Fertility

How acupuncture supports fertility ?

Acupuncture is used as a gentle, natural therapy to help regulate the menstrual cycle, support ovulation, and improve overall reproductive function. Research suggests that acupuncture may improve clinical pregnancy rates and implantation rates in women undergoing fertility treatment, especially when combined with conventional care such as IVF or IUI. Studies also indicate potential benefits for male fertility, including improved sperm quality and hormonal balance.

Key ways acupuncture may support fertility include:

• Regulating the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis to support more balanced hormone levels.

• Improving blood flow to the uterus and ovaries to enhance endometrial thickness and receptivity.

• Supporting more regular ovulation and menstrual cycles in conditions like PCOS or anovulatory infertility.

TCM view of fertility

In TCM, fertility depends on the smooth flow of Qi (energy), adequate Blood, and strong Kidney essence, which together nourish the uterus and reproductive organs. Imbalances such as deficiency, stagnation, or internal heat are thought to interfere with conception and healthy pregnancy.

From a TCM perspective, fertility treatment focuses on correcting underlying patterns rather than treating a single symptom. Common TCM patterns associated with infertility may include: Kidney deficiency, Liver Qi stagnation, Blood deficiency, and phlegm or damp accumulation obstructing the reproductive system.

Integrating acupuncture with IVF and IUI

Many patients choose acupuncture as a complementary therapy alongside IVF or IUI to support both physical and emotional well-being. Systematic reviews have found that acupuncture around the time of embryo transfer can be associated with higher clinical pregnancy and live birth rates compared with control groups, though results are not uniform and more high-quality studies are still needed.

Possible ways acupuncture may assist IVF and IUI include:

• Enhancing uterine blood flow and promoting a more receptive endometrium.

• Reducing stress, anxiety, and muscle tension during stimulation and transfer cycles.

• Supporting better implantation rates and possibly lowering the risk of early pregnancy loss in some patients.

What a fertility-focused TCM treatment may include ?

Fertility treatment at an acupuncture clinic typically begins with a detailed consultation covering menstrual history, digestion, sleep, stress, and lifestyle. A personalized plan is then created to address the individual’s unique TCM pattern.

Common components of a fertility-focused TCM plan include:

• Acupuncture: Regular treatments to regulate cycles, support ovulation, and optimize implantation windows.

• Chinese herbal medicine: Customized formulas to nourish Blood, tonify Kidney essence, move Qi, and clear stagnation or dampness.

• Dietary and lifestyle guidance: Food choices, stress management, sleep hygiene, and moderate exercise tailored to support reproductive health.

Safety, expectations, and who may benefit

Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a licensed, properly trained practitioner using sterile, single-use needles. Mild side effects such as temporary soreness, small bruises, or light bleeding at needle sites may occur, but serious complications are rare.

People who may consider fertility-focused acupuncture and TCM include:

• Women with irregular cycles, PCOS, endometriosis, unexplained infertility, or those preparing for IVF/IUI.

• Men with reduced sperm count, motility, or morphology, or stress-related reproductive concerns.

• Couples seeking a more holistic approach that supports both physical and emotional aspects of fertility alongside conventional medical care.

Common causes for fertility for Women

Fallopian tubes  - pelvic infections, endometriosis, and pelvic surgeries may lead to scar formation and fallopian tube damage.
Ovulation  - failed to release an egg,  e.g.diabetes,thyroid problems,ovarian cysts.
Uterine - tumors, irregular shape of the uterine, uterine fibroids.
Cervical  - a cervical condition in which the sperm cannot pass through the cervical canal. Whether due to abnormal mucus production or a prior cervical surgical procedure.
Immunologic - allergic to sperm, antibodies.
Stress - the fertility killer.
Unexplained infertility - in approximately 20% of couples nothing be determined using the currently available methods of investigation.  
Hormonal  - the thickening or thinning of the endometrium (lining of the uterus), high FSH, age.