Can Acupuncture Improve Fertility?

Acupuncture has been a staple of traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, and recently it has been gaining popularity in the Western world as well. Some studies suggest that it may even combat infertility and help couples who are trying to conceive. Some women decide to become an egg donor as they give hope to intended parents.

Acupuncture uses thin, sterile needles that are inserted just below the surface of the skin. Practitioners of acupuncture believe that energy, or chi, flows through the body, but can be disrupted by stress, injury, and other health issues. Acupuncture uses needles to stimulate specific channels of energy, called meridians, to keep the energy flowing evenly. The practice is commonly used in the West to reduce pain, but now some doctors and researchers are saying that it may help with conception. It may be used as a supplemental treatment by couples who are trying IVF, who are trying to overcome infertility issues, or who simply want to increase their chances of conception.

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The first way that acupuncture helps is by reducing stress. For women, high levels of stress can disrupt the body’s balance of hormones. In extreme cases, stress may even interfere with ovulation. For men, stress can lower sperm counts and sperm motility and cause problems with arousal. If you’ve been trying to conceive for a while, you likely know how stressful it can be. Acupuncture can help you to relax, which can help restore your body to balance and a reproductive-friendly state.

Acupuncture is also thought to help with some more serious infertility issues. Some women have found that it helps them to treat spasms in their fallopian tubes and uterus. Acupuncture can also help to balance hormones, which can help to treat a number of fertility problems including ovulation disorder and luteal phase defect. However, acupuncture will not be effective for all fertility problems, such as blocked tubes. For men, acupuncture may not only reduce stress, but result in healthier sperm with fewer defects. The treatment can also slightly increase the number of sperm.

A number of recent studies have suggested that acupuncture can help to increase the effectiveness of IVF treatments. For example, a 2005 study found that acupuncture increased the pregnancy rate of patients who received IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The patients who underwent acupuncture therapy had a pregnancy rate of 33.6%, while those who did not had a pregnancy rate of 15.6%. These improved results may be because acupuncture helps to improve blood flow to the uterus.

If you are thinking of trying acupuncture to improve your fertility, you should prepare to do it regularly. Acupuncture is typically most effective when performed regularly over a period of multiple months. If you are considering IVF, you will likely want to begin acupuncture treatment about 3 months prior. Most women also continue acupuncture through the first trimester of pregnancy to reduce the risk of miscarriage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can acupuncture help with fertility on the NHS?

Acupuncture is not typically offered as a fertility treatment on the NHS, as NICE guidelines do not currently recommend it as a standard fertility intervention. However, some NHS fertility clinics may mention it as a complementary therapy to help manage stress during treatment. If you're interested in trying acupuncture alongside NHS fertility treatment, you would usually need to arrange and fund this privately.

Is there any evidence that acupuncture improves IVF success rates?

Research on acupuncture and IVF success rates has produced mixed results, with some studies suggesting modest benefits whilst others show no significant improvement. The HFEA classifies acupuncture as having no proven effect on improving fertility treatment outcomes. That said, many couples find it helpful for reducing stress and anxiety during the emotionally demanding IVF process.

How much does fertility acupuncture cost in the UK?

Fertility acupuncture sessions in the UK typically cost between £50 and £90 per session, depending on your location and the practitioner's experience. Most acupuncturists recommend weekly sessions, which can add up over several months of trying to conceive. It's worth checking whether your practitioner is registered with the British Acupuncture Council for peace of mind.

When should I start acupuncture when trying to conceive?

Many acupuncturists recommend starting treatment at least three months before you begin actively trying to conceive, as this allows time for any potential benefits t

Is acupuncture safe to have during fertility treatment or pregnancy?

When performed by a qualified and registered practitioner, acupuncture is generally considered safe during fertility treatment and early pregnancy. It's essential to choose an acupuncturist who has specific training in fertility and pregnancy, as certain acupuncture points should be avoided. Always inform both your fertility clinic and acupuncturist about all treatments you're receiving.

Can acupuncture help with male fertility problems?

Some research suggests acupuncture may help improve sperm quality, motility, and count by reducing stress and improving blood flow. Whilst more robust studies are needed, some men find it a useful complementary approach alongside conventional fertility investigations. If you're concerned about male factor infertility, your GP can refer you for a semen analysis as a first step.

Should I try acupuncture before being referred to an NHS fertility clinic?

If you've been trying to conceive for over a year (or six months if you're over 36), it's advisable to see your GP for initial fertility investigations rather than delaying medical advice. Acupuncture can be used alongside conventional investigations and treatments, but shouldn't replace them. NHS waiting times for fertility referrals vary by area, so getting on the list whilst exploring complementary therapies can be a practical approach.