Infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, bringing emotional, physical, and financial challenges. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) offer hope, but they also come with high costs, demanding protocols, and variable success rates. While these advanced treatments are often necessary, many couples overlook an important complementary option that could significantly support their fertility journey: acupuncture.
Acupuncture, a key component of traditional Chinese medicine, involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to promote balance and healing. Over the last two decades, it has gained increasing scientific recognition for its role in reproductive health. What makes it particularly valuable is how and when it’s used.
Why Timing Matters
Too often, couples wait until their hormone levels—such as AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) or FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)—have already declined significantly before seeking alternative support. By that stage, egg quality, ovarian response, or uterine receptivity may already be compromised, making it harder for even the most advanced treatments to succeed.
Incorporating acupuncture early in the fertility process can improve key reproductive parameters before couples even reach the point of needing IUI or IVF. This early intervention may lead to better outcomes—and in some cases, even natural conception.
Scientific Evidence
Studies have shown that when Western-based fertility treatments are combined with acupuncture, the success rate of conception can be increased by up to 26%.
According to a recent study by Tel Aviv University, when IUI was combined with TCM treatments, 65.5% of the test group were able to conceive, compared to 39.4% of the control group who did not receive acupuncture therapy. In 2025 a meta-analysis published in the Journal of Healthcare found that traditional Asian medicine, particularly acupuncture, is a safe and effective complementary therapy for improving ART outcomes. By enhancing blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, regulating hormones, and reducing stress, acupuncture creates a more favorable environment for conception.
One of the most widely cited studies, published in Fertility and Sterility (2002), demonstrated that women who received acupuncture both before and after embryo transfer had significantly higher pregnancy rates—42.5% compared to 26.3% in the control group.
Additionally, acupuncture has been shown to reduce levels of cortisol, a stress hormone known to interfere with fertility, and to regulate the menstrual cycle, which is essential for timed conception efforts.
A Gentle, Low-Risk Option
One of the greatest advantages of acupuncture is that it’s non-invasive, drug-free, and low-risk, especially when performed by a qualified practitioner. Unlike hormone therapy or surgery, acupuncture works in harmony with the body’s natural processes. This makes it an ideal first-line approach—or a supportive companion to conventional fertility treatments.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Many couples seek acupuncture only after multiple failed fertility treatments. But the best time to start is early—even when you’re just beginning to consider getting help. Strengthening the body’s internal balance before hormonal levels deteriorate gives you a better foundation for any future treatment.
If you’re experiencing fertility challenges, consider including acupuncture in your plan now, not later. Whether your goal is to optimize your natural chances or prepare for IUI/IVF, early intervention may significantly improve your journey—and bring you one step closer to parenthood.
References
- Paulus, W.E., Zhang, M., Strehler, E., El-Danasouri, I., & Sterzik, K.
Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy.
Fertility and Sterility, 77(4), 721–724 (2002).
DOI: 10.1016/S0015-0282(01)03273-3 - Zheng, C.H., Huang, G.Y., Zhang, M.M., Wang, W., & Zhou, H.Y.
Effects of acupuncture on pregnancy rates in women undergoing in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Fertility and Sterility, 97(3), 599–611 (2012).
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.12.007 - Dieterle, S., Ying, G., Hatzmann, W., & Neuer, A.
Effect of acupuncture on the outcome of in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection: a randomized, prospective, controlled clinical study.
Fertility and Sterility, 85(5), 1347–1351 (2006).
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.09.062 - Westergaard, L.G., Mao, Q., Krogslund, M., Sandrini, S., Lenz, S., & Grinsted, J.
Acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer significantly improves the reproductive outcome in infertile women: a prospective, randomized trial.
Fertility and Sterility, 85(5), 1341–1346 (2006).
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.08.070