Acupuncture for Infertility & IVF: FAQ

Acupuncture is an important piece to the infertility puzzle whether you are trying to conceive naturally or starting an IVF cycle. For over twenty five years, research has shown the benefits of acupuncture for infertility, IVF cycles, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and premature ovarian failure. I hope to answer some of the most frequently asked questions in my practice about acupuncture and infertility with this post:

What does the research say about acupuncture for fertility?

In 2003, one of the first research studies examined the effects of acupuncture on IVF. Clinical pregnancy rates increased from 26.3% to 42.5% for participants receiving acupuncture sessions before and after embryo transfer. Many studies followed from all over the world showing similar data for both pregnancy and live birth outcomes.

However, acupuncture is never practiced as a singular, standardized treatment. Traditionally, acupuncture treatments are customized according to each patient’s health history. Additionally, acupuncture is combined with other integrative therapies including Chinese herbal medicine, nutritional counseling, supplement support, and lifestyle modifications.

Therefore, a standardized acupuncture protocol repeated for every patient in a research study would be considered a poor treatment design by most acupuncturists. Regardless, many studies show the benefits of acupuncture for improving ovulatory function, sperm count, as well as live birth rates following singular acupuncture treatments.

What does the research say about acupuncture when combined with other integrative medicine modalities?

Lee Hullender Rubin, an American researcher and acupuncturist, designed a study to examine the benefits of acupuncture for fertility when combined with other modalities. Her research suggests that twelve acupuncture treatments in addition to integrative therapies further improved live birth outcomes of patients trying to conceive. In other words, single acupuncture treatments are beneficial but multiple acupuncture treatments plus lifestyle modifications lead to better outcomes.

When should I begin acupuncture treatment for fertility?

As soon as possible! Remember, the research shows that up to three months of preparation can be beneficial. I often hear patients say: "I wish I knew about this earlier." Acupuncture, nutritional counseling, supplement support, and many other lifestyle modifications have a profound impact on fertility.

Additionally, women with underlying conditions such as endometriosis, PCOS, inflammatory bowel conditions, or autoimmune conditions may want to seek treatment prior to three months if their goal is natural conception after experiencing infertility. These conditions respond very well to acupuncture and integrative medicine but may take time to treat.

We also know that women experiencing infertility are experiencing extremely high levels of stress equal to women with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Regardless of your ideal conception time, don't wait to reach out for support whether that may be with an acupuncturist or another care provider.

How often should I come for acupuncture sessions?

In general, patients receive acupuncture sessions once a week. I coordinate the timing of additional sessions before and after ovulation, egg retrieval, and embryo transfers. Patients can also schedule single acupuncture sessions before and after embryo transfers if they are traveling long distances and unable to come for weekly sessions.

If patients have been diagnosed with PCOS, endometriosis, or another condition that may be related to their infertility, I recommend coming in as soon as possible or more frequently depending on the severity of the condition.

How long do acupuncture sessions typically last?

Each acupuncture or telehealth session typically lasts about an hour. In my office, I spend almost two hours with new patients reviewing their health history during an initial session.

What if I can’t find an acupuncturist near me?

If you are unable to see an acupuncturist in your area, telehealth sessions are a great option in Massachusetts. An acupuncturist can help you develop a treatment plan incorporating all of the important lifestyle modifications that improve fertility. If patients can’t visit my office, I will advise them on the best time to prioritize in-person acupuncture visits or help them find a fertility acupuncturist near their fertility clinic.

Can I schedule a fertility telehealth consultation even if an acupuncturist is located near me?

Yes! In Massachusetts, new patients have the option of scheduling initial fertility consultations as a telehealth appointment or an in-person acupuncture session. You do not have to be an established patient in order to choose telehealth as your preferred type of office visit.

In my office, I use an online, HIPAA-compliant booking system for patients choosing telehealth. Patients receive a link for a secure session. Following this initial session, I review their health history and design a customized treatment plan. If patients prefer not to travel to the office, we continue working together on all of the recommendations during follow-up telehealth sessions.

Should acupuncture be coordinated with other fertility treatments?

The first research studies on infertility and IVF show that a single acupuncture session immediately after embryo transfer improved pregnancy and live birth outcomes. This requires some coordination between the patient and providers so that acupuncture can be scheduled around the time of ovulation, egg retrieval, or embryo transfer.

I also believe that a team approach benefits patients especially when seeking care for complex medical issues. I typically work closely with my patient's primary care physician, OBGYN, or reproductive endocrinologist so that we may communicate about care when possible. It's also important that your providers are aware of any form of integrative care that you are receiving.

Can I have acupuncture for fertility and address other health issues?

Yes! Traditional Chinese Medicine views the body as a whole. For example, your digestive system and immune system are considered to play an important role in fertility. When designing a treatment plan, an acupuncturist should incorporate every part of your health history to benefit fertility, pregnancy, and beyond. Patients often notice subtle changes in their body as treatment progresses, including changes in their natural cycle or improved IVF cycle outcomes.

Will an acupuncturist need to see fertility lab results or medical records?

Yes, an acupuncturist should review your entire medical health history in detail during the initial fertility consultation. This includes any past hormonal tests that you may have done with your OB/GYN or an endocrinologist at a fertility clinic.

In my office, patients complete a HIPAA-compliant health history electronically so that I can review medical records in advance and prepare for the initial acupuncture session together. This electronic form allows patients to upload copies of various test results. You can also bring a paper copy of any relevant lab tests with you to an initial acupuncture appointment.

In addition to analyzing a patient’s health history from an Eastern perspective, I also want to ensure that nothing has been overlooked from a Western perspective. For example, I may review completed lab tests and recommend that a patient has their Vitamin D levels checked as we know these play a role in fertility and implantation.

I've read that certain chemicals can affect fertility. Can acupuncture help with detox?

More research studies are revealing the impact of environmental toxins on our reproductive systems and fertility. Reducing chemical exposure is an important topic that should be part of any fertility treatment plan. If you are interested in learning more about this topic, read our Chemical Exposure & Endometriosis article.

I typically cover this topic along with a dozen other reproductive-related issues during the first few weeks of working with a new patient. This is an important part of fertility counseling as we know through research that a comprehensive approach improve fertilitys and reduces time to conception. I want patients to reduce their chemical exposure and use acupuncture to optimize elimination and detox pathways.

What about acupuncture and stress levels related to fertility?

We understand through various research studies that women experiencing infertility have extremely high levels of stress. These levels are equivalent to people experiencing PTSD. Additionally, you and your partner may be experiencing a wide range of emotions as you go through the ups and downs of each cycle. Trying to conceive for many can be physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially draining.

Acupuncture has a profound affect on stress and anxiety levels due to its ability to modulate the stress response. Treatment for fertility can help you optimize pregnancy success and improve your mental health and well-being as your family expands.

Can acupuncture benefit sperm count or fertility for men?

Yes! Research studies show that acupuncture can improve sperm concentration and motility. In general, 40% of infertility can be contributed to factors affecting men. Additionally, an acupuncturist should address the many lifestyle factors impacting sperm count, morphology, and motility. When working with fertility clients, I find it helpful to work with partners so that I can make diet or lifestyle recommendations that will work for the entire family

If you found this article to be helpful, you may be interested in our Diet & Fertility or the Vitamin K2 & Fertility Benefits post.

More About OMBE

OMBE is celebrating 15 years of service in Massachusetts! Additionally, we are now scheduling in-person acupuncture sessions for our South Shore and Cape Cod clients. Telehealth consultations are available for all of our Massachusetts clients living in the Boston area, North Shore, and Western Massachusetts.

Learn more about us, read our organic health philosophy, or schedule an appointment. Contact us for any questions about appointment scheduling, acupuncture services, or integrative medicine. We look forward to hearing from you!