For many individuals and couples, the road to parenthood isn’t as simple as they had hoped. If you’re undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), you know that the process can be as emotionally taxing as it is physically demanding. Alongside the medical procedures, many people seek ways to enhance their chances of success—and acupuncture has become a trusted partner in the IVF journey. If you’ve been considering adding acupuncture to your IVF journey, let me lay out some reasons why it might be time to pull the trigger.
The Role of Acupuncture in Fertility Care
Acupuncture is a centuries-old therapy that uses fine, sterile needles to stimulate specific points on the body. From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, acupuncture helps restore balance, promote healthy energy flow, and support reproductive health. Modern research suggests it may influence hormonal regulation, blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, and stress reduction—all of which can be beneficial during fertility treatments.
When integrated with IVF, acupuncture is often used to:
Increase blood flow to the uterus and ovaries to improve the uterine lining and egg quality.
Regulate hormones to create an optimal environment for implantation.
Reduce stress and anxiety, which can affect reproductive health and IVF outcomes.
Support ovarian function during stimulation cycles.
Enhance implantation rates when timed with embryo transfer.
What The Research Says
Several studies have explored acupuncture’s role in IVF outcomes. While results vary, some research indicates that acupuncture performed on the day of embryo transfer may improve implantation rates. Others suggest that a series of treatments before and during IVF can help optimize the body’s readiness for conception. Here’s a link to a study showing that acupuncture significantly increased pregnancy rates with women with unexplained infertility. There is also research to show that acupuncture lowers the stress and anxiety levels of women dealing with fertility struggles.
Timing is Key
Here at Elliott Therapeutics, we often recommend starting acupuncture at least 2–3 months before IVF to give your body the best chance of responding positively to treatment. Regular sessions leading up to retrieval and transfer can help prepare your body, and strategically timed treatments—especially on the day of embryo transfer—may further support success. We will discuss your treatment plan on your first visit and give our best recommendation to increase the success outcomes of the transfer. If there is one variable that makes the biggest impact, it is the consistency of the treatments.
More Than Just the Physical Benefits
IVF can feel overwhelming. Acupuncture offers a quiet space to pause, breathe, and reconnect with your body. Many patients find the treatments deeply calming, helping them navigate the emotional ups and downs of fertility treatment with more resilience. You may notice that after a few treatments you are sleeping better, having more energy, digesting better and feeling an overall sense of calm, cool and collected.
A Gentle, Supportive Addition to Your Care Plan
Acupuncture is non-invasive, drug-free, and tailored to your unique needs and cycle stage. Whether you’re preparing for your first IVF round or seeking extra support after previous attempts, it can be a valuable tool to complement your medical care.
If you’re ready to add acupuncture to your IVF plan, our Eden Prairie clinic provides compassionate, specialized care for fertility support. Schedule an appointment with Elliott Therapeutics and take a step toward giving your body—and your heart—the nurturing they deserve.
