Acupuncture for Fertility: Could Ancient Medicine Hold the Secret to Your Pregnancy?
Struggling with fertility can be a combination of irregular cycles, hormonal imbalances, or even unexplained infertility and the pregnancy journey can feel overwhelming. You may have tried lifestyle changes, supplements, IVF, or been told to just "wait and see."
The emotional rollercoaster of hope and disappointment, paired with stress, anxiety, and confusion, can feel exhausting. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Complementary therapies like acupuncture for fertility are something you may have heard of. But how does it actually work? And is it safe and effective for someone with PCOS or other hormonal challenges affecting their ability to conceive?
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a therapeutic practice rooted in ancient Chinese medicine that’s been used for thousands of years. It involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body. These points are believed to link to different organs and systems, and stimulating them is thought to restore balance and encourage healing. In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture can be both preventative and therapeutic - used to treat conditions or support overall wellbeing (1).
How does acupuncture work?
Traditionally, acupuncture is based on the concept of Qi (pronounced “chee”), the body’s ‘life force’. The belief is that when Qi becomes blocked or imbalanced, it can lead to pain, illness, or dysfunction - such as irregular ovulation or hormone disruption. Acupuncture helps to rebalance this energy.
Western medicine bases acupuncture on stimulating sensory nerves in the skin and muscles, which can influence pain perception, improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and trigger the release of hormones like endorphins and serotonin. In fact, acupuncture is said to stimulate specific pathways releasing hormones that help reduce stress and improve reproductive health - but more research is needed to fully understand this (2).
Can acupuncture help you get pregnant?
The short answer? Maybe. One of the major ways acupuncture supports fertility is by reducing stress and anxiety - which are known to negatively affect ovulation and hormone balance (3). Furthermore, women with PCOS (who may struggle to conceive) often experience elevated cortisol levels, irregular menstrual cycles, and a disconnect between brain and ovarian communication. Acupuncture may help restore this connection, regulate cycles, and improve ovulation (4).
Studies have also suggested that acupuncture may:
Promote regular menstrual cycles: A controlled study of 40 patients found specific acupuncture treatment targeting the mind and menstruation was more superior in treating delayed cycles than regular acupuncture (typically targets Qi in the liver) (5).
Support hormone balance: Acupuncture has been found to act on several pathways e.g. gastrointestinal pathways, hypothalamus and pituitary and the female reproductive system, helping to support the regulation of the hormones involved (6).
Reduce anxiety: A review on acupuncture as a treatment for anxiety found that many studies observed reduced anxiety in the acupuncture treatment group compared to the acupuncture treatment. However, the methods within each study varied greatly, and so more robust studies are needed until we can determine that acupuncture can successfully treat anxiety (7).
Acupuncture and male fertility
The benefits of acupuncture and fertility are not limited to just women, male fertility can also benefit too. In fact, the male reproductive pathway is a factor or even the cause in over 50% of couples experiencing infertility (8). A study with a couple struggling to conceive demonstrated improved sperm quality following four acupuncture treatments, as well as better ovarian function in the women, thus, acupuncture for male fertility can be beneficial as it may improve (4):
Sperm count
Sperm Motility
Semen volume
For couples facing fertility challenges, addressing male fertility is just as important, and acupuncture offers a non-invasive option to help (9).
Acupuncture & fertility treatments
If you're undergoing fertility treatments such as IVF (in vitro fertilisation), acupuncture might offer added support (10). Some small studies suggest that women who receive acupuncture during their IVF cycle may have higher success rates compared to those making lifestyle changes alone. For best results, acupuncture is often used in combination with medical fertility treatment, rather than as a standalone therapy (11).
Overall, while acupuncture may offer some benefits in terms of clinical pregnancy rates in IVF, the evidence is not strong enough to support its use as a primary treatment for infertility. Some argue that the positive findings may not be directly attributed to acupuncture and that the effects may be due to the placebo effect or other factors.
Who is acupuncture suitable for?
Most people can safely try acupuncture. However, extra caution is needed in some cases:
Women who are already pregnant (especially early pregnancy)
Individuals taking blood thinners
Those with cancer or undergoing active treatments for cancer
Anyone with a needle phobia
It’s important to always consult your doctor or an acupuncture fertility specialist before starting.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes - when performed by an acupuncture fertility specialist, acupuncture is generally safe. The most common side effects are mild and temporary, including:
Light bruising
Slight bleeding
Temporary soreness at needle sites
Serious risks are rare, especially when sterile, single-use needles are used. It’s important to choose a registered acupuncturist and to disclose your full medical history beforehand.
When should you start (and stop) acupuncture?
It’s typically recommended to start acupuncture 3-6 months before trying to conceive. This allows time to support the health of your eggs (and your partner’s sperm), regulate your menstrual cycle, and prepare the body for conception (12).
If you're going through IVF, acupuncture can be tailored to the different phases of your cycle - from stimulation to embryo transfer. You can usually stop once a pregnancy is confirmed, though some individuals choose to continue for first-trimester support.
What to expect in an acupuncture session
Your first visit will include an in-depth consultation where the practitioner will ask about your cycle, symptoms, lifestyle, and emotional wellbeing. From there, they’ll determine which acupuncture sites for fertility to target.
The needles are extremely thin (nothing like injections!) and are gently inserted and left in place for about 20-25 minutes. Most people find it relaxing - you may even fall asleep!
You might need regular sessions (weekly or biweekly) depending on your goals and where you are in your fertility journey.
Finding a fertility acupuncture specialist
If you're considering acupuncture for fertility, it’s important to work with an experienced and registered acupuncturist who specialises specifically in fertility support. Choosing someone who deeply understands fertility issues and can tailor your treatments accordingly can make a significant difference.
Below are some recommended specialist clinics that focus on fertility acupuncture:
Important note: Always do your own research and ensure the clinic or practitioner you choose aligns with your individual needs and circumstances. Check credentials, read testimonials, and schedule consultations to find the best fit for you.
Final thoughts: is acupuncture worth trying?
If you have been trying to conceive without success, the benefits of acupuncture may offer a gentle, supportive boost to your journey, especially when paired with targeted nutrition and lifestyle changes.
Although more research is needed to confirm the effects of acupuncture on fertility, especially high-quality, well-designed studies with more participants and robust control groups, it may be considered as a complementary therapy alongside other conventional treatments. However, patients should be aware of the limitations and potential benefits and discuss it with their healthcare provider.
If you’re looking for nutrition and lifestyle strategies that could complement acupuncture to boost your fertility, book a free call today with experienced women's health dietitian Claire Pettitt.