Acupuncture for Fertility: Does it Work?

When it comes to fertility, whether you’re trying to conceive naturally or going through IVF, there are a few things that you can do to help the process. Most of us have heard recommendations to change your diet and boost your fitness, drink less caffeine or stop smoking. However, the world of natural remedies is still considered a grey area when it comes to helping fertility, and there are many suggestions out there, from taking dietary supplements to the use of acupuncture for fertility. 

In this article, we will look at acupuncture for those trying to become pregnant and consider some of the possible benefits.

What is Acupuncture? 

Acupuncture is a popular form of Chinese medicine based on the idea of balancing the levels of qi (vital energy) throughout the body. This is done by inserting thin needles into the body to help stimulate blood flow to the area to stimulate the skin and muscles and release the body’s natural painkiller. It has become popular in the West as an alternative, natural remedy to help alleviate stress, regulate hormones, and relieve chronic pain. 

How Can Acupuncture Help With Fertility? 

As you start the fertility process, especially IVF, you may find you are offered acupuncture as part of the cycle by your fertility clinic or you may even have it recommended by your doctor. This is because acupuncture is believed by some to offer the following benefits: 

Reduces Stress 

Acupuncture is commonly used to help alleviate stress by stimulating the release of endorphins and calming the nervous system. For those looking to get pregnant, stress is best avoided as it can deregulate your hormones and your menstrual cycle. 

Regulates Hormones 

Alongside being a way to reduce stress, acupuncture stimulates and can regulate certain hormones, including oestrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), all of which can help with your chances of being fertile and having a pregnancy. 

Regulates Menstrual Cycles 

A common issue for those finding it hard to get pregnant is irregular periods due to stress, weight issues or menstrual conditions including PCOS and endometriosis. Acupuncture can help alleviate painful periods, reduce stress, and stimulate blood flow to the area to improve uterine health, allowing for more regular periods. 

Improves Sperm Health 

Acupuncture can also be considered for boosting male fertility, reducing stress and improving the blood flow and temperature of the scrotal area. This may allow for better sperm production and improve the overall health and vitality of sperm in the long run. 

Improves Ovarian Function

Alongside promoting the release of hormones and regulating menstrual cycles, it has been suggested that the increased stimulation of blood flow to the ovaries can help improve ovarian function and promote ovulation. 

Reduces Endometriosis Symptoms 

Research suggests that acupuncture, when prescribed alongside other treatments for endometriosis, can reduce the size of ovarian cysts and even reduce pain, helping to alleviate the symptoms overall. 

All of this helps prepare the body for fertilisation and helps during the embryo implementation stage of IVF treatment as it relaxes the uterus. 

Does Acupuncture Actually Help With Fertility? 

Acupuncture is thought of as an alternative or complementary therapy and studies have found differing answers to the question: does acupuncture help you get pregnant? 

Some studies have found that patients who had acupuncture had higher pregnancy rates, live births, and more IVF success, as well as more positive ovulation rates. 

Other studies have found there is little difference in outcome for those who have acupuncture versus those who don’t, or stated that the evidence was inconclusive and that further studies are needed. Interestingly some research has also found that a study group using acupuncture not only saw higher pregnancy rates, they also had a higher number of miscarriages.

When To See An Acupuncturist

If you are considering acupuncture, it is generally recommended by practitioners to start at least six months before aiming to get pregnant. For those undergoing IVF, most practitioners recommend you continue with the treatment throughout your IVF cycle for better chances of pregnancy once the embryo transfer is done. 

Conclusion

It is suggested that acupuncture has many benefits for fertility, but studies are not conclusive and further research is needed. For those looking to alleviate stress and regulate their hormones, it certainly seems worth considering as a complementary therapy. 

References: 

CAM Therapies. How Does Acupuncture for Fertility Work? CAM-Therapies. cam-therapies.co.uk/fertility/how-does-acupuncture-work-for-fertility/ 

Chang, R., Chung, P., Rosenwaks, Z. (2002). Role of acupuncture in the treatment of female infertility. Fertility and Sterility. 78(6). 1149-1153. fertstert.org/issue/S0015-0282(00)X0087-8

Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Acupuncture for Fertility: Can It Help You Get Pregnant?. Cleveland Clinic. health.clevelandclinic.org/acupuncture-for-fertility

Domar, D. Alice. et. al. (2009). The impact of acupuncture on in vitro fertilization outcome. Fertility and Sterility. 91(3), 723 – 726

Fertility Answers. Acupuncture for Fertility. Fertility Answers. fertilityanswers.com/fertility-treatments/acupuncture-for-fertility/ 

Xie, Zy., Peng, Zh., Yao, B. et al. (2019). The effects of acupuncture on pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complement Altern Med 19, 131. doi.org/10.1186/s12906-019-2523-7

Quan, K., Yu, C., Wen, X., Lin, Qiuping, W., Naiping, M., Hongxia. (2022). Acupuncture as Treatment for Female Infertility: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. doi.org/10.1155/2022/3595033 

Zhu, J., Arsovska, B., & Kozovska, K. (2018). Acupuncture Treatment for Fertility. Open access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, 6(9), 1685–1687. doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2018.379