Fertility acupuncture: Frequently asked questions
Honest answers to the questions we hear most often.
What is fertility acupuncture and how does it work?
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body. From a Chinese medicine perspective, this supports the flow of Qi and blood to the reproductive organs.
From a western science perspective, research suggests acupuncture influences hormone regulation, blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, stress hormone levels, and the nervous system. It is typically used alongside – not instead of – conventional fertility treatment.
Who is fertility acupuncture suitable for?
Acupuncture can be supportive for a wide range of people and situations, including:
- Those trying to conceive naturally, including in later life
- People preparing for or going through IVF or IUI
- Women with PCOS, endometriosis or adenomyosis
- Those with unexplained infertility
- People who have experienced miscarriage
- Those with poor or borderline semen analysis
We work with both individuals and couples, and tailor treatment to your specific circumstances.
Do I need a referral from my GP or fertility clinic?
No. You can book directly with us. We welcome people at any stage of their fertility journey, whether they have a diagnosis or are simply looking for additional support. We work collaboratively with your medical team and are happy to liaise with your clinic if helpful.
What happens at the first appointment?
We will 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.
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: studiesshow 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.
Is there evidence that acupuncture helps with fertility?
Acupuncture for fertility is one of the more studied areas of complementary medicine. Systematic reviews consistently report improved clinical pregnancy rates when acupuncture is used alongside IVF (Xu, Zhu and Zheng, 2024; Wang et al., 2021; Yang et al., 2025), and a 2025 network meta-analysis also found associated improvements in fertilisation and embryo-quality rates. Evidence for live birth rate is less consistent, however, and study quality across this literature varies considerably. Acupuncture is best understood as a supportive, adjuvant therapy rather than a treatment that independently improves IVF success.
Evidence also supports acupuncture’s role in improving endometrial thickness(Stener-Victorin et al., 1996), regulating stress hormones such as cortisol and reducing anxiety during treatment — all of which matter for fertility outcomes (Magarelli et al., 2009)
The evidence for natural conception and conditions such as PCOS is promising but still developing. We will always give you an honest picture of what the research says for your specific situation.
Does acupuncture work on its own, or does it need to be combined with other treatments?
Acupuncture works best as part of a holistic plan rather than in isolation. We see it as a complement to your medical care, not a replacement. For some people – particularly those trying to conceive naturally with no underlying diagnosis – acupuncture alongside good nutrition and lifestyle support may be all that’s needed. For others going through IVF or dealing with complex diagnoses, it works most effectively as an adjunct to medical treatment.
What about acupuncture for male fertility?
We work with both partners wherever possible. The evidence for acupuncture as a standalone treatment for male fertility is more limited, but research suggests it may enhance the effect of conventional medication for men with poor sperm parameters. (Feng et al., 2022)
Stress, sleep, and lifestyle all significantly affect sperm quality, and acupuncture can support all of these. We can assess both partners and provide appropriate recommendations.
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.
Still have questions?
We’re happy to talk things through before you book. Get in touch and one of our practitioners will be glad to help.
The research evidence
Stener-Victorin et al. (2008), published in Fertility and Sterility, used Doppler ultrasound to show that acupuncture increased blood flow in the ovarian and uterine arteries.
Jedel et al. (2011), published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, found acupuncture improved ovarian circulation in women with PCOS, alongside effects on hormones and stress.
A Cochrane review by Lim et al., covering eight trials and 1,546 women with PCOS, examined acupuncture for ovulation induction, and found the evidence inconclusive on whether it improves ovulation rates — a good reminder that not all fertility-related claims for acupuncture are equally well supported.
Cheong et al. (2013), a systematic review in Human Reproduction Update, found acupuncture was associated with improved IVF outcomes in some trials, potentially linked to improved blood flow and reduced stress, though study quality varied.