Fertility acupuncture: Frequently asked questions

Honest answers to the questions we hear most often.

Getting started

Who is fertility acupuncture suitable for?

Acupuncture can be supportive for a wide range of people and situations, including:

• Anyone trying to conceive naturally and having difficulty
• People preparing for or during an IVF or IUI cycle
• Women with PCOS, endometriosis or adenomyosis
• Those with unexplained infertility
• People who have experienced miscarriage
• Those with poor or borderline semen analysis

What to expect from treatment

What happens at the first appointment?

We take a detailed case history covering your menstrual cycle, health history, any diagnoses or medications, and your fertility goals. We also carry out a Chinese medicine assessment, which includes checking your pulse and looking at your tongue. Treatment with needles follows. It is a thorough appointment, and one where you can ask as many questions as you like.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Most people find acupuncture comfortable and even deeply relaxing. The needles used are extremely fine – much thinner than a hypodermic needle – and most people feel little to no discomfort during insertion. You may notice a mild dull ache, warmth, or tingling sensation at certain points, which is normal and indicates the needle is working. Bruising occasionally occurs but is uncommon. Many patients fall asleep during treatment.

How long does a session last?

After your initial consultation, follow-up sessions typically last around 45 minutes – including a check-in discussion followed by a relaxed acupuncture treatment. 

Where are the needles placed?

For fertility, needles are commonly placed on the lower abdomen, lower back, legs, feet, hands, and sometimes the ears. The specific points used will depend on your individual assessment and where you are in your cycle or treatment.

Treatment & timing

How many sessions will I need?

This depends on your individual situation, but as a general guide we recommend starting with weekly sessions for at least two to three months. This is because eggs take around three months to mature, so sustained treatment during this window can have the most impact. The research supports this: studies show that longer courses of treatment (three months or more, with 20 or more sessions) produce significantly better outcomes than just a handful of sessions around a transfer date. (Yang et al., 2025)

We review progress regularly and adjust your treatment plan as things develop.

When should I start acupuncture if I’m doing IVF?

Ideally, two to three months before your cycle begins. This allows time to work on your baseline health, hormone balance, and stress levels before the demands of stimulation and transfer. We also provide specific support during each phase of your IVF cycle, including pre- and post-embryo transfer sessions.

That said, it is never too late to start. Even beginning during a cycle can provide meaningful support, particularly around stress reduction.

How often should I come?

We typically recommend weekly sessions at the start of treatment. Depending on your situation and how you respond, we may suggest fortnightly sessions as things progress. During an active IVF cycle, timing is more specific and we will work around your clinic’s protocol.

Can I have acupuncture during the two-week wait?

Yes. Gentle acupuncture during the two-week wait can help reduce anxiety and support your sense of wellbeing at what can be a very stressful time. We take particular care with point selection during this phase.

Safety & practicalities

Is acupuncture safe during IVF or pregnancy?

Yes. When carried out by a qualified practitioner, acupuncture is considered safe alongside IVF and during pregnancy. We use sterile, single-use disposable needles and are trained in point contraindications for pregnancy. We always ask about your current stage of treatment or cycle before each session. If you are pregnant, please let us know as soon as possible so we can adapt your treatment accordingly.

Are there any side effects?

Side effects are generally mild. The most common are slight tenderness or a small bruise at a needle site, and some people feel pleasantly drowsy after a session. Occasionally, people notice a temporary flare of symptoms before improvement – this is considered a normal response. Serious adverse events from qualified acupuncturists are very rare.

Can I have acupuncture if I’m taking fertility medication?

Yes. We are experienced in working alongside a full range of fertility medications, including stimulation drugs, progesterone support, and others. Please bring a list of your current medications to your first appointment so we can factor these into your treatment plan.

Do you work with my fertility clinic?

We are experienced at working alongside fertility clinics and understand the protocols used by UK fertility clinics. We time your acupuncture sessions to complement your treatment schedule.