Call : 07939117460

Call : 07939117460

Acupuncture for Fertility

Acupuncture & Fertility

Whether you are undergoing assisted reproductive treatment or exploring alternatives to enhance natural fertility then acupuncture can support you on your journey.

Victoria has a particular interest in fertility and has undergone further post graduate training in using acupuncture to enhance natural fertility and for IVF treatments. She is currently studying and Advanced Level Diploma in Fertility Acupuncture to further develop her expertise in supporting women & their partners in all aspect of their fertility by integrating her knowledge of Western biomedical techniques with the holistic approach of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She is well-versed in assisted protocols from a Western perspective and has many years of experience in using acupuncture safely to support an assisted cycle (see About Victoria).


Having her practice at home gives Victoria the flexibility to schedule appointments outside of usual clinic hours to coincide with critical times in the menstrual cycle or to accommodate the timings of various assisted procedures.

Supporting IVF Treatment with Acupuncture

Undergoing different forms of IVF treatment can be stressful & anxiety provoking. Studies have shown that stress can adversely affect success rates of IVF treatments (1) and that traditional acupuncture can promote relaxation & relieve stress (2, 3). Patients feel they benefit from treatment because it helps them to feel relaxed, proactive, acknowledged and nurtured through what can be a very stressful time.

Does acupuncture increase IVF success rates?

A 2019 systemic review showed acupuncture to have a positive influence on pregnancy outcomes (4). Some studies where a positive effect was found received acupuncture at various points during the treatment cycle and not just at embryo transfer. The conclusions of several systematic reviews indicate that the effectiveness of acupuncture may be dose dependent (5) that is, a sufficient number of acupuncture sessions over a period of time may be more effective than focused on embryo transfer.

Who is acupuncture for?

Acupuncture can be beneficial for both women and men by improving general wellbeing.

For women, research has been conducted into:

  • Regulating the menstrual cycle
  • Improving blood circulation to the uterus & ovaries
  • Helping to support ovulation dysfunction in some women

All of which may contribute to fertility.

For men, acupuncture may be considered when going through ICSI treatment.


When is acupuncture recommended?

Ideally acupuncture should start 3 months prior to treatment to address any underlying imbalances and ensure the body is in the best shape possible. It is then performed during:

  • Down regulation and/or ovarian stimulation
  • Before and after embryo transfer
  • The two-week wait

Treatment during the two-week wait is a gentle treatment for relaxation.

Supporting Natural Fertility with Acupuncture

Chinese diagnosis can often reveal imbalances in the internal climate that inhibit conception or implantation, acupuncture can address those imbalances and support you to improve your own fertility and enhance your health through improved lifestyle and diet.
Acupuncture is aimed at regulating the menstrual cycle and alleviate any untoward symptoms that accompany the period such as PMT, scanty or excessive bleeds, irregular cycles, mid cycle or intra-menstrual bleeds and painful periods (see Menstrual Health
). This will help to balance & regulate hormones and enhance receptivity of the uterine lining.

For further information on the effectiveness of acupuncture for fertility and IVF please see BAcC Factsheets.

(1) Balk, J. et al (2010): The relationship between perceived stress, acupuncture, and pregnancy rates among IVF patients: a pilot study. Complementary Therapy in Clinical Practice, 16(3); 154-157

(2) Smith CA Ussher JM, Perz J, Carmady B, de Lacey S (2011). The effect of acupuncture on psychosocial outcomes for women experiencing infertility: a pilot randomized controlled trial. J Altern Complement Med 17(10):923–930.

(3) Hassanzadeh Bashtian M, Latifnejad Roudsari R, Sadeghi R (2017). Effects of acupuncture on anxiety in infertile women: a systematic review of the literature. Journal of Midwifery & Reproductive Health 5(1):842–848. doi: 10.22038/jmrh.2016.7949.

(4) Xie ZY, Peng ZH, Yao B, Chen L, Mu YY, Cheng J, Li Q, Luo X, Yang PY, Xia YB (2019): The effects of acupuncture on pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complementary Alternative Medicine. Jun 14;19(1):131.

(5) Zheng CH, Huang GY, Zhang MM, Wang W (2012). Effects of acupuncture on pregnancy rates in women undergoing in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis. FertilSteril97(3):599–611.

What happens next

To discuss your condition or to book an appointment

call Victoria on 07939 117 460 or

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