Acupuncture For Fertility: Can It Help Your Chances Of Conceiving?
15 April, 2026
Key Takeaways
- Acupuncture focuses on creating the right conditions for conception, supporting hormonal regulation, circulation, and nervous system balance.
- Timing plays a critical role. Starting treatment several months before natural conception or assisted fertility procedures allows physiological changes, such as egg and sperm development, to take effect.
- Acupuncture offers different forms of support during preconception, natural conception, IUI, IVF, and post-transfer phases.
- In men, acupuncture can address factors such as stress, circulation, and oxidative damage that affect sperm health and fertilisation outcomes.
- Results depend on personalised care and consistency, with treatment plans tailored to individual fertility profiles and adjusted throughout the reproductive journey.
Trying to conceive can be a complex and emotional experience, especially when facing fertility challenges. While modern medicine offers a range of treatments, some couples are exploring alternative therapies for fertility, like Acupuncture. Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles, acupuncture aims to restore balance and support overall reproductive health.
How Acupuncture Helps Female Fertility
As a fertility treatment, Acupuncture helps regulate the menstrual cycle and address underlying conditions to support a more balanced environment for natural conception.
Preconception
Acupuncture for fertility can be beneficial even before you begin trying to conceive, offering several potential advantages:
- Balancing hormone levels[1] to support regular ovulation and menstrual cycles
- Alleviating symptoms of endometriosis[2], which can lead to painful and often debilitating periods
- Addressing issues related to PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)[3], which may cause irregular or absent ovulation
- Helping to regulate irregular menstrual cycles[4], improving overall reproductive health
Acupuncture to support Natural Conception and IUI
For couples trying to conceive naturally or through Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), Acupuncture can support fertility. It can help:
- Improve ovulation and egg quality[5]
- Increase blood flow to the uterus and ovaries
- Promote overall health to prepare the body for conception
A licensed acupuncturist will adjust the frequency of sessions and align them with your fertility treatment plan, based on your specific needs.
Acupuncture for IVF Success
- Improve the quality of eggs retrieved during IVF[5]
- Enhance the receptivity of the uterine lining for implantation[6]
- Relax the uterine muscles to reduce the risk of early contractions or miscarriage[7]
- Lower the chance of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)[8], a common side effect of IVF medications
How Acupuncture Supports Male Fertility
Fertility challenges are not exclusive to women. In fact, approximately 40% of infertility cases[9] are linked to male factors, particularly sperm quality and quantity. Acupuncture is an alternative therapy for fertility that can support male reproductive health by:
- Enhancing Sperm Quality: Acupuncture helps regulate Qi and restore balance, with studies suggesting it may improve sperm concentration, motility, and testosterone levels[10].
- Improving Testicular Function: By increasing blood flow to the male reproductive organs, Acupuncture can support testicular function and improve erectile performance. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with erectile dysfunction[11].
- Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Chronic stress can disrupt hormonal balance[12] and impair fertility. Acupuncture calms the nervous system and helps lower cortisol levels, promoting a state of relaxation that supports hormonal balance, which is essential for reproductive health.
- Alleviates Oxidative Stress: Acupuncture, especially when combined with Cell Pro Therapy (CPT), can reduce oxidative stress[13], a condition where excess free radicals damage cells, including sperm. By minimising this damage, Acupuncture supports sperm vitality and helps improve male fertility[14].
For couples undergoing IVF, male fertility Acupuncture may help optimise sperm health before sperm retrieval, improving the chances of successful fertilisation.
When Should You Visit An Acupuncturist If You're Trying To Get Pregnant?
When considering this alternative therapy, the timing largely depends on your specific goals and the stage you’re at in your fertility journey.
NATURAL
Start At Least 3 Months Before Trying
- Acupuncture (1×/Week)
- Far-Infrared Therapy (FIR) (1×/Week)
- Daily Herbs
Improve Blood Flow
Regulate Cycle
Reduce Stress
Hormonal Balance
1st Month
- Acupuncture (1–2×/Week)
- FIR (1–2×/Week)
- Daily Herbs
Ease Stress & Anxiety
Support Luteal Phase
2–3rd Month
- Acupuncture (1×/Week)
- FIR (1×/Week)
- Daily Herbs
Support A Stable Pregnancy
Ease Nausea
Improve Uterine Blood Flow
IUI Support
Start At Least 3 Months Before Trying
- Acupuncture (1×/Week)
- Far-Infrared Therapy (FIR) (1×/Week)
- Herb (1×/Week)
Improve Blood Flow
Regulate Cycle
Reduce Stress
Hormonal Balance
1 Day Before Transfer
- Acupuncture
- FIR
Improve Uterine Blood Flow Support
Endometrial Receptivity
Reduce Uterine Contractions
Calm The Nervous System
24 Hours After Transfer:
- Acupuncture
- FIR
Support Uterine Relaxation Maintain Blood Flow
Support Implantation
Reduce Stress
Support Luteal Phase
1st Month
- Acupuncture (1–2×/Week)
- FIR (1–2×/Week)
- Daily Herbs
Ease Stress & Anxiety
Support Luteal Phase
2–3rd Month
- Acupuncture (1×/Week)
- FIR (1×/Week)
- Daily Herbs
Support A Stable Pregnancy
Ease Nausea
Improve Uterine Blood Flow
IVF
Start At Least 3 Months Before Trying
- Acupuncture (1×/Week)
- Far-Infrared Therapy (FIR) (1×/Week)
- Herb (1×/Week)
Improve Blood Flow
Regulate Cycle
Reduce Stress
Hormonal Balance
1 Day Before Egg Retrieval
- Acupuncture
- FIR
Ease Anxiety
Support Pelvic Circulation
1 Day Before Transfer
- Acupuncture
- FIR
Improve Uterine Blood Flow
Support Endometrial Receptivity
Reduce Uterine Contractions
Calm The Nervous System
24 Hours After Transfer
- Acupuncture
- FIR
Support Uterine Relaxation
Maintain Blood Flow
Support Implantation
Reduce Stress
Support Luteal Phase
1st Month
- Acupuncture (1–2×/Week)
- FIR (1–2×/Week)
- Daily Herbs
Ease Stress & Anxiety
Support Luteal Phase
2–3rd Month
- Acupuncture (1×/Week)
- FIR (1×/Week)
- Daily Herbs
Support A Stable Pregnancy
Ease Nausea
Improve Uterine Blood Flow
What to Expect During Your First Acupuncture Session
We start with a thorough understanding of you. Our registered TCM practitioner will review your medical history, lifestyle, and concerns. Using the insights from the inquiry and a tongue and pulse diagnosis—which reveals your body’s constitution and internal imbalances—we will then create a treatment plan fully personalised to guide and support your unique fertility journey.
During your Acupuncture session, our physician will insert fine needles into precise locations on the body that correspond to different Organs and systems. This is often combined with Far-Infrared (FIR) Therapy to boost the body’s circulation and stimulate the flow of Qi, helping to restore balance to the body. Each session lasts between 20 to 30 minutes, with the lights switched off to allow you to relax or take a restful nap.
Are There Any Side Effects of Acupuncture?
Generally, Acupuncture is a safe procedure when performed by a licensed practitioner. However, some individuals may experience mild, temporary side effects, such as:
- Minor bruising or bleeding at needle insertion sites
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Nausea
- Dizziness
If you experience discomfort, it’s important to communicate with your physician, as adjustments can be made to improve your comfort.
Conclusion
As couples explore alternative therapies for fertility, Acupuncture has gained attention as a complementary approach. From supporting male fertility to assisting with IVF treatments, Acupuncture aims to restore balance and promote overall reproductive health.
If you’re considering TCM as part of your fertility journey, let Oriental Remedies Clinic support you. Our team of physicians are mostly trained in both Biomedical Science and TCM to provide a holistic and personalised approach to your fertility needs. Book a consultation with us today.
This article is written by Physician Wong Pei Wen (Kelly), registered TCM physicians certified by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board (TCMPB).
Wong Pei Wen (Kelly)
Physician
During her internship at Dongfang Hospital, Physician Wong honed her expertise in Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments, including acupuncture, moxibustion, and ear acupressure, under the mentorship of Professor Liu Yan Xia, Chief Physician of the Gynecological Endocrinology (Fertility) Department.
Note: all words in Italics mentioned henceforth refer to the TCM organ system and not the anatomical organs/terms referenced in Western medicine.
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References:
[1] Cochrane, S., Smith, C. A., Possamai-Inesedy, A., & Bensoussan, A. (2014). Acupuncture and women’s health: an overview of the role of acupuncture and its clinical management in women’s reproductive health. International journal of women’s health, 6, 313–325. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJWH.S38969
[2] Chen, C., Li, X., Lu, S., Yang, J., & Liu, Y. (2024). Acupuncture for clinical improvement of endometriosis-related pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of gynecology and obstetrics, 310(4), 2101–2114. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-024-07675-z
[3] Ye, Y., Zhou, C. C., Hu, H. Q., Fukuzawa, I., & Zhang, H. L. (2022). Underlying mechanisms of acupuncture therapy on polycystic ovary syndrome: Evidences from animal and clinical studies. Frontiers in endocrinology, 13, 1035929. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2022.1035929
[4] Zhou, J., Yang, L., Yu, J., Wang, Y., & Liu, Z. (2017). Efficacy of acupuncture on menstrual frequency in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: Protocol for a randomized, controlled trial. Medicine, 96(47), e8828. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000008828
[5] Kim, J., Lee, H., Choi, T. Y., Kim, J. I., Kang, B. K., Lee, M. S., Joo, J. K., Lee, K. S., & You, S. (2021). Acupuncture for Poor Ovarian Response: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of clinical medicine, 10(10), 2182. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10102182
[6] Yang, Y., Chen, H., Tang, H., Kuang, H., Gou, Y., & Zhao, H. (2025). Different effectiveness of acupuncture treatment schedule on ART pregnancy outcomes: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Frontiers in endocrinology, 16, 1602710. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2025.1602710
[7] Betts, D., Smith, C. A., & Hannah, D. G. (2012). Acupuncture as a therapeutic treatment option for threatened miscarriage. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 12, 20. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-12-20
[8] Wen, K., Sun, D., Wang, D., Li, Y., Wang, J., Wang, B., Zhan, M., Tan, H., Su, T., Lu, L., Liang, X., Lin, J., Tang, C., & Lai, X. (2024). Efficacy of acupuncture for pregnancy with early-onset ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: study protocol for a randomised controlled clinical trial. BMJ open, 14(11), e090784. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2024-090784
[9] https://nuhsplus.edu.sg/article/what-you-need-to-know-about-male-infertility
[10]
Ho, L. M., Chui, S. L., Hum, S. C., Foo, J. Q. M., Fook-Chong, S. M. C., Chong, S. F., Geng, M., Loh, K. G., Loh, K. Y., Lee, S. N., Yu, S. L., & Yong, T. T. (2015). A single-arm pilot study on effects of acupuncture treatment on semen parameters of subfertile Singaporean men. Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction, 4(4), 266–271. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apjr.2015.07.004
[11] Hao, J., Xu, H., Chang, B., Ren, J., Wang, H., & Ji, L. (2025). Acupuncture mediates the “gut-testis axis” to improve asthenozoospermia. Frontiers in endocrinology, 16, 1514010. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2025.1514010
[12] https://www.healthline.com/health-news/hormone-imbalances-and-how-to-treat-them
[13] Zhao, Y., Zhou, B., Zhang, G., Xu, S., Yang, J., Deng, S., Yao, Z., Geng, Q., Ouyang, B., & Xia, T. (2022). The effect of acupuncture on oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of animal models. PloS one, 17(9), e0271098. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0271098
[14] Feng, J., He, H., Wang, Y., Zhang, X., Zhang, X., Zhang, T., Zhu, M., Wu, X., & Zhang, Y. (2022). The efficacy and mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of male infertility: A literature review. Frontiers in endocrinology, 13, 1009537. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2022.1009537
