Acupuncture can provide both physical and emotional support before and throughout assisted fertility treatment.
Below you will find more information about how acupuncture may support the different procedures and phases of treatment.
- IUI
- IVF/ICSI
- Down regulation
- Stimulation
- Egg retrieval
- Acupuncture at Embryo Transfer
- The Two-Week Wait
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)
Many women find acupuncture helpful when preparing for an Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) cycle.
IUI is a fertility treatment that involves placing specially prepared (“washed”) sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation, increasing the chances of fertilisation.
Acupuncture can support you during this process by helping to improve blood flow to the uterine lining and promoting a sense of relaxation and wellbeing. This can be especially beneficial in the lead-up to treatment, helping you feel both physically and emotionally prepared.
IVF/ICSI
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is a process where eggs are collected from the ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryo is then transferred into the uterus.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a specialised form of IVF, where a single sperm is directly injected into an egg to assist fertilisation.
Every fertility journey is unique, and treatment can vary from person to person. Acupuncture is used alongside medical care to support your body, regulate your system, and help you feel more balanced throughout the process.
Below is an overview of how acupuncture may support you at different stages of IVF and ICSI treatment.
Down regulation
Down regulation is the process of using medication to temporarily switch off your natural menstrual cycle, typically as part of a long IVF protocol.
During this stage, acupuncture may help relieve some of the common side effects of medication, such as headaches, hot flushes, bloating, and mood swings. It can also support the natural shedding of the uterine lining, helping prepare the body for the next stage of treatment.
Stimulation
The stimulation phase involves daily hormone injections to encourage the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
During this stage, acupuncture focuses on supporting the development of the uterine lining by promoting healthy blood flow and helping it reach an optimal thickness. Treatment may also help regulate the body’s response to medication and support overall wellbeing.
In cases where there is a risk of ovarian hyperstimulation, acupuncture may be used to help the body regulate more effectively and reduce symptoms such as discomfort or bloating.
Egg collection
In the lead-up to egg collection, acupuncture can help promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. Treatment is also used to support the body in preparation for the procedure, helping to ease tension and encourage a smoother process.
Acupuncture at Embryo Transfer
Acupuncture to support IVF embryo transfer is usually given in two stages: one treatment before the embryo is transferred into the uterus, and one shortly afterwards.
These treatments are typically carried out on the day of transfer, or within 24 hours of the procedure, and can support both fresh and frozen embryo transfers. The aim is to promote healthy blood flow to the uterus and help reduce stress, supporting the body’s receptivity for implantation.
A study published in British Medical Journal (BMJ) suggests that acupuncture may increase the success rate of implantation and pregnancy by as much as 65% compare with the control group.
On the Day of Transfer
Ideally, treatment is given as close as possible before and after embryo transfer. In some cases, your acupuncturist may be able to accompany you to the clinic.
However, as most IVF clinics do not offer acupuncture on-site, many patients attend their acupuncturist before their appointment and return afterwards for a second treatment. This is a widely used and effective approach.
Because timing is important, it’s recommended to book your appointments in advance. If your usual practitioner is unavailable, professional acupuncture networks can often help arrange treatment with another experienced practitioner.
The Two-Week Wait
After embryo transfer, you will be given a date to take a pregnancy test. This period – often called the “two-week wait” – can feel emotionally challenging. Acupuncture during this time can help support relaxation, reduce stress, and promote a sense of calm while you wait for your results.