Are you curious about the role of Acupuncture during fertility treatment and IVF?
In this latest blog post, you will learn how fertility Acupuncture can improve IVF success, reduce stress and support reproductive health.
By Georgia Payten
My name is Georgia Payten, I am an AHPRA-registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner with additional training and experience in Women’s Health and Fertility. Over the years, I’ve supported many women and couples through the emotional and physical ups and downs of fertility—what I often call the fertility roller-coaster.
My background includes working with both natural and assisted fertility, including IVF, ovulation induction, and cycle tracking. I use a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to support patients wherever they are on their journey.
Through my time at Quiescence Chinese Medicine and Number 1 Women’s Health—a leading fertility and IVF clinic—I’ve seen firsthand the powerful role acupuncture can play during an IVF cycle. This experience has deepened my confidence in how Chinese Medicine can complement and enhance reproductive treatments, helping people feel more balanced, supported, and empowered.
Many of my patients want to understand the mechanisms and benefits of Acupuncture during IVF and what to expect during treatments. Below I have answered the most common questions I receive from patients, based on my clinical experience and current research.
How does Acupuncture support IVF & where does Chinese Medicine fit into Assisted Reproductive Therapy?
Acupuncture falls under the umbrella of Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been practiced for over 2 thousands of years. Understandably people have been seeking Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine treatment for all ailments in the East for this period of time, however in more recent years we are seeing more and more people in the West having Acupuncture during fertility treatment and for specific Women’s Health conditions.
During fertility treatment, the Acupuncturists play the supporting role to the fertility specialists and Acupuncture is used to support the fertility treatment process as well as helping to guide the medication to the reproductive organs. Whether this be for ovulation induction, IUI or IVF, acupuncture can play an important and vital role.
What should I expect during a fertility Acupuncture treatment?
In an acupuncture session, we gently insert single-use, sterile needles into specific points on the body to help spark a healing response. Through the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we’re working with its unique way of diagnosing and treating the body. However, in recent years, there have been some great studies that have also shown that acupuncture can improve blood flow to the reproductive organs and support the autonomic nervous system.
We use anywhere between 4 – 10 needles during a treatment, and these acupoints are located on all parts of the body from the feet, legs, lower abdomen, hands and face/ head. The needles are then retained in the body for 25 mins.
Can Acupuncture reduce stress, improve egg quality and lining, and therefore improve IVF outcomes?
Acupuncture can be safely used as a complementary treatment alongside a woman’s and couples fertility treatment.
- Stress management
I understand the fertility journey and fertility treatment can be a stressful period of time for Women and couples. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety by modulating the central nervous system and reducing cortisol levels. Lower stress levels will have a positive effect on reproduction and fertility.
- Improved blood flow and regulation of hormones
Better blood flow to reproductive organs, including ovaries and uterus will help improve fertility outcomes. Acupuncture at local points on the abdomen can ensure maximum delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the ovaries and uterine lining, as well as ensuring optimal delivery of the fertility medication to the reproductive organs. Improved blood flow will result in better egg quality as well as regulation of blood circulation and relaxation of the nervous system will create the optimal environment for a future embryo and pregnancy.
- Reduce oxidative stress
Chronic stress and inflammation can contribute to oxidative stress. Research shows that Acupuncture modulates the Sympathetic Nervous System to reduce stress, as well as reducing inflammation markers within the body. Therefore improving overall health and wellbeing wherever a woman and/or couple may be on their fertility journey.
- Support for ART
Ideally, I recommend for my patient’s to have regular Acupuncture for preconception care in preparation and to support egg quality, reduce systemic inflammation, support sleep and support their nervous system before their IVF cycle.
In 2002, a groundbreaking study by Paulus et al. (2002) showed that 42.5% of IVF patients treated with acupuncture within 24 hours before and after their embryo transfer had a clinical pregnancy, compared to a 26.3% clinical pregnancy rate in those who did not receive acupuncture. It is with this positive outcome, and other recent studies that I am confident in the benefits of Acupuncture throughout an IVF cycle.
When should I start having Acupuncture in relation to my IVF cycle? And how frequently should I get acupuncture during my IVF cycle?
Ideally, women should be starting preconception care at least 3 months prior to falling pregnant – however for many women their circumstances for assisted reproductive therapy means that they have probably been open to conceiving for a lot longer than this period of time.
So I wanted to share the frequency of treatment that I would recommend as a TCM practitioner –
- If a patient is waiting to start their IVF cycle – there are benefits in coming in for Acupuncture during this time.
Weekly or fortnightly appointments would be ideal to support their body, their nervous system and their mental and emotional wellbeing.
- During an IVF cycle –
It is recommended to come in weekly in the lead up to egg collection, and then a treatment before and after their embryo transfer on the same day.
- If a patient is having a break between cycles or if they have done an egg collection and they are testing embryos for a frozen embryo transfer –
It is recommended that patients still come in for their regular sessions.
Is Acupuncture safe during IVF and fertility treatment? Are there any side effects?
Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine which is recognized and practiced globally as a primary and adjunct therapy to conventional medicine.
Acupuncture is considered safe alongside any fertility treatment, when performed by an AHPRA registered TCM practitioner with further training and experience in Women’s Health and Fertility.
Final thoughts
From my clinical experience, women who have Acupuncture treatments throughout their IVF and fertility treatment feel calmer, more heard and more supported during each stage of their journey. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine has a holistic approach to treatment so I aim to support women in every aspect of their life.
If you would like to find out more or have any questions – book in online, or reach out via email.
By Georgia Payten TCM Practitioner & Acupuncturist at Quiescence Chinese Medicine
