If you’re trying to conceive naturally or with support from IUI or IVF, acupuncture can offer powerful, research-backed support for your fertility journey. Here are five ways acupuncture enhances fertility outcomes, backed by science and supported by thousands of years of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
1. Acupuncture Encourages Regular Ovulation
Ovulation is one of the most critical steps to conception. But conditions like PCOS, stress, or hormone imbalances can throw off your cycle. Acupuncture helps restore communication between the brain and ovaries by supporting the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis.
Study Highlight: A non-randomized trial by Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2000 Mar;79(3):180-188 showed that women with PCOS who received acupuncture had more regular ovulation and improved menstrual cycles compared to women who received no treatment.
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2. Acupuncture Balances Hormones Naturally
Even subtle hormonal imbalances can interfere with ovulation, egg quality, and implantation. Estrogen, progesterone, FSH, LH, thyroid hormones, and cortisol all need to be in balance for healthy fertility. Using acupuncture alongside hormone testing, Chinese herbs, functional supplements, and nutrition strategies can support your endocrine system, and increase the hormones needed for fertility.
Study Highlight: Ko, J. H., & Kim, S.-N. (2018) found that those who received acupuncture showed that acupuncture increases estrogen, especially estradiol, progesterone, prolactin, and other hormones.
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3. Acupuncture Improves Uterine Blood Flow & Implantation
A fertilized egg needs a healthy environment to implant and grow. Acupuncture increases blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, enhances cervical mucus, and supports the development of a thick, receptive uterine lining—especially critical during IVF.
Study Highlight: In a landmark study, Paulus et al. (2002) found that IVF patients who received acupuncture on embryo transfer day had a 42.5% pregnancy rate, compared to 26.3% in those who did not.
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4. Acupuncture Supports Egg & Sperm Quality
Egg and sperm health is foundational to a healthy pregnancy. Acupuncture supports mitochondrial function and improves blood flow to the reproductive organs. Multiple studies have shown acupuncture to be beneficial for both male and female reproductive health.
Study Highlight: Study showed a significant increase in sperm count and motility, as well as a significant increase in the fertilization rate from 40.2% to 66.2% (P < 0.01), underscoring its potential as an adjunctive therapy.
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5. Acupuncture Reduces Stress and Cortisol Levels
Trying to conceive can be incredibly stressful, and high stress levels can disrupt ovulation and hormone production. Acupuncture calms the nervous system, lowers cortisol, and supports emotional resilience. Many patients report that acupuncture sessions are the only time they feel deeply relaxed and grounded during the process.
Sandra McKay-Billion, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. is a Board-Certified Acupuncturist who specializes in treating women’s health and infertility in San Diego, California.
References
Ko, Jade Heejae, and Seung-Nam Kim. “A Literature Review of Women’s Sex Hormone Changes by Acupuncture Treatment: Analysis of Human and Animal Studies.” Integrative Medicine Research, vol. 7, no. 4, 2018, pp. 341–349. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6276442/.
Stener-Victorin, E., Waldenström, U., Tägnfors, U., Lundeberg, T., Lindstedt, G., & Janson, P. O. (2000). Effects of electro-acupuncture on anovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 79(3), 180–188. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10716298/.
Paulus, W. E., Zhang, M., Strehler, E., El-Danasouri, I., & Sterzik, K. (2002). Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy. Fertility and Sterility, 77(4), 721–724. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11937123/.
Zhang, L., Bao, B., Wang, X., Tong, S., Wen, H., & Liu, B. (2024). Acupuncture in the treatment of male infertility: A review. Integrative Medicine in Nephrology and Andrology, 11(4), e23-00028. https://journals.lww.com/imna/fulltext/2024/12000/acupuncture_in_the_treatment_of_male_infertility_.4.aspx.
