How Can Fertility Acupuncture Support My IVF Treatment?

IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) can be an emotionally and physically demanding process. Many people explore complementary therapies like acupuncture to support their fertility journey. 

But how exactly can acupuncture complement IVF? 

In this blog, we’ll look at the role of acupuncture from both a Western medical and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, and explain how it can be integrated at different stages of your IVF treatment.

Acupuncture and IVF: A Western Medical Perspective

From a Western medical standpoint, acupuncture is proposed to support IVF treatment in several ways.

Many fertility clinics and specialists acknowledge acupuncture as a complementary therapy during IVF. Whilst a growing number of studies suggest positive outcomes, the current body of Western medical research has limitations, mainly related to the limited methods used to investigate Acupuncture itself. Overall, more high-quality, large-scale trials are needed to determine its full effectiveness. 

However, acupuncture continues to be explored for its potential role in supporting IVF treatment, particularly for its ability to reduce stress, which is well-documented.

1. Enhancing Blood Flow to the Uterus

It has been proposed that acupuncture may improve blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, potentially creating a more receptive environment for implantation. Research using Doppler ultrasound suggests that acupuncture helps to reduce uterine artery impedance, which could mean better circulation and oxygenation for a developing embryo (1).

2. Regulating Stress 

One of the strongest supported benefits of acupuncture is its ability to help reduce stress, which can indirectly support reproductive health.The lead up to the IVF process and the treatment itself can contribute to increasing levels of stress, which may impact cortisol levels and reproductive hormones. A systematic review and meta-analysis by Rubin et al. (2), found that acupuncture can positively impact IVF-related anxiety, further supporting its role in stress management during fertility treatment.

3. Assisting Hormonal Regulation

Acupuncture is believed to influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, potentially helping to regulate hormones such as FSH, LH, and oestrogen. In patients where menstrual concerns like cycle irregularity, for example in PCOS, are of concern, acupuncture may therefore be of particular benefit (3).

4. Supporting Embryo Implantation

Research has also been conducted to identify the benefits of Acupuncture around the time of embryo transfer. The proposed mechanisms include reduced uterine contractions and a more relaxed state, through interaction and regulation of the sympathetic nervous system (4). 

5. Supporting Ovarian Function

During the stimulation phase of IVF, some research has explored whether acupuncture might influence ovarian response to medication, potentially affecting the number and quality of retrieved eggs. It is an area of ongoing investigation, particularly for women with low ovarian reserve or low responders to IVF protocols (5).

6. Supporting Immunological factors

Reproductive Immunology is an emerging field, with more fertility clinics offering investigations looking at levels of inflammation in the reproductive environment. This is an area of research that still requires a more robust and standardised evidence base, however, evidence shows that Acupuncture may modulate inflammatory markers, providing another angle for potential benefit. 

Acupuncture and IVF: A Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

In TCM, acupuncture works by balancing the flow of Qi (energy) and Blood, supporting reproductive health by improving circulation, reducing stress, and harmonising the body's internal environment. (N.B: the organs mentioned are interpreted through their TCM energetic value and have no relation to the western medical system).

1. Strengthening Kidney and Spleen Qi

In TCM, fertility is closely linked energetically to the Kidney and Spleen systems. IVF medications can deplete Kidney energy, leading to fatigue. Acupuncture helps nourish Kidney ‘Yin’ and ‘Yang’, strengthening the body's ability to support conception.

2. Supporting the Heart, Shen, and Uterus Connection

In TCM, the Heart plays a vital role in fertility, as it is closely connected to the Kidneys and Uterus through an energetic connection called the Bao Mai (Uterus Vessel). Emotional stress, worry, and overthinking can disturb the Shen (mind/spirit), which resides in the Heart. 

If the Heart is unsettled, it can disrupt the communication between the Heart and Kidneys. Acupuncture helps calm the Shen, regulate emotions, and strengthen the Heart-Kidney connection, supporting a more stable internal environment for implantation and pregnancy.

3. Regulating Liver Qi to Reduce Stress

Emotional stress stagnates Liver Qi, leading to hormonal imbalances and irregular menstrual cycles from a TCM view. Acupuncture helps to smooth Liver Qi, reducing tension and anxiety—helping to optimise a successful IVF cycle.

4. Improving Uterine Lining for Implantation

A well-nourished endometrial lining is essential for implantation. Acupuncture supports Blood circulation to the uterus, contributing to optimal thickness and receptivity for embryo transfer.

When Should You Have Acupuncture During IVF?

When combining the potential benefits from both a Western and Chinese Medicine perspective, Acupuncture can therefore be potentially beneficial at different stages of your IVF cycle and has the following aims:

• Before IVF (3+ months before treatment/to support natural conception) – Supports egg quality, uterine lining, and menstrual cycle regulation.

• During ovarian stimulation – Encouraging blood flow to the ovaries.

• Before & after embryo transfer – Promotes relaxation, reduces uterine contractions, and supports implantation.

• During the two-week wait – Helps to regulate the nervous system

• Early pregnancy support – Continuing to promote wellbeing, calming nervous system and symptom support

  
  

From both Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine perspectives, acupuncture plays a promising role in optimising your IVF treatment, particularly from a holistic standpoint of nurturing the mind, body, and soul.

Finding Acupuncture for IVF Support in South London, Croydon & Surrey

If you’re considering acupuncture to support your IVF treatment, finding a knowledgable fertility acupuncturist is key. My clinic in South Croydon specialises in fertility acupuncture, supporting women throughout their IVF journey. 

I utilise my clinical experience as a doctor and my knowledge from my BSc in Reproductive Medicine to ensure that my treatments safely complement IVF protocols without interfering with them.

Book a free discovery call today

Serving patients in Croydon, Purley, Bromley, Sutton, and the surrounding areas of South London, Surrey & Kent.

References:

• Xie, Z.Y., Peng, Z.H., Yao, B., Chen, L., Mu, Y.Y., Cheng, J., Li, Q., Luo, X., Yang, P.Y. and Xia, Y.B., 2019. The effects of acupuncture on pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 19, pp.1-20.

• Rubin, L.E.H., Smith, C.A., Schnyer, R.N., Tahir, P. and Pasch, L.A., 2022. Effect of acupuncture on IVF-related anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 45(1), pp.69-80.

• Ye, Y., Zhou, C.C., Hu, H.Q., Fukuzawa, I. and Zhang, H.L., 2022. Underlying mechanisms of acupuncture therapy on polycystic ovary syndrome: evidences from animal and clinical studies. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 13, p.1035929.

• Wang, X., Xu, H.M., Wang, Q.L., Zhu, X.Y., Zeng, Y.M., Huang, L., Feng, X. and Chen, S., 2024. The Timing and Dose Effect of Acupuncture on Pregnancy Outcomes for Infertile Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine.

• Wang, R.R., Su, M.H., Liu, L.Y., Lai, Y.Y., Guo, X.L., Gan, D., Zheng, X.Y., Yang, H., Yu, S.Y., Liang, F.R. and Wei, W., 2023. Systematic review of acupuncture to improve ovarian function in women with poor ovarian response. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 14, p.1028853.

• Djaali, W., Abdurrohim, K. and Helianthi, D.R., 2019. Management of acupuncture as adjuvant therapy for in vitro fertilization. Medical Acupuncture, 31(6), pp.361-365.