Acupuncture for Fertility: Does It Work and How Can It Help?

For many of us, one of our adulting goals involves having kids one day. In a previous post, I talked about fertility in our 30s and 40s, and how we can boost our chances of conception. However, I didn’t mention one practice that has shown some promise: acupuncture for fertility. 

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that originated roughly 3,000 years ago, where it became a mainstay for health and wellness. Despite its popularity in China, acupuncture only became globally popular over the past 40 years. It is now one of the most popular complimentary medicine practices, with 10 million acupuncture treatments administered in the U.S. annually.

Since that time, research has shown the benefits of acupuncture treatment for a wide range of medical conditions. For example, a meta analysis (a study compiling the results of a bunch of different studies) found that people who used acupuncture to help with osteoarthritis, lower back pain, and headaches experienced beneficial effects from acupuncture a year later. Another study found that it was helpful for people with chronic pain. Scientific evidence also suggests that acupuncture can improve allergy symptoms, post-stroke aphasia, fibromyalgia pain, and even dementia. 

One area where acupuncture has shown some promise, is with fertility treatment and improving hormone levels. The research on this is in its relatively early stages and there is no conclusive evidence showing it affects fertility. However, many individuals swear by it. And there are a variety of studies suggesting that the use of acupuncture does have benefits for fertility patients. Additionally, unlike more experimental treatments, acupuncture isn’t associated with negative effective for individuals attempting to get pregnant and largely has only minor possible side effects. It can therefore be a potentially useful practice to investigate for those looking for alternative treatments for their fertility journey.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Traditionally, acupuncture is understood as a practice that channels the flow of energy, or Qi, from one body part to another. Traditional Chinese medicine posits that there are 12 meridians, or channels, along which Qi flows. These meridians connect different organs and body parts. Different points (known as pressure points) correspond with these different meridians and so shift the flow of energy from one body part to another.

You may not necessarily believe in Qi or meridians. However, research supports the idea that acupuncture corresponds to changes in the body. Specifically, recent research suggests that the use of particular acupuncture points may stimulate neurons in the central nervous system. The neurons then release chemicals that can help reduce inflammation. They may also stimulate hormones that are helpful for fertility and other bodily processes. More on that later.

Moreover, acupuncture can facilitate healing in the tissues where needles are placed. This may happen as a result of increased blood flow and relaxed blood vessels.

Finally, there’s likely a placebo effect, as with almost any health treatment. Our brains are powerful. The placebo effect can cause our bodies to release chemicals that promote healing and feelings of wellbeing. So if we believe we’re receiving a health-promoting treatment, there’s a good chance we’ll feel better. As Dumbledore told Harry, “Of course it’s happening inside your head! Why should that mean it’s not real?”

The Research on Acupuncture and Female Infertility

So what does the research say on acupuncture and fertility? Encouragingly, some studies have found that acupuncture improves both pregnancy rates and live birth rates. In other words, acupuncture can improve couples’ chances of getting pregnant, as well as their chances of carrying that pregnancy to term and having live births.

How does that work? The biggest benefits seem to come from patients who regularly get acupuncture. There’s only so much a couple of sessions can do to transform your health. 

However, repeated sessions help thicken the endometrium, improve blood flow to reproductive organs and the body in general, and reduce stress. That’s all a pretty big deal for reproductive health. For one thing, endometrium thickness is crucial for a healthy pregnancy. Additionally, eggs develop by getting nutrients through blood flow. Without a healthy blood flow, women may have a reduction in egg quality. And emotional stress can have a cascading effect on inflammation in the body, leading to a decline in overall health.

There is very limited evidence that acupuncture can also help with polycystic ovarian syndrome, but again, the evidence is super limited and many scholars find it has no effect. Nevertheless, some patients with polycystic ovary syndrome have benefitted from acupuncture’s effects on mental health and stress.

Finally, acupuncture can have a positive effect on hormonal balance and IVF outcomes (described below).

The Research on Acupuncture and Male Infertility

There are fewer studies on the effects of acupuncture on male fertility. Nevertheless a systematic review found that the majority of those studies have shown positive associations with at least some male fertility outcomes. For example, some studies have found that acupuncture improves sperm quality, concentration, and motility. Another study found that by using acupuncture points that are associated with genital problems, testicular blood flow improved.

That being said, a couple of studies found that acupuncture was associated with no change or a reduction in sperm volume. However, overall, the relationships are encouraging.

Acupuncture for Hormonal Imbalances

Acupuncture may also improve fertility through its role in balancing hormones. The research on this is sups confusing, even for me and I used to read scientific studies as part of my job. However, the key points are that females have this thing called the HPO axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis) that regulates female reproductive hormones.

When things get out of balance with these hormones, fertility problems can ensue. Some people may also experience irregular menstrual cycles. A recent study found that acupuncture may help regulate this HPO axis and bring fertility hormones into better alignment.

Acupuncture may also promote hormones that are helpful for placenta growth and embryo implantation.

On top of that, acupuncture’s beneficial effects for blood flow and stress (which can disrupt hormones) can further help improve our bodies’ abilities to secrete hormones that are necessary for fertility and general health and wellbeing.

Acupuncture for Recurrent Miscarriage

It is far more common to experience miscarriage than we talk about. It’s estimated that 1 in 8 pregnancies will end in miscarriage. That doesn’t make it any less devastating, however.

It is important to seek advice from a fertility specialist if you are having difficulty conceiving. You may also ask them whether acupuncture is right for you. Indeed, there is some suggestive research that acupuncture may reduce rates of miscarriage by strengthening the reproductive system. Specifically, acupuncture’s beneficial effects on hormone and the endometrium lining have been shown in some studies to reduce miscarriage rates. Acupuncture may also be beneficial for the stress of miscarriage.

For those who seek additional help with fertility, many of the studies on acupuncture and fertility have focused on acupuncture’s effects on in vitro fertilization. A variety of studies have found that acupuncture may improve success rates for IVF treatments, depending on when in the IVF cycle acupuncture is used. For example, one study found that acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer improved the success rate of IVF by about 1/3. The success rate went from 26% to 39%. Another study found similar results for the day after embryo transfer. 

Finally, IVF is nothing if not stressful. And research has found that acupuncture modestly improves stress levels among women receiving IVF. It may therefore be a valuable self care practice to add to your routine.

Best Time of Cycle to Get Acupuncture for Fertility

Again, your best chances of success occur if you get regular acupuncture treatments. The general recommendation is to start receiving acupuncture 3 months or more prior to receiving IVF or ideally even attempting to get pregnant. It takes time to see improvements. Consequently, giving your body a few months to improve blood flow and hormone balance will yield a higher likelihood of a good outcome.

I couldn’t find any scientific studies on when to get acupuncture during your cycle. However, some fertility acupuncturists recommend getting acupuncture three times throughout your cycle, aiming to receive acupuncture on the 5th, 6th, 7th, or 8th day of your cycle (the first day is when your period starts). The second week session would occur the day before, on, or after ovulation (about a week later). And the third week session would happen about a week after that around the day of implantation. 

If you are already attempting to get pregnant or are in the midst of receiving IVF treatments, the research suggests you could benefit from receiving acupuncture before and after implantation. You may therefore consider talking with your doctor and scheduling an acupuncture appointment right before or after implantation depending on their recommendations.

Acupuncture Success Stories

These stories are drawn from news stories and case studies to ensure that I’m reporting on publicly-available and accurate information.

There are a number of anecdotal stories where acupuncture had positive results for couples with infertility cases. One young couple used acupuncture to treat ovarian cysts. After 7 sessions, the cysts went away and the couple became pregnant.

Another young woman received a polycystic ovary syndrome diagnosis. The diagnosis was, of course, stressful and devastating, but her doctors largely supplied her with generic advice. She found that acupuncture provided her with personalized treatment that improved her mental health and feelings of self-efficacy. Similarly, in interviews with women experiencing infertility and undergoing acupuncture treatment, many reported that acupuncture gave them hope, personalized care, and improved their feelings about their bodies.

One woman reported that after starting acupuncture, her short periods lengthened and became a normal length. She became pregnant shortly thereafter.

Of course, these are all anecdotal stories. People are far more likely to report success stories than ones that didn’t work out. And, we will never know if acupuncture truly made the key difference or if something else was at play. Nevertheless, they highlight that acupuncture can provide personalized, holistic treatment that can leave your whole person feeling supported.

What Are Acupuncture Sessions Like?

Even if you are afraid of needles, I recommend giving acupuncture a try. The acupuncture needles are so tiny that you barely feel them. There are even needle-free versions of acupuncture that some practitioners offer. Plus, the sessions are designed around you and your preferences.

At your first visit, your acupuncturist will ask about your medical history, any health concerns you’d like to attend to, and discuss your treatment plan with you. Acupuncturists are very concerned about you as a whole person, so they will spend time getting to know you and your general health. At subsequent sessions, you’ll revisit the health concerns you’d like to focus on as well. They then apply the thin needles to specific points that are associated with your health concern.

Sessions usually last from 30-45 minutes. Depending on the length of your session and your concerns, they may move the needles to different pressure points partway through the session. They use sterile needles each time!

Moreover, every acupuncturist I’ve been to is considerate of your preferences. If you prefer to avoid needles in areas that might be sore or sensitive, they’ll listen to you.

What Are the Risks of Acupuncture?

Overall, the risks associated with acupuncture are very low and mainly arise by going to underqualified or inexperienced practitioners. The most common side effects are bruising and discomfort. More uncommonly, some people (especially those with a fear of needles) may experience temporary dizziness. However, in general, over 90% of those who receive treatment do not report any negative impacts of acupuncture.

Moreover, acupuncture should not be used as a sole treatment for infertility. You should consider consulting with a fertility specialist if you are having trouble conceiving. Doctors recommend seeking help if you are 35+ and have been experiencing fertility issues for 6 months or more or if you are under 35 and have been experiencing fertility issues for 9 months to 1 year. While acupuncturists are fantastic, they are not a replacement for other kinds of medical care.

How to Find an Acupuncturist

If you are interested in trying out acupuncture, I recommend checking your insurance to see if it’s covered and, if so, which providers are in-network. Then, search the names of covered providers (if your insurance covers it) or acupuncturists in your area (if your insurance does not cover it). Make sure to only seek out a licensed acupuncturist.

You may have the most luck looking for acupuncturists who specialize in fertility. While most acupuncturists will be helpful for a wide variety of health concerns, many have specializations and will be especially informed on those issues.

LIKED THIS POST? CONSIDER SHARING!

Summary: Acupuncture for Fertility

While there is no definitive proof that acupuncture improves pregnancy outcomes, there is certainly suggestive evidence that it increases chances of pregnancy and IVF success. Not to mention, it helps reduce stress and improves feelings of wellbeing. All while coming with little to no side effects and a much smaller cost than many other treatment options.

Acupuncture can be particularly helpful when used in combination with other treatment options and lifestyle changes to promote pregnancy. For more information on these healthy lifestyle changes, see my post on boosting fertility in your 30s and 40s

The bottom line is that acupuncture is a promising holistic practice that many people have found beneficial to use in tandem with other reproductive medicine options. The important thing is to consult with your doctor and fertility specialist and determine yourself if acupuncture is right for you.

Remember that I am not a medical professional. This information is solely provided for informational and entertainment purposes. You should consult with a medical professional before making any health-related decisions.

If you liked this post, please consider liking, subscribing, or sharing with others. It’s always a big help! If you are interested in related content, check out my posts on the health benefits of acupuncture, how to boost fertility, and why inflammation isn’t quite the villain you think it is.