09/29/2025
Acupuncture is often used as a complementary therapy for fertility support, both for people trying to conceive naturally and those going through assisted reproductive treatments (like IVF or IUI). While research is still evolving, here’s how acupuncture is thought to help with fertility:
1. Improves Blood Flow
• Acupuncture may increase blood circulation to the ovaries and uterus.
• Better blood flow helps nourish the uterine lining, making it more receptive for embryo implantation.
2. Regulates Hormones
• Acupuncture can influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which plays a key role in regulating reproductive hormones.
• This may help with more regular ovulation and menstrual cycles.
3. Reduces Stress & Cortisol Levels
• Fertility challenges often come with high stress, which can negatively affect ovulation and s***m production.
• Acupuncture promotes relaxation and lowers stress hormones, creating a more favorable environment for conception.
4. Supports Ovarian Function
• By improving circulation and balancing hormones, acupuncture may help improve egg quality over time.
5. Enhances IVF & IUI Success Rates
• Some studies suggest that acupuncture done before and after embryo transfer may increase implantation and pregnancy rates.
• It can also reduce side effects from fertility medications.
6. Addresses Underlying Conditions
• Acupuncture may help regulate cycles in women with PCOS, reduce inflammation in endometriosis, and support men with low s***m count or motility.
7. Balances the Whole Body
• In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), fertility depends on overall balance—restoring the body’s energy (Qi) and addressing imbalances in the kidneys, liver, or spleen channels can support reproductive health.
👉 While acupuncture isn’t a guaranteed fertility treatment, many people use it alongside conventional medicine to improve their chances of conceiving and to feel more balanced during the process.