Acupuncture for IVF: A Natural Way to Support Fertility and Improve Success
- debo9356
- 6 hours ago
- 4 min read
The IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) journey can be one of the most emotionally challenging and physically demanding experiences a person can go through. Hormone injections, constant appointments, rising hopes, and the fear of the unknown can take a toll on both body and mind. It’s no wonder many people look for additional ways to support themselves through the process.
If you’ve ever searched “acupuncture for IVF near me” or wondered whether acupuncture really helps during your IVF treatment, you’re not alone. Over the past decade, acupuncture has become one of the most widely used complementary therapies for IVF, not just for its potential benefits on success rates, but for the emotional support and physical balance it offers along the way.
In this article, we’ll explore how acupuncture works during IVF, what the research suggests, and how treatment supports each stage of the fertility journey.
What Is IVF Acupuncture and How Does It Work?
In Vitro Fertilisation involves multiple steps but simply is a process of fertilisation in which an egg is combined with sperm in vitro (outside of the body). Then the fertilised egg is reintroduced to the body.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), fertility depends on the smooth flow of blood, balanced hormones, and a nourished, healthy body. The IVF process places stress on all of these systems, physically, hormonally, and emotionally. Acupuncture aims to assist this process by gently assisting and aiding each step of the IVF process. It does this by inserting ultra-fine needles at specific points that influence the reproductive, nervous and hormonal systems.
Benefits of Acupuncture for IVF
From a TCM perspective, acupuncture helps:
Regulate the menstrual cycle
Improve blood flow to the uterus and ovaries
Support the hormonal balance needed for conception
Reduce stress and promote overall harmony in the body
From a modern medical view, acupuncture may:
Increase pelvic blood flow, which can support follicle and lining development
Regulate stress hormones such as cortisol
Calm the sympathetic nervous system (“fight or flight”) and reduce inflammation
Together, these effects help create a more supportive environment for conception and embryo implantation.
How Acupuncture Supports Each Stage of IVF (When to come)
You can benefit from acupuncture at every stage of IVF, and even starting later in the process can still offer meaningful support.
Before IVF (Ideal Start: 8–12 Weeks Prior)
This is the best time to begin. The practitioner at this stage would focus on regulating your menstrual cycle. Depending on your medical history we may also give diet, lifestyle advice, herbal medicine and Acupuncture to improve egg quality, preparing and strengthen the body, and reduce stress.
During IVF
Ovarian Stimulation Phase and Egg Retrieval
During this phase Acupuncture helps support follicle growth, minimise medication side effects, and keep stress levels lower as hormone changes intensify. Our goal here is to help improve the quantity and quality of the eggs.
At Embryo Transfer
This is one of the most important windows. Acupuncture aims to improve the chances of a successful pregnancy. It does this by:
Relaxing the body
Reducing uterine tension
Increasing blood flow to the uterus
Supporting a calm, receptive state for implantation
After Transfer
Post-transfer sessions help support implantation by calming the nervous system, improving blood flow, and reducing stress at a crucial time.
What to Expect During a Fertility Acupuncture Session
If you're new to acupuncture, a session is gentle, calming, and tailored to your IVF stage.
Initial Consultation:
Your practitioner will review your fertility history, IVF protocol, past cycles, menstrual health, lifestyle, and emotional well-being.
Treatment Plan:
Treatment plans are tailored to your individual goals and medical history, but most patients receive anywhere from 2 to 10 acupuncture sessions during an IVF cycle.
During Treatment:
You’ll lie comfortably as fine needles are inserted at carefully selected points. Most people feel relaxed, warm, and safe. Many fall asleep.
After Treatment:
You may feel lighter, calmer, and more centred. The effects often build progressively with each treament.
Side effects are mild and rare, usually just light tiredness or temporary soreness.
Supporting Your IVF Journey Holistically
Acupuncture is most effective when combined with supportive lifestyle habits:
Prioritise 7–9 hours of sleep
Eat warm, nourishing foods and avoid cold and raw foods like ice-cream, salads and smoothies
Reduce excessive caffeine and alcohol
Move gently with stretching, yoga, or walking
Practice short daily breathing or mindfulness exercises
Create emotional support through therapy, journaling, or support groups
These habits help optimise the internal environment needed for fertility and implantation.
A Natural Support System for IVF
Acupuncture for IVF offers a gentle, holistic way to support your reproductive health during one of the most demanding chapters of your life. Whether you’re preparing months ahead or are already mid-cycle, acupuncture can help calm the mind, balance the body, and support you every step of the way.
If you’re in Sunninghill, Midrand, or the surrounding areas, we’re here to help you through your fertility journey.
Book a consultation or contact us on 063 169 8802.
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— Dr Darren Carpenter
Doctor of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture