Acupuncture is becoming an increasingly popular integrative therapy for fertility—both for those trying to conceive naturally and for those undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as IUI and IVF. Alongside nutrition and targeted nutrient support, acupuncture can be an important part of creating the healthiest foundation for conception. While research continues to grow, there are still many misconceptions about how acupuncture works and its role in reproductive health.
To help bring clarity, we sat down with Dr. Andrea, a fertility-focused acupuncturist, to answer some of the most common questions patients ask in practice.
What’s the biggest misconception about acupuncture and fertility?
Dr. Andrea shares:
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Results are quick and straightforward.
Every body is different, and responses to acupuncture vary. In practice, I remind patients that results take time and consistency, much like nutrition and exercise. Progress is rarely linear, and small dips or setbacks are normal as long as the overall trend is improving. -
Acupuncture alone is enough.
It’s extremely rare that acupuncture is the only therapy needed. Most patients benefit from a multidisciplinary plan that includes nutrition, lifestyle support, and sometimes conventional fertility treatment. -
It’s just for stress.
While acupuncture is excellent for regulating the nervous system and lowering stress—a key factor in fertility—it also directly influences hormonal balance, menstrual cycles, and blood flow to the reproductive organs. -
It’s not needed during IVF.
Evidence shows acupuncture can improve outcomes throughout ART cycles, not only at certain times. Meta-analyses suggest improved implantation and pregnancy rates when acupuncture is consistently integrated into IVF protocols.
RELATED: How to prepare for IVF & egg freezing: 5 clinically backed strategies to improve egg quality
How can acupuncture help someone get pregnant naturally or during IVF?
Acupuncture supports fertility in several ways:
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Hormone and cycle regulation. By influencing the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, acupuncture helps optimize reproductive hormone signaling.
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Improved blood flow. Acupuncture enhances circulation to the ovaries and uterus, which can improve egg quality, embryo development, and uterine lining receptivity.
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Stress reduction. Lower cortisol and improved autonomic balance create a more favorable environment for conception.
During IVF, acupuncture can:
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Support egg and embryo quality
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Improve uterine lining thickness
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Reduce medication side effects
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Support implantation and early pregnancy
In my experience, patients who start acupuncture at least three months prior to IVF see the best outcomes, though it’s never too late to begin.
How does acupuncture support hormonal balance and blood flow?
Acupuncture works by:
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Modulating the HPO axis. This influences FSH, LH, estrogen, and progesterone production.
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Engaging the parasympathetic system. Many patients live in “fight-or-flight” mode. Acupuncture activates “rest-and-digest,” lowering stress hormones and stabilizing cycles.
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Enhancing circulation. Acupuncture dilates blood vessels, improving oxygen and nutrient delivery to the ovaries and uterine lining—supporting follicle health and implantation.
When should someone start acupuncture before IVF?
Ideally, begin at least three months before treatment to optimize egg and sperm quality during the full maturation cycle. But even starting closer to retrieval or transfer can still provide benefits.
What should patients expect during a fertility-focused session?
Sessions include:
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Reviewing cycle phase and any updates since the last visit
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Adjusting treatment to align with natural or medicated cycles
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Using consistent core acupuncture points, with additional points modified depending on cycle stage
How frequently should acupuncture be done while trying to conceive or during IVF?
This is highly individualized.
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Many patients benefit from twice-weekly sessions.
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Complex cases may require more frequent visits.
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For those with demanding schedules, we adapt plans to avoid adding stress—balance is essential.
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Which fertility challenges benefit most from acupuncture?
Research and clinical practice suggest acupuncture is particularly supportive for:
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PCOS (improving ovulation and cycle regularity)
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Endometriosis (reducing pain and supporting uterine blood flow)
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Unexplained infertility (balancing stress, hormones, and circulation)
In practice, we collaborate with patients’ medical teams to ensure all necessary testing is completed, then design a treatment plan to address root causes.
How does acupuncture fit into the medical model for IVF?
Studies suggest consistent acupuncture prior to frozen embryo transfer (FET) and other ART procedures can increase positive pregnancy test rates by up to 60% compared to control groups.
Should acupuncture be combined with nutrition and supplements?
Absolutely. Acupuncture is one piece of the fertility puzzle. Nutrition and supplementation play vital roles in reproductive health.
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Nutrition: A whole-foods approach with high-quality proteins, fiber, and healthy carbohydrates supports hormone production and blood sugar balance.
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Supplements: Commonly used options include prenatal vitamins, CoQ10, NAC, Vitamin D, magnesium, omega-3, and inositol (especially for PCOS).
Is acupuncture safe once a patient becomes pregnant?
Yes, when performed by a licensed, experienced acupuncturist. Evidence suggests it can help lower miscarriage risk (when no chromosomal abnormalities are present) and relieve common pregnancy symptoms.
What lifestyle changes can enhance acupuncture’s effectiveness?
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Consistent, high-quality sleep
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Regular movement and exercise
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A nutrient-dense, whole food diet
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Stress management practices
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Reducing environmental toxins
What advice do you give to someone feeling discouraged on their fertility journey?
There is hope. Your time is coming. Surround yourself with a supportive team who listens and advocates for you. If something feels off, trust your instincts and seek answers.
A note from WeNatal complementary approaches to boosting fertility
We’ve seen time and again that fertility care works best when it’s rooted in both science and compassion. The journey to parenthood can feel overwhelming at times, which is why we believe in supporting the whole person, not just one part of the process. Acupuncture, nutrition, lifestyle, and nutrient support each play an important role in creating the healthiest possible foundation for conception and pregnancy.
That’s why we created WeNatal for Her and WeNatal for Him. For women, key nutrients like methylated folate, Vitamin D, and choline are essential for hormone balance, egg quality, and a healthy pregnancy. For men, targeted antioxidants and micronutrients can help improve sperm quality and overall reproductive health.
When couples combine integrative therapies like acupuncture with high-quality nutrition and intentional supplementation, they’re not just improving numbers on a lab test, they’re giving themselves the best chance at a healthy conception and a thriving pregnancy. And to us, that’s what this journey is all about: supporting both partners, body and mind, every step of the way.
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Dr. Andrea is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and the founder of SoFla Acupuncture & Wellness in Hallandale Beach, Florida. She holds a fellowship with the Acupuncture Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine (ABORM), specializing in integrative fertility care, and has advanced certification in pelvic floor therapy. Her clinical focus includes fertility, women’s health, pelvic floor dysfunction, as well as acute and chronic pain and other complex conditions. Blending the wisdom of Eastern medicine with evidence-based approaches, Dr. Andrea is known for her compassionate care and deep clinical insight. She creates personalized treatment plans that support healing on every level.
