Acupuncture for Fertility: Can It Help You Get Pregnant?

Trying to conceive can be one of the most emotionally intense and physically demanding times in a woman's life. For many women in the UK aged 25 to 45, fertility issues—whether due to stress, hormonal imbalance, medical conditions or simply age—can feel overwhelming. That’s why more women are turning to acupuncture for fertility to support their journey towards pregnancy—either naturally or alongside IVF treatment.

But what exactly is acupuncture, and how does it help with fertility? This article explores how acupuncture may improve your chances of conceiving, what to expect from treatment, and how it fits into modern fertility care.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a core component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), practiced for over 2,000 years. It involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body, known as acupoints. These points lie on pathways called meridians, believed to conduct the body’s energy, or Qi (pronounced “chee”).

From a traditional perspective, disruptions in the flow of Qi can lead to imbalances in the body, including those that affect reproductive health. Acupuncture aims to restore this balance, improving overall wellness and supporting the body's natural ability to function optimally—including fertility.

From a modern biomedical standpoint, acupuncture stimulates the nervous system, enhances blood circulation, and encourages the release of hormones and neurotransmitters, including endorphins. It is increasingly integrated into fertility care due to its ability to reduce stress, improve hormonal regulation, and support reproductive function.

Can Acupuncture Help with Fertility?

Yes—acupuncture is recognised as a supportive therapy for women trying to conceive, whether naturally or with the help of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as IVF or IUI. While it is not a stand-alone cure, it has shown promise in several areas of fertility health.

Here's how acupuncture can help improve fertility:

1. Regulating the Menstrual Cycle

A regular cycle is fundamental to fertility. Acupuncture supports the body’s hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, which regulates hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone and luteinising hormone (LH)—all crucial for ovulation and implantation.

2. Enhancing Ovulation and Egg Quality

In conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), acupuncture may support the return of regular ovulation. Improved blood flow to the ovaries can also promote better follicle development, potentially enhancing egg quality—especially important for women over 35.

3. Building a Healthy Uterine Lining

Acupuncture increases uterine blood flow, which is essential for building a thick, nutrient-rich endometrial lining—a key factor in successful embryo implantation.

4. Reducing Inflammation and Pain

For women with endometriosis, acupuncture may help reduce pelvic inflammation and pain, making the reproductive environment more hospitable to conception.

5. Relieving Stress

Trying to conceive—especially after months or years—can lead to chronic stress, which may disrupt ovulation and reproductive hormones. Acupuncture promotes the release of endorphins and reduces cortisol levels, creating a more balanced internal environment for conception.

When Should You Try Acupuncture for Fertility?

Ideally, acupuncture should begin three to six months before you try to conceive. This allows time to:

• Regulate hormonal patterns
• Improve menstrual health
• Support ovulation
• Enhance the uterine environment

However, it’s never too late to start. Many women begin treatment during fertility investigations, before IVF, or at the point of embryo transfer—all of which can still yield benefits.

For those undergoing IVF, acupuncture is often used:

• In the weeks before ovarian stimulation
• During the IVF cycle, particularly to support egg retrieval
• Immediately before and after embryo transfer

The Paulus Protocol, a well-known clinical method, supports this approach and has shown improved implantation rates when acupuncture is timed around embryo transfer.

What to Expect at an Acupuncture Appointment

A typical fertility acupuncture session is gentle, personalised, and deeply relaxing.

Here’s what usually happens:

Initial Consultation

Your acupuncturist will ask in-depth questions about your menstrual cycle, ovulation patterns, past fertility history, and general health. If you’ve had tests (like AMH, FSH, thyroid, etc.), these may be discussed as part of your treatment plan.

Treatment Plan

Your practitioner will create a tailored treatment protocol, often including weekly sessions that align with key stages of your cycle—menstruation, follicular phase, ovulation, and luteal phase.

Needling Session

You’ll lie on a treatment couch, and very fine needles will be inserted into specific acupuncture points—commonly around the lower abdomen, legs, arms, and ears. Most women find the process painless and deeply soothing.

Relaxation Period

You'll rest quietly for 30–45 minutes. Many women report feeling calm, clear-headed, or even rejuvenated after treatment.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Not at all. The needles used in acupuncture are hair-thin and very different from those used in injections or blood tests. Most women describe the sensation as a slight tingling, warmth, or even nothing at all.

In fact, many clients find acupuncture so relaxing they fall asleep during sessions.

How Often Should You Get Acupuncture for Fertility?

The frequency of treatment will depend on your individual needs, but a common approach includes:

• Once a week in the lead-up to natural conception or IVF
• Twice during IVF transfer week—before and after embryo transfer
• Adjustments based on where you are in your cycle or treatment plan

Consistency is key. Like most holistic therapies, acupuncture works best cumulatively, not as a one-off.

Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?

Acupuncture is considered very safe when performed by a qualified professional. Mild side effects may include:

• Light bruising at the needle site
• Slight fatigue or light-headedness after a session
• Emotional release (common and often therapeutic)

It’s important to choose an acupuncturist who specialises in fertility and women's health, particularly if you're pregnant or undergoing fertility treatment.

What the Research Says

While more high-quality studies are still needed, existing research is promising:

• A meta-analysis in the British Medical Journal showed that acupuncture performed on the day of embryo transfer improved pregnancy rates.
• The Paulus et al. study found that women receiving acupuncture before and after IVF transfer had significantly higher implantation rates than those who didn’t.
• Other studies highlight acupuncture's ability to regulate stress hormones, balance reproductive hormones, and support endometrial receptivity.

Is Acupuncture Right for You?

Acupuncture may be especially helpful if you:

• Are facing unexplained infertility
• Have conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, or thyroid imbalance
• Are preparing for or undergoing IVF or ICSI
• Are over 35 and concerned about egg quality
• Want to manage stress or anxiety around conception

Whether you're at the beginning of your journey or well into treatment, acupuncture offers a gentle, empowering option to support your reproductive health.

Final Thoughts

Fertility is not just a physical process—it’s emotional, spiritual, and deeply personal. Acupuncture for fertility respects this holistic nature, offering gentle support for both body and mind.

For many women in the UK, integrating acupuncture into their fertility plan provides greater emotional balance, improved physical health, and a sense of empowerment during an often stressful chapter of life.

If you’re considering acupuncture for fertility or IVF, the best time to start is now—with the right support, the journey to pregnancy becomes a more connected, compassionate experience.