Acupuncture is often used as a complementary treatment for fertility, and some people find it helpful whether they are trying to conceive naturally or through assisted methods like IVF.
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Medicine practice that involves inserting very fine needles into specific points on the body to balance energy flow and promote healing.
How Acupuncture May Support Fertility:
Though scientific evidence is still developing, here are the commonly suggested ways acupuncture might help with fertility:
For Women:
- ✅ Regulates menstrual cycles
- ✅ Improves blood flow to the uterus and ovaries
- ✅ Supports ovulation and egg quality
- ✅ Reduces stress and anxiety, which can impact hormones
- ✅ Helps with hormonal balance (e.g., in PCOS or irregular periods)
- ✅ Enhances success of IVF or IUI treatments
- Studies suggest acupuncture before/after embryo transfer may improve outcomes.
For Men:
- ✅ Improves sperm quality and motility
- ✅ Reduces stress, which can affect testosterone and sperm count
What Does the Research Say?
- Studies have shown positive effects on fertility outcomes, especially in combination with Western treatments like IVF.
- Acupuncture is considered safe when done by a qualified practitioner.
⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind:
- Always use a registered, experienced acupuncturist who has experience with fertility support.
- It’s not a “magic cure,” but many find it helpful as part of a broader fertility plan.
- It may take several sessions over weeks/months to see potential effects.
Would you like a breakdown of how many sessions are typically recommended or how it can be timed with a menstrual or IVF cycle?
- Lynda recommends weekly treatments.
- If this is not possible we will work on a treatment plan that will suit you, mindful of your time and finances.
- Weekly treatments work as they coincide with the changes in your menstrual cycle.
- A treatment is needed before and after embryo transfer.