Infertility affects approximately 16% of couples worldwide (1), and the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), is becoming increasingly common. However, IVF is an invasive, expensive, and emotionally taxing process, with success rates that range between 25–35% per cycle depending on factors like age and hormone levels. Given these realities, exploring complementary approaches before committing to IVF could be a valuable strategy, particularly when hormonal imbalances are still manageable.
One promising complementary method is acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine technique involving the insertion of fine needles at specific points in the body. Multiple studies have suggested that acupuncture can positively impact fertility by improving blood flow to reproductive organs, regulating hormone levels, and reducing stress—all crucial factors in conception.
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Healthcare (2025) found that Asian traditional medicine, particularly acupuncture, appears to be a safe and effective complementary therapy that can be used to improve assisted reproductive technologies outcomes. Another study in Fertility and Sterility (2002) reported that acupuncture performed before and after embryo transfer increased IVF success rates from 26.3% to 42.5%.
Importantly, many couples wait until their hormone levels—such as AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) or FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone)—are already in extreme decline before seeking help. At that point, treatment options may be more limited or require aggressive medical intervention. Early incorporation of acupuncture may help improve hormone profiles and reproductive function before reaching IUI or IVF, or even increase the chance of natural conception.
Furthermore, these approaches are low-risk and cost-effective, especially compared to IVF, which can cost thousands of dollars per cycle and often requires multiple attempts. They can also serve as part of a broader, holistic preparation for pregnancy—whether natural or assisted. In conclusion, couples facing fertility issues should consider integrating complementary therapies such as acupuncture early in their journey. These methods can enhance reproductive health, improve hormonal balance, and potentially increase the chances of natural conception or support IVF success when needed. Waiting until hormone levels are severely impaired may limit these benefits, so acting early could make all the difference.
References
- https://www.who.int/news/item/04-04-2023-1-in-6-people-globally-affected-by-infertility/
- Xiangping Peng, Bo Wu, Siyu Zhou, Yinghan Xu et al. (2025) Integrating Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine into Assisted Reproductive Technology: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of East Asian Traditional Medicine. Healthcare 2025, 13(11), 1326; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13111326
- Paulus, W. E., Zhang, M., Strehler, E., et al. (2002). Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy. Fertility and Sterility, 77(4), 721-724.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0015-0282(01)03273-3 - Farangis Sharifi 1, Robab Latifnejad Roudsari (2022). Complementary and alternative medicine use in infertility: A review of infertile women’s needs. Journal of Education and Health Promotion, 2022 Jun 30;11:195. doi: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_704_21. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9393951/