Fertility Acupuncture


More recent research now suggests most benefit is achieved with a higher “dose” of acupuncture prior to and during the IVF cycle.

So, what does this research suggest in terms of best practice IVF Acupuncture to optimise psychological and physiological benefits and when should I start?


1. Commencement

The evidence denotes that:

  • if you are going to use acupuncture it may be advisable for to have it before and during the stimulation phase of the IVF cycle.
  • it is useful for women to consider acupuncture treatment in the menstrual cycles before their IVF cycle, or before a frozen embryo transfer to improve the uterine lining.

2. How many sessions and When should I book in?

Treatment with acupuncture before and after embryo transfer has been demonstrated by the meta-analysis published recently in the British Journal of Medicine to improve IVF success rates by 65%, continued pregnancy rates by 82% and improve live birth rates by 91%.


Ideally, 1 month before your start your IVF cycle.

  • 1 to 2 sessions treatment weekly for 4 weeks prior to IVF cycle and 2 weeks during stimulation cycle.






3. Day of transfer acupuncture

Acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer has significant benefit for women who have increased stress levels or who have had multiple previous IVF cycles, or where there was a low baseline pregnancy rate expectation.


Continuing this approach in the two-week wait for test results is also helpful for these women to manage IVF related stress and anxiety.

  • Embryo Transfer acupuncture (ETA) is best done on the same day (or within 24 hours if on same day is not possible).

3 Acupuncture Treatment Options for IVF or IUI Fertility support


Option1: Preparation before IVF/IUI (3 months)

This plan starts 3 months or more before the IVF/IUI cycle, we use this time to help clients get into the best overall health possible in order to maximize the chance for a successful cycle. During this preparation, we provide acupuncture (may add some herbals) to improve quality of follicles (eggs), increase blood flow to reproductive organs (uterus and ovaries), and eliminate any existing menstrual symptoms like PMS, cramping, hot flush, and bloating.

We strongly recommend three months of treatment prior to transfer because new follicles go through a 90-120 day follicular development period before they are released for fertilization. At the same time, clients still have the opportunity to get a natural pregnancy. 

Acupuncture (may add herbals) is provided for once a week for 3 months (similar to 3 cycle’s plan for natural conceive).

The clients with following situation/condition are suitable for 3 months plan.

  • Age of 35 years old or older
  • High FSH level
  • IVF unsuccessful cases

Option 2: Less than 3 months preparation before IVF/IUI

Rather than focusing on correcting underlying factors that may impede the fertility process, we use acupuncture to help prepare the body for the best possible result in a relatively short period of time.

This treatment is ideal for those clients who are 35 years old or younger, in good health with no obvious medical problems.

The purpose is to:

  • Improve blood circulation in the uterus and ovaries to boost receptivity to stimulation
  • Thicken uterine lining to encourage implantation
  • Decrease uterine cramping to encourage implantation and reduce miscarriage.
  • Decrease cortisol and relieve stress levels to improve the outcomes of western treatment

Option 3: Pre and post transfer treatment

During pre and post treatments, clients receive an acupuncture treatment before and after their embryo transfer or IUI. 

The aim of this treatment is to relax the client (less stress produces higher pregnancy rates), improve blood flow to the uterus to promote higher implantation rates, decrease uterus spasms and cramping to improve implantation rates, and decrease the incidence of miscarriage.

Option for husband: Sperm improvement support (for male)

TCM and acupuncture has been a successful reproductive therapy for thousands of years. In the case of male fertility, acupuncture and herbs have been able to increase motility and count, improve morphology, and eliminate infections, as well as Erectile Dysfunction. Our experienced acpuncturists or Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners will be happy to answer any questions and concerns.

Feel free to call us at 416-800-3978 to set up your first appointment or book it online.

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