Acupuncture for Fertility: Does It Really Work? | Peanut

Acupuncture for Fertility: Does It Really Work?

By Tassia O'Callaghan

May 17, 2024

4 min read

DP

Reviewed by Dr. Paige Enwright,

Chiropractor & Wellness Practitioner

Acupuncture is a traditional form of Chinese medicine that involves inserting needles into the body. And acupuncture for fertility is something more people are considering. But does it work? Well, the evidence so far is relatively weak — but there are some positive signs. Let’s find out what we know — and what we don’t. In this article: 📝

Does acupuncture work for fertility?

The short answer is the jury is still out. Some studies have shown promising results, but they tend to be small-scale. For example, one Macedonian study followed a single couple, both with fertility problems, who successfully conceived after both partners received acupuncture. Another study in Turkey and an unpublished study in London examined acupuncture for fertility success rates. These focused on women undergoing IVF. In both studies, the pregnancy rate amongst those who received acupuncture was significantly higher than for those who didn’t. But a 2013 systematic review found that acupuncture didn’t have an impact on the success of IVF. The reason for these different findings? A 2021 systematic review found most studies into acupuncture and fertility used flawed methodologies or had poor reporting. So without more robust research, it’s impossible to say for sure how effective this alternative therapy is.

How does acupuncture work for fertility

There’s various different theories as to how acupuncture might improve fertility, including improving sperm quality and ovarian function. Let’s talk through what’s tipped to be the most promising benefits of acupuncture for fertility one by one:

Acupuncture for implantation

Successful implantation depends on a number of factors, not least of all a receptive endometrium. By encouraging blood flow to the uterus, acupuncture could help the embryo to implant successfully. This is because increased blood flow can help thicken the uterine lining—setting up the ideal environment for implantation.

Acupuncture and PCOS

One of the primary ways acupuncture works for PCOS is by impacting the release of chemicals from the brain that affect your hormones and reproductive organs. Research shows that acupuncture can help with insulin sentivity and decrease testosterone levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)—promoting the recovery of their period. Other potential benefits of acupuncture for PCOS, include improvement in ovulation rate, pregnancy rate, sexual hormone disturbance, and lipid metabolism dysfunction.

Acupuncture and stress

There’s evidence that acupuncture can help relieve stress, largely by reducing the levels of the stress hormone cortisol. And data also suggests acupuncture can stimulate endorphin release (promoting pain relief). Still, the relationship between stress and infertility isn’t quite clear. Having difficulty conceiving is absolutely a very stressful experience, but whether the stress is a cause or a result of those difficulties is hard to say.

Does acupuncture help egg quality?

Amongst the claims for acupuncture and fertility is that it increases the number of good-quality eggs a woman produces. Unfortunately, there’s very limited evidence to in favor of acupuncture for egg quality. One 2019 study compared acupuncture with sham acupuncture for a group of women receiving IVF. Those who received real acupuncture had more mature eggs than those who didn’t. But the two groups each contained only twelve women, so it’s hard to know if this would work across the board.

Where do they put needles for fertility acupuncture

Some of the most common areas for acupuncture points for fertility are the ears, head, hands, feet, lower legs, and abdomen. But the practitioner will discuss your personal situation in detail before deciding on their approach.

What does acupuncture feel like?

Acupuncture needles are very thin. So while you may feel them going into your skin, they shouldn’t be painful.

When to do acupuncture for fertility?

Supporters of acupuncture generally argue for early treatment, even before beginning IVF. But there’s no recognized acupuncture fertility protocol. And there’s little robust scientific evidence on when to get acupuncture for fertility. There’s similarly no clear recommendation on how many sessions you need or when you might see results.
The evidence for the benefits of acupuncture for fertility is frustratingly unclear. And acupuncture for fertility costs money — often a lot. If you decide to proceed, there can be no guarantee of success. But there is stronger evidence for acupuncture having a positive impact on stress. And the process of TTC can be a very stressful experience. That alone may be a good enough reason for considering acupuncture. And if stress is affecting your chance of conceiving, it’s just possible it may help. (Psst. If you need some support right now, your Peanut community is there for you.)

Trending in our community

Timeline of IVF

I know not all IVF timelines go to plan, but I’m just trying to work out rough dates for work. Can anyone tell me a typical timeline from starting medication to retrieval to embryo transfer please.

incognito
4

Ivf stims day 8

Hi today's my 8th night taking stims I'm on ovaleap 150iu. I had my ultrasound today and felt really upset by it and I'm not sure if I have reason to be disappointed or if I should feel more positive They basically said I'm not ready for egg collection due another scan Friday and will look at egg collection Monday or Wednesday next week. I have 1 follicle at 14mm and 4 more around 12 -13 I think so they said they're hoping those 5 continue to grow. They didn't mention any more during our consultation but showed me on my ultrasound I had lots more little one. I think under 10mm I did ask if these are likely to grow and they said they might but that didn't sound very hopeful for me. Can anyone offer any advice I feel like 5 is obviously good that I've got something but I felt like numbers would be a lot stronger. They have also kept my medication at same dose.

incognito
4

When to call it quits on marriage

How do you know when to call it quits on a relationship? How would you feel if you saw your husband looking on the realeste website for rooms to rent. ?? I'm like if you don't want to be here then don't. Then my husband goes I forced him to sign a contract to go ahead with the ivf stuff. For the 4th round of ivf. I'm like you didn't have to sign it. And your the one that signed the other previous contracts and wanting to go ahead. I keep getting this thrown in my face. As I now have 9 month twins. He can't handle the stress or pressure. What do I do. I won't be able to survive on my own in the house etc. Living with my parents is not a option.

incognito
6

Products to use

did anyone use anything that they think helped them conceive? if yes, what did you use? © looking for advice

incognito
4

TTC after IVF

I had my daughter after doing IVF. Since then, my periods have been much regular. We are wanting another baby and have an appointment scheduled with our fertility specialist this week. I’m wondering if we should go back to Letrozole or injectables with timed intercourse or just do another transfer. Has anyone ever been in this same situation? Thoughts??

incognito
3

Depo Contraceptive Injection: How long did it take to get your first period from your last injection due??

We're trying for baby no. 2 and I'm getting impatient ha 🙈.. as pretty sure you can't get pregnant till you've had your first period?

incognito
6