How Acupuncture Can Support Fertility

Fertility is influenced by a complex interplay of hormones, metabolism, inflammation, and overall health. For many women navigating challenges such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS, thyroid issues, or recurrent miscarriage, finding a treatment approach that addresses the root cause, not just symptoms is essential. Acupuncture forms a key role in my clinical practice to support fertility, here is some research to show how this ancient medical treatment may assist your fertility journey.

Improving Blood Flow to the Reproductive Organs

Healthy blood flow to the uterus and ovaries is essential for:

• Endometrial lining development

• Follicle growth and egg maturation

• Successful implantation

Research using Doppler ultrasound has shown that acupuncture may increase uterine blood flow and reduce vascular resistance, creating a more receptive uterine environment (Stener-Victorin et al., 1996; 2003).

This is particularly important in conditions like adenomyosis and endometriosis, where inflammation and impaired circulation can affect implantation.

Supporting Hormonal Balance and Ovulation

Acupuncture has been shown to influence the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian (HPO) axis, which regulates ovulation and menstrual cycles.

Clinical studies suggest acupuncture may:

• Regulate irregular cycles in PCOS

• Improve ovulation rates

• Support progesterone production in the luteal phase

A 2017 systematic review (Johansson et al.) found that acupuncture may improve menstrual regularity and ovulation frequency in women with PCOS, particularly when combined with lifestyle and nutritional support.

For women with thyroid issues, acupuncture may also support nervous system regulation and stress reduction, which indirectly influences thyroid function and reproductive hormones.

Reducing Stress and Nervous System Dysregulation

Fertility challenges particularly during IVF support or recurrent miscarriage, can place significant strain on the nervous system.

Acupuncture helps shift the body from a sympathetic (fight-or-flight) state into a parasympathetic (rest-and-repair)state, which is essential for:

• Hormonal signalling

• Implantation

• Early pregnancy support

Studies show acupuncture may reduce cortisol levels and improve emotional wellbeing, both of which are critical for reproductive health (Eshkevari et al., 2013).

Reducing Inflammation and Supporting Immune Balance

Chronic inflammation plays a key role in conditions such as:

• Endometriosis

• Adenomyosis

• Recurrent miscarriage

Acupuncture has been shown to modulate inflammatory pathways and cytokines, helping to create a more balanced immune environment for implantation and pregnancy.

Optimising Egg Quality

Egg quality is influenced by mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and nutrient status.

While acupuncture does not directly “change” egg genetics, it can support:

• Blood flow to developing follicles

• Reduced oxidative stress

• Improved metabolic and hormonal environment

When combined with targeted nutrition and supplementation, this approach may help optimise egg quality over the 90-day follicular development window.

Acupuncture for IVF Support

Acupuncture is commonly used alongside IVF to support outcomes.

A landmark study by Paulus et al. (2002) found that acupuncture performed before and after embryo transfer was associated with higher pregnancy rates compared to IVF alone.

In clinical practice, acupuncture is often timed strategically throughout the IVF cycle, including:

• Ovarian stimulation phase

• Pre- and post-embryo transfer

• Early pregnancy support

Research suggests that fertility acupuncture may be better approached as a course of treatment rather than as a single session on the day of, or immediately after embryo transfer. Many earlier IVF trials assessed only one to three treatments around embryo transfer, a very low-dose protocol that does not reflect how fertility acupuncture is typically practised. More recent reviews suggest that both timing and treatment dose may be important. Acupuncture delivered during ovarian stimulation or before a frozen embryo transfer has been associated with improved pregnancy outcomes, with stronger results observed in higher dose treatment courses involving approximately 20 or more sessions over three months or longer (Wang et al., 2024; Yang et al., 2025).

For this reason, I recommend a comprehensive fertility treatment plan with a clear focus on preconception care for both partners, rather than relying solely on treatment around embryo transfer.

Acupuncture is part of a broader, integrative fertility strategy designed to address root causes and optimise outcomes.

If you’re navigating PCOS, endometriosis, adenomyosis, thyroid issues, recurrent miscarriage, or seeking IVF support, a personalised treatment plan can make a meaningful difference in both your experience and outcomes. Dr Frances Tobeck is a practitioner of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, offering integrative fertility support for women across Melbourne as well as Ballarat. Melbourne consultations are available from her Windsor clinic.