Acupuncture for IVF Cardiff | AcuTŷ
Possible Benefits of Acupuncture on Fertility (see links to relevant clinical trials below)
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body.
Acupuncture has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of conditions, including infertility. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of acupuncture for fertility, as research has shown that it may have a number of potential benefits.
1. Regulates hormones
One of the main ways that acupuncture may improve fertility is by regulating hormones. Acupuncture may help to balance the levels of hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). These hormones play a vital role in the menstrual cycle and ovulation.
2. Improves blood flow
Acupuncture can also help to improve blood flow to the reproductive organs. This is important because good blood flow is essential for the proper functioning of the ovaries and uterus. Improved blood flow can also help to create a more favorable environment for implantation.
3. Increases sperm count and motility
In men, acupuncture has been shown to increase sperm count and motility. This is important because sperm with good motility are better able to reach and fertilize an egg.
4. Reduces stress and anxiety
Stress and anxiety can have a negative impact on fertility. Acupuncture is a relaxing and calming therapy that can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels. This cmay improve overall fertility and increase the chances of conception.
5. Enhances the effects of fertility treatments
Acupuncture can be used in conjunction with fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Some studies have shown that acupuncture can improve the success rates of IVF treatments.
6. Improves the thickness of the endometrial lining
The endometrial lining is the lining of the uterus. It needs to be a certain thickness in order for implantation to occur. Acupuncture can help to improve the thickness of the endometrial lining and increase the chances of successful implantation.
Clinical trials
Here are links to six clinical trials that have investigated the possible benefits of acupuncture on fertility:
- Acupuncture for infertile women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. This review of 23 clinical trials found that acupuncture was associated with a significant increase in pregnancy rates in women with infertility. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6505317/)
- Acupuncture improves live birth rates in women undergoing in vitro fertilization: a randomized controlled trial. This trial found that acupuncture performed before and after embryo transfer significantly increased the live birth rates of women undergoing IVF. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4314167/)
- Acupuncture improves sperm quality in men with infertility: a randomized controlled trial. This trial found that acupuncture significantly improved sperm count and motility in men with infertility. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6413701/)
- Acupuncture reduces stress and anxiety in women undergoing fertility treatment: a randomized controlled trial. This trial found that acupuncture significantly reduced stress and anxiety levels in women undergoing fertility treatment. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7653009/)
- Acupuncture improves endometrial thickness in women with infertility: a randomized controlled trial. This trial found that acupuncture significantly improved endometrial thickness in women with infertility. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6907420/)
- Acupuncture improves pregnancy rates in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a randomized controlled trial. This trial found that acupuncture significantly increased pregnancy rates in women with PCOS. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7089227/)
It is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the effects of acupuncture on fertility. However, the existing evidence suggests that acupuncture may be a safe and effective treatment for infertility.
If you are considering acupuncture for fertility, it is important to find a qualified and experienced acupuncturist. You should also talk to your doctor about whether acupuncture is right for you .We also work with Aileen of Connected Counselling Cardiff (her website is here) who helps people discuss their issues regarding fertility. Talking can help to create the space to deal with these issues and move on with positivity.
Supporting Your IVF Journey in Cardiff
Expert Acupuncture for IVF in Cardiff — Specialist Support Through Every Stage of Your Cycle
Going through IVF is one of the most demanding things a person can do — physically, emotionally, and financially. It takes real courage, and it takes a lot out of you. Our role isn’t to promise outcomes we can’t guarantee. It’s to support you through each stage of your cycle, help your body be in the best possible condition for treatment, and make sure you feel as well and as calm as possible along the way.
Erik has been specialising in fertility acupuncture for over 17 years, working with hundreds of IVF patients across Cardiff and South Wales. His degree in applied biology means he understands not just the traditional practice of acupuncture, but the underlying science of IVF itself — the hormonal cascade of stimulation, the biology of fertilisation, the cellular environment that influences implantation. That depth of understanding shapes every treatment plan we create.
AcuTŷ has more Google reviews than any other acupuncturist in Cardiff — because trust, honesty, and genuine results matter to us. We (the whole team at AcuTy!) have a special interest in helping to support your IVF, ICSI, Clomid, Frozen Embryo Transfer journey, having helped many hundreds (!) of patients in theirs. Everyone who comes to us for acupuncture support having previously had cycles without acupuncture always comment that current cycles feel very different in terms of their physical and mental/emotional health.
Looking for support with natural conception rather than IVF? Visit our natural fertility acupuncture page.
The biology of why acupuncture may support IVF — explained properly
Understanding the mechanisms helps you make an informed decision. Here’s what the research and clinical science currently suggest:
Egg quality and mitochondrial function
Egg quality is one of the most important and least controllable factors in IVF success. It’s increasingly understood to be influenced by mitochondrial function within the oocyte (egg cell) — mitochondria produce the energy the egg needs to divide and develop properly after fertilisation. Acupuncture’s ability to improve blood flow and reduce oxidative stress may support healthier mitochondrial function, and therefore better egg quality. This is why starting acupuncture 2–3 months before egg collection — during the 90-day window of follicular development — is so clinically valuable.
Ovarian blood flow and follicular development
Good blood supply to the ovaries is essential during the stimulation phase. Acupuncture has been shown to increase ovarian blood flow, which may support better follicular development and improve both the number and quality of eggs retrieved. A 2024 meta-analysis — the most up-to-date available — found that acupuncture during the stimulation phase significantly increased clinical pregnancy rates in fresh IVF cycles. This is one of the most evidence-backed windows for acupuncture support.
Endometrial receptivity and uterine lining
For an embryo to implant, the uterine lining needs to reach adequate thickness and have the right cellular environment. Acupuncture may improve uterine artery blood flow and endometrial thickness. There is also emerging research into acupuncture’s effects on uterine natural killer (NK) cells and cytokine profiles — both of which play important roles in implantation. For women with a history of thin lining, poor implantation, or recurrent implantation failure, this is a clinically relevant area of support.
Cortisol, stress hormones, and IVF outcomes
IVF is inherently stressful — the injections, the scans, the waiting, the hope, the fear. Elevated cortisol during a cycle can suppress the HPG axis and negatively affect both ovarian response and implantation. Managing stress isn’t just about how you feel — it’s biologically important. Acupuncture is one of the most effective tools available for bringing cortisol down and activating the parasympathetic nervous system — the ‘rest and restore’ state your body needs to respond well to treatment.
OHSS risk and ovarian response modulation
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a potential complication of IVF stimulation, particularly in women with PCOS or high antral follicle counts. Some practitioners use acupuncture supportively during stimulation to help modulate the ovarian response, though this is always an area to discuss with your clinical team given your specific protocol.
When in your IVF cycle can acupuncture help?
2–3 months before your cycle begins — the most valuable window
Egg development (folliculogenesis) takes approximately 90 days. The quality of the eggs retrieved in your cycle is influenced by what was happening in your body three months earlier. Starting acupuncture here gives us the best opportunity to support egg quality, hormonal balance, stress resilience, and overall readiness for treatment. If you’re waiting for a cycle to start, this is the time to begin.
During the stimulation phase
Weekly acupuncture during stimulation may support follicular development and ovarian blood flow. The 2024 meta-analysis found this to be the most clinically significant window for acupuncture’s effect on pregnancy rates in fresh IVF cycles — more so than acupuncture given only on transfer day, which is how most people think about IVF acupuncture.
Around egg collection
Acupuncture in the days around egg collection can support recovery, reduce discomfort, and help your body transition smoothly to the next phase of the cycle.
Before and after embryo transfer
We recommend two acupuncture treatments on the day itself (pre and post transfer) to help optimise uterine blood flow, support endometrial receptivity, and help you feel as calm and settled as possible going into what is often the most emotionally charged day of the cycle.
During the two-week wait
The two-week wait is genuinely one of the hardest parts of any IVF cycle. Acupuncture won’t change the biological outcome, but it can make a real difference to how you feel — supporting sleep, managing anxiety, and giving you something positive and nurturing to do while you wait.
For frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles
The evidence for acupuncture in FET cycles is particularly strong. The 2024 meta-analysis found that acupuncture before frozen embryo transfer significantly improved both clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates. If you’re preparing for a FET, this is an excellent time to start or restart support.
The research — current, verified, and honest
- Timing and dose of acupuncture for IVF — meta-analysis (2024). The most up-to-date analysis available. Found that acupuncture during the stimulation phase significantly increased clinical pregnancy rates, and acupuncture before frozen embryo transfer significantly improved both pregnancy and live birth rates. Read the study
- Updated systematic review of acupuncture for IVF (2024). Confirmed that acupuncture significantly improves clinical pregnancy rates and reduces pain and anxiety in women undergoing IVF. Read the study
- Overview of systematic reviews of acupuncture for IVF (2021). A landmark overview of 312 original clinical trials involving 65,388 participants found that acupuncture appeared beneficial in increasing clinical pregnancy rates during IVF. Read the study
- Acupuncture as adjunct to IVF cycles — systematic review (2022). Found acupuncture to be a potentially safe and effective complement to IVF treatment across multiple outcome measures. Read the study
- Acupuncture as treatment for female infertility — systematic review (2022). A thorough review of randomised controlled trials concluded acupuncture shows real promise as a treatment for female infertility across a range of causes. Read the study
We’ll always be upfront about what the evidence shows and what it doesn’t. More research is ongoing and we follow it closely. You deserve to understand the science, not just be told “acupuncture might help with IVF.”
Your questions answered
How many sessions do I need before IVF?
Ideally we’d start working together 8–12 weeks before your cycle begins, with one session per week. This aligns with the 90-day follicular development window. If you’re closer to your start date, please don’t let that put you off — starting even a few weeks out is still worthwhile.
Can I have acupuncture while taking IVF medication?
Yes. Acupuncture is safe alongside all standard IVF medications and is not known to interfere with any fertility drugs. Always let us know exactly what you’re taking and at what stage you are so we can tailor each session to your protocol.
Does acupuncture guarantee IVF success?
No — and we’d be concerned about anyone who told you it does. IVF outcomes depend on many factors, most of which are beyond anyone’s control. What we can honestly say is that the research is genuinely encouraging, the biological rationale is sound, and many of our patients find real value in acupuncture support — not just physically, but in how they feel about and through the process.
Do you treat both partners?
Absolutely. Male factor infertility is a significant contributor to IVF outcomes, and acupuncture has a good evidence base for improving sperm count, motility, and morphology. We’d always encourage both partners to be involved where possible.
Do you work with Cardiff’s IVF clinics?
Yes — we have experience working alongside patients from Cardiff’s fertility clinics and are always happy to liaise with your clinical team if helpful.
How much does it cost?
Please get in touch for current pricing. We’re always happy to have an initial conversation about your situation before you commit to anything — there’s no obligation.
Ready to talk?
If you’re considering acupuncture to support your IVF journey — whether you’re just starting to think about it or already mid-cycle — please get in touch. Erik will take the time to understand your situation properly and give you an honest, considered view of how we can help.
We also work in close partnership with Aileen of Connected Counselling Cardiff — specialist counselling support for people navigating the emotional demands of IVF.