we work alongside your clinic.
What treatment involves
Your practitioner will choose from the following, depending on what you need. Most plans combine two or three.
- Acupuncture. Fine, single-use needles placed at specific points, with sessions planned around your cycle.
- Chinese herbal medicine. A formula prescribed for you individually and adjusted as your cycle changes.
- Nutrition. Practical advice on what to eat, and which supplements are worth taking before you conceive.
- Lifestyle advice. Timing, sleep, stress and exercise, so the work we do in the clinic carries on at home.
Alongside your GP or fertility specialist
You don’t have to choose between us and the care you already have. Many of our patients see us alongside their GP, gynaecologist or fertility specialist, and we’re happy to work with them.
Bring any blood tests, scans or semen analysis results to your first visit. If anything suggests you need further investigation, we’ll tell you and suggest what to ask for.
Who you’ll see
Every practitioner at the clinic is AHPRA registered in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
Kerrie Dick
Compassionate and practical, with time for people whose symptoms haven’t been taken seriously elsewhere. Particular interest in fertility, pregnancy and menstrual irregularities.
Nick Conquest
Holds a Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine with a focus on chronic illness and women’s health. Particular interest in hormonal health.
Michelle McNeill
Trained in Melbourne with a hospital internship in Taipei. Builds movement, meals and daily habits into her treatment plans. Particular interest in women’s health.
Questions people ask
Should my partner come too?
They’re welcome. If you have a male partner, we often suggest a semen analysis early on, and we can see him for treatment too.
When in my cycle should I start?
Any time. We’ll plan treatment around where you are in your cycle.
Do I need to stop any medication?
No. We work alongside whatever your doctor has prescribed. Tell us everything you take, including supplements.
Does acupuncture hurt?
The needles are very fine, far thinner than the ones used for injections. You may feel a brief pinch, then a dull, heavy or warm sensation. Most people find it relaxing.
Can I claim on private health insurance?
Rebates may be available through private health funds with extras cover, depending on your policy. Check with your fund, and see our consultation fees.
Not ready to book yet?
Download our free Fertility Checklist: eight practical starting points for diet and lifestyle.