Acupuncture and fertility: what does the research show alongside IVF?

Research is showing some encouraging results. In a large trial, women who had acupuncture felt less anxious on the day of their embryo transfer, and a review of 27 trials found higher pregnancy rates when acupuncture was added to IVF, especially for women who had had unsuccessful IVF before. It works alongside your fertility clinic, never instead of it.

Acupuncture Alongside IVF: What the Research Shows

What the research shows

Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 2019 · Western Sydney University and the University of Adelaide

Feeling calmer on embryo transfer day

848 women having IVF at 16 clinics in Australia and New Zealand had real or sham (placebo) acupuncture around embryo transfer. Women who had real acupuncture reported feeling less anxious on the day of their transfer. In the same trial, published in JAMA in 2018, live birth rates were similar in both groups (18.3% and 17.8%).

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019 · review of 27 trials

Acupuncture added to IVF

This review of 27 trials involving 6,116 women found higher clinical pregnancy rates with acupuncture. For women who had had unsuccessful IVF before, the difference was larger and live birth rates were higher too. The authors are calling for larger, better-designed trials.

Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 2015 · Oregon Health & Science University

Whole-person Chinese medicine alongside IVF

Researchers looked at the records of 1,231 IVF patients at one US clinic. Women who had a full course of traditional Chinese medicine, including acupuncture plus diet and lifestyle advice, had about twice the odds of a live birth compared with IVF alone. As this was not a trial, the authors say the findings need further research.

How I support people through fertility treatment

Fertility treatment can feel like a rollercoaster of injections, scans and waiting. Traditional acupuncture looks at you as a whole person, so we look at your cycle, sleep, energy, digestion and stress together. Many people find their appointments a calm space during a busy, emotional time.

Traditional acupuncturists usually suggest a course of sessions in the weeks before embryo transfer, rather than one session on the day, planned around your clinic's timetable. I also see partners, because fertility is a journey for both of you.

Fertility is one of my main areas of work, and I feel privileged to be part of people's support. Seeing someone leave feeling more relaxed and more like themselves means a great deal to me.

What happens at your appointment

Your first appointment lasts up to 90 minutes. Afterwards I send you a written summary in Chinese medicine terms, with a treatment plan. Each follow-up starts with a catch-up on how your week has been. If you would like to talk first, book a free 15-minute chat.

Working with your clinic

Let your fertility clinic know you are having acupuncture, and keep taking your medicines as prescribed.
The NHS recommends counselling for anyone having IVF. Your clinic should offer it before, during and after treatment.
Support groups such as Fertility Network UK are there too.