When to Come for Acupuncture for IVF: Timing Your Treatments for the Best Results
- debo9356
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Going through IVF can be one of the most emotionally and physically demanding experiences of your life. With appointments, hormone injections, scans, procedures, and the constant uncertainty, it’s no surprise that many women search for ways to support their bodies naturally during the process. Furthermore, there is the financial strain of the whole process, so others are looking at all possible ways to improve their chances of success.
If you’ve ever Googled “acupuncture for IVF near me” or wondered when you should start acupuncture to improve your chances, you’re certainly not alone. Over the past decade, acupuncture has become one of the most trusted complementary therapies used alongside fertility treatments, not only for its potential benefits on IVF outcomes, but also for the support it offers throughout the journey.
In this article, we’ll explore when to begin acupuncture, why timing matters, and how treatment supports your body during each stage of IVF.
How Acupuncture Supports IVF
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), fertility is influenced by the smooth flow of Blood, balanced hormones, and a calm, nourished body. A pregnancy will challenge the body on all these levels, physically, hormonally, and emotionally.
Acupuncture supports the IVF process by helping to:
Improve Blood Flow: Especially to the uterus and ovaries, which may enhance implantation chances.
Hormonal Regulation: Acupuncture may influence the hormones essential for reproductive health.
Stress Reduction: Lower cortisol levels and reduced stress can positively impact ovulation and cycle regularity.
Support During IVF: As a supplementary treatment before and after embryo transfer.
If you’d like to dive deeper, check out these key studies on acupuncture in IVF treatments:
A 2020 study in the Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found significantly higher pregnancy rates for women who received acupuncture before and after embryo transfer. Researchers also noted reduced anxiety levels, which may indirectly support hormonal balance.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1028455920300188
Another 2022 study in the evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine journal found acupuncture beneficial to female patients suffering from infertility. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8865966/
When Should You Start Acupuncture for IVF?
Although acupuncture can be helpful at any point, there are four key windows where research and clinical experience show the greatest benefit.
1. 8–12 Weeks Before Your IVF Cycle (Ideal Start)
This is for the best results and the most ideal timing.
Starting acupuncture a few months before IVF gives your body time to:
Regulate menstrual cycles
Improve ovarian function
Reduce inflammation
Support egg development
This phase focuses on preparing and nourishing the body long before stimulation begins.
2. During Ovarian Stimulation
If you didn’t start earlier, starting during stimulation is still highly beneficial.
Treatments during this stage help to:
Support healthy follicle development
Improve blood flow to the ovaries
Reduce bloating, headaches, and medication side effects
Calm the nervous system as hormone levels rapidly change
Sessions are often 1–2 times per week.
3. Around Egg Retrieval
Acupuncture before retrieval helps with:
Support healthy follicle development
Improve blood flow to the ovaries
Reduce bloating, headaches, and medication side effects
4. The Embryo Transfer Window
This is one of the most important stages.
Acupuncture around transfer may:
Improve uterine blood flow
Relax the body and reduce uterine tension
Support a calm, receptive environment for implantation
Reduce stress and anxiety on a critical day
Improve the chances of a successful implantation
Many clinics recommend a session within 24 hours before and after transfer, and can continue 1-2 weeks after if needed.
What to Expect During Fertility Acupuncture Sessions
Whether it's your first time or your third round of IVF, your session is designed to be calming, supportive, and tailored to where you are in the IVF timeline.
Initial Consultation:
You’ll discuss your cycle, treatment protocol, medical history, previous IVF outcomes, and emotional well-being.
Treatment Plan:
Depending on timing, you may receive weekly sessions or more frequent treatments during stimulation and the transfer window.
During Treatment:
Points are used to optimise blood flow, regulate hormones, calm the nervous system, and support the uterus and ovaries. Points are selected based on the stage of IVF. Most patients feel deeply relaxed, and many fall asleep.
After Treatment:
You may feel centred, calmer, and less tense. Benefits often build over time with consistent care.
Tips to Improve IVF Success Alongside Acupuncture
Small lifestyle habits can make a meaningful difference:
Prioritise sleep, essential for hormone regulation
Eat cooked, balanced meals to support digestion and blood flow. Avoiding alcohol, drugs and processed foods as much as possible
Avoid excessive cold foods, which TCM associates with reduced uterine warmth
Regular exercise like walking, stretching, or yoga
Support emotional health with journaling, meditation, or counselling
Reduce stress where possible, especially during stimulation and the transfer window
Acupuncture isn’t a magic fix — but it is a powerful support system for your physical and emotional well-being throughout IVF.
Supporting You Through Your IVF Journey
Acupuncture for IVF provides a gentle, holistic way to support your body through one of the most challenging fertility journeys. Whether you’re preparing months in advance or already in your cycle, acupuncture offers a calming, restorative approach to support you along this journey.
If you’re based in Sunninghill, Sandton, or nearby, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Curious to learn more or book a session?
You can also see a full list of blog articles here.
— Dr Darren Carpenter, Doctor of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture
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