Having acupuncture during IVF: what to expect, and what to ask your clinic
Updated: 4 days ago
IVF asks a lot of you. There are injections, scans, blood tests, waiting rooms and long stretches of not knowing. It makes sense that many people look for something that helps them feel more supported and more in their own body along the way. For some, that’s acupuncture.
If you’re considering acupuncture alongside IVF, this guide explains what it usually looks like, what the research does and doesn’t tell us, and the questions worth asking before you start.
What the evidence says, honestly
You may have read that acupuncture improves IVF success rates. The research here is genuinely mixed. Some earlier studies suggested a benefit, but larger, well-designed trials, including a major Australian trial, have not found that acupuncture increases live birth rates.
Where acupuncture may have more to offer is in how you feel during treatment. Many people find sessions calming, and some studies have looked at its effect on stress and anxiety during IVF. We think it’s important you hear this clearly before you book, so your expectations are realistic and your decisions are your own.
What a typical plan looks like
Every plan is individual, but a common approach includes:
Preparation phase. Weekly sessions in the weeks or months before your cycle, focused on sleep, stress, cycle symptoms and general wellbeing.
During stimulation. Sessions weekly that fit around your monitoring appointments, so you’re not adding stress to an already full schedule.
Around embryo transfer. It is recommended based on research to have a treatment the day prior to transfer and within 24 hours post transfer.
The two-week wait. Gentle sessions for relaxation, if you’d like them. Many people find this the hardest part.
Treatment is gentle. Needles are very fine, and we’ll adjust or avoid certain points depending on where you are in your cycle and any pregnancy.
What to ask your acupuncturist
Your IVF team should always know about any complementary care you’re having. Some questions worth raising:
Can I have a copy of my treatment calendar?
How will I be told about key dates, such as trigger, egg collection and transfer, and how much notice will I get if they change?
Are you happy to share my treatment plan with my acupuncturist?
Should I stop any herbs or supplements before or during my cycle?
Are there any activities I should avoid during stimulation or after transfer?
What side effects should I watch for, and who do I call after hours?
Does the clinic offer fertility counselling, and is it included in my fees?
What to ask your acupuncturist
Are you a registered Chinese medicine practitioner with AHPRA?
What training have they had in supporting people through IVF?
How will you work around my clinic’s schedule?
What does a realistic plan look like for my situation?
A good practitioner will be honest about the evidence, happy to communicate with your medical team, and never pressure you into a long course of treatment.
You don’t have to do this alone
Whatever you choose, the aim is to help you feel more supported through a process that can feel out of your hands. If you’d like to talk about whether acupuncture might suit you, I am happy to chat before you book. Email me to arrange a time.
This article is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute individualised medical or healthcare advice.
