ACUPUNCTURE FOR FERTILITY
There has been much research around the benefits of acupuncture on fertility which has indicated that couples who are supported with acupuncture are significantly more likely to fall pregnant naturally or to successfully conceive following an IVF cycle.
One of acupuncture’s strengths is its capacity for subtlety and gently encouraging the body to do what it is naturally designed to do, and supporting the fine-tuning of its systems to optimise both fertility and overall health. Around one in four people experiencing fertility concerns use acupuncture alongside Western medicine, as it can offer support for the emotional aspects that Western treatments may not address. The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) have produced some fact sheets that you can find here.
There are many reasons why you may be interested in acupuncture, you:
want to prepare your body in the best way possible in preparation for conception
are interested in acupuncture as a natural alternative to IVF
are not sure which steps to take and need some expert guidance
have managed to conceive but sadly miscarried early in the pregnancy
have been trying to conceive naturally for a while and have no known fertility issues (‘unexplained infertility’)
have been diagnosed with Endometriosis, PCOS, high FHS or low AMH
you want to complement fertility treatment with acupuncture – IVF or other fertility treatments
you already have one or more children but are having difficulty conceiving and/or holding further pregnancies to term (secondary infertility)
How can Acupuncture help with fertility?
regulates hormone production and regulating cycles
improves blood flow to the uterus
improves sperm and egg quality
reduces anxiety and addressing stress hormones such as cortisol
supports early pregnancy
works alongside IVF drug protocols to manage side effects and improve outcomes such as follicle production and embryo implantation
Trying to conceive can easily feel overwhelming, especially when it takes longer than expected. Knowing which steps to take and understanding your options can be challenging. As an acupuncturist trained in fertility, I will also support you throughout your journey by offering lifestyle advice, guidance with cycle tracking, emotional support, and recommendations for tests. When necessary, I can also refer you to specialists, such as urologists, fertility nutritionists, or herbalists.
When should I start having acupuncture for fertility?
It is ideal to begin treatment three months before you plan to conceive. Sperm take around 70–90 days to develop, while eggs take approximately 90–120 days to mature before ovulation. A little preparation and time spent optimising your health can therefore have a significant impact on your ability to conceive naturally. However, it is never too late to start, and I work with individuals and couples at every stage of their fertility journey.
How LONG DOES IT TAKE?
This depends on the person, the reasons you are coming for acupuncture and the medical background. Acupuncture sessions are tailored to each individual visiting the clinic. The frequency of treatments will differ based on factors such as the individual's reproductive health, stress levels, and overall well-being. The majority typically opt for treatments weekly or every two weeks. During IVF procedures, we align weekly sessions with the IVF protocols, coordinating with events such as egg collection, transfer, and the Two Week Wait period.