FERTILITY ACUPUNCTURE FAQ
How does acupuncture support fertility?
Scientific research has revealed:
In one study, acupuncture in conjunction with IVF led to a 50% increase in success rate versus IVF without acupuncture support. Acupuncture was performed 25 minutes before and after embryo transfer.
In another study, women who received acupuncture were 65% more likely to have a successful embryo transfer.
Acupuncture can:
Increase blood flow to the ovaries and uterus
Relax the uterus + address uterine spasm after embryo transfer or IUI
Reduces stress + side effects from fertility drugs
Support you emotionally throughout your journey
Help bring you back to baseline after egg freezing, IUI, or IVF.
When should I start coming in for fertility support?
The earlier the better! If you have a history of irregular periods, PCOS, or miscarriages, the more time we have to prepare your body the better.
Acupuncture will help support a regular menstrual cycle and healthy blood circulation to the uterus and ovaries. Herbal formulas and appropriate supplementation can help to nourish the body, tonify the blood, support egg quality and ovulation, and prepare the uterus to hold a healthy pregnancy.
There are many ways to support you in your fertility journey, from acupuncture to herbs to diet and lifestyle changes. Each client is unique, and each treatment plan is tailored to meet your needs.
During pregnancy you can receive acupuncture treatment as often as desired based on pregnancy symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, nausea/morning sickness, body aches, fatigue and more. For strong morning sickness presentations it may be that you come in 2-3x’s a week in the first trimester and then once you get over the hump you come in as needed.
Around 34 weeks is a great time to start coming in 1-2x’s a week for labor prep.
Can I receive acupuncture while pregnant?
How many treatments will I need? And how often will I need them?
The answer varies depending on where you are in your fertility journey and can be adjusted as needed.
It would be great to see you at least a month before you start IVF, egg retrieval, or IUI in order to prepare you and your body for the best possible outcomes. If you are looking to conceive naturally and trying to regulate your period first, I recommend a minimum of three months to prepare. Here are some general guidelines below:
Fertility Support - Those with a prior history of irregular periods, anovulation, miscarriages, or a long history of trying to conceive with no success - 1x a week for a minimum of 3 months up to a year.
*In order to support you appropriately, I would love at least 3 months during which you are not actively attempting to conceive. This allows me to fully support you during each phase of your cycle before starting to conceive.
IUI and IVF Support - 1x a week while going through the IVF process, additionally once before transfer as close to before transfer as possible (ideally morning of). *Please note, I do NOT recommend coming in again the same day after transfer for a few reasons; most recent studies looking at the protocols used showed that unless you are receiving acupuncture treatment within 20 minutes after the procedure then the acu benefit becomes null. I would rather you go home after your transfer and chill the f out, lay down, and rest, then worry about getting yourself to another appointment. You are welcome to come in a a week after your transfer to continue ongoing support as needed!
Can I take herbal formulas while going through ART?
I do not recommend TCM herbal formulas while actively going through IVF and on medication; most fertility specialists will ask you to refrain from them as they are not familiar with herbs and how they function. I do recommend TCM herbal formulas for the appropriate candidates be taken 3-4 months before ART is started to optimize outcomes. There is growing evidence to suggest TCM herbal formulas, especially those containing Yang tonifying herbs may help support the health of your cells, particularly the mitochondria. Mitochondria are like the “powerhouses” of your cells, and healthy eggs (follicles) need a lot of this energy to grow and develop properly.
Some herbs commonly used in these formulas, such as Yin Yang Huo (Horny Goat Weed) and Tu Si Zi (Dodder Seed), have been found to improve how mitochondria function. This may be especially helpful for women with low ovarian reserve or age-related fertility challenges.
While more research is still being done, we do know that good mitochondrial function is key for egg quality—and these herbs, when used appropriately, offer great support.
Moxibustion, a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the warming of specific acupuncture points (typically Bladder 67) with mugwort, is sometimes used in an attempt to encourage optimal fetal positioning in cases of breech presentation. While some studies and anecdotal evidence suggest potential benefits, current medical research does not offer definitive conclusions about its overall effectiveness.
In clinical practice, outcomes vary. I have seen moxa sessions contribute to successful fetal turning in some cases, while in others, there has been no change in position. It’s important to understand that many factors influence fetal positioning, including uterine tone, amniotic fluid levels, placental placement, and baby’s individual patterns and timing. Moxibustion is not a guarantee, but rather one supportive tool among many.