Fertility Acupuncture at The Acupuncture Pregnancy Clinic

At The Acupuncture Pregnancy Clinic, we support individuals and couples preparing for pregnancy — whether naturally or with IVF. Since 2008, our network of six clinics in Sydney (Alexandria, CBD, Westmead) , Melbourne (East Melbourne and Mornington) , and the Central Coast Gosford has focused almost exclusively on reproductive and pregnancy health.

Our approach brings together Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and modern research. Every patient receives a full Chinese medicine diagnosis, looking at the balance of yin and yang, qi (energy), and blood. This whole-systems lens helps us recognise subtle imbalances that may not appear in routine tests but can still influence fertility outcomes.

Chinese medicine has one of the world’s longest continuous traditions of reproductive care. Texts devoted to gynaecology and fertility date back more than 2,000 years, with generations of case records guiding practice. Today, we study this knowledge alongside modern evidence, offering a unique, integrative way to support fertility.

How Acupuncture May Support Fertility

Research into acupuncture and fertility is mixed, with some promising findings and some neutral results:

• Blood flow and endometrial receptivity: Doppler ultrasound studies suggest acupuncture may improve uterine and ovarian blood flow, which could influence endometrial thickness and receptivity (Stener-Victorin et al., 1996; Stener-Victorin & Humaidan, 2006).
• Hormonal regulation: Some trials indicate acupuncture may affect LH, FSH, oestrogen, and progesterone, particularly in PCOS (Lim et al., 2019).
• Stress and emotional wellbeing: Systematic reviews suggest acupuncture may reduce anxiety for people undergoing IVF, though effects are modest and vary by study (Amorim et al., 2018).
• IVF outcomes: A recent meta-analysis suggests possible improvements in clinical pregnancy and live birth rates when acupuncture is given in multiple sessions across the IVF cycle, though study quality varied (Shen et al., 2024).
• Male fertility: Some early research indicates acupuncture may influence semen parameters (Siterman et al., 2009; Pei et al., 2005), though more evidence is needed.

Overall, acupuncture may offer supportive care for circulation, hormonal balance, and stress. More high-quality studies are required to clarify its full effects.

Female Infertility

Acupuncture is often used alongside medical care to support conditions including:

• Preconception care 
  • Cycle regulation
  • PCOS and ovulation disorders
• Endometriosis and pelvic pain
• Irregular cycles 
• Luteal phase or implantation issues
• Unexplained infertility

Male Infertility

Acupuncture may be considered as supportive care for:

• Low sperm count
• Reduced motility or morphology
• Stress-related impacts on reproductive health

IVF and Assisted Fertility Support

For IVF patients, acupuncture may be timed at key stages of the cycle:

• During stimulation – to support blood flow and reduce stress
• Before and after embryo transfer – research suggests embryo transfer acupuncture may help with relaxation and wellbeing
• In the two-week wait – to support emotional balance

Some systematic reviews suggest possible improvements in outcomes when treatments are repeated across the cycle, but results are not consistent (Shen et al., 2024).

Why Choose Our Clinics?

• In practice since 2008 – Australia’s first dedicated fertility and pregnancy acupuncture group
• Whole-systems diagnosis – identifying subtle imbalances that routine tests may not capture
• Evidence-informed care – blending current research with the long history of Chinese medicine
• Collaborative approach – working alongside IVF specialists, GPs, and allied health providers
• Inclusive care – respectful support for all genders, identities, and family structures

For more details visit our Contact Us page.

Fertility Acupuncture FAQs

Does fertility acupuncture work?

Some studies suggest acupuncture may support circulation, stress regulation, and hormonal activity. Results vary, and research is still developing.

How many sessions are needed?

For natural fertility, weekly or fortnightly sessions across several cycles are common. For IVF, structured treatment programs across stimulation and transfer phases are recommended .

Can it help men too?

Yes. Male infertility contributes to around half of cases. Preliminary studies suggest acupuncture may support sperm health, though more research is needed.

What happens in the first session?

We take a full health history and Chinese medicine diagnosis, review any tests, and tailor a plan. Treatment usually begins in the first visit.

Whole-Person Fertility Care

Our clinics offer more than acupuncture:

• Chinese herbal medicine (when appropriate)
• Nutrition and dietary guidance for egg and sperm health
• Stress and sleep support
• Care for cycle-related conditions such as PCOS and endometriosis

 Read next:

• Top Ten Things to Know If You Want to Get Pregnant
• The Role of Iron in Fertility, IVF and Pregnancy

Want to more on How To Prepare to Conceive Download our Free PDF 

At the Acupuncture Pregnancy Clinic, we provide evidence-based acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine to support fertility, IVF cycles, pregnancy, and women’s health. Our experienced team works across six clinic locations in Westmead, Sydney CBD, Alexandria, Gosford, Melbourne, and Mornington. 

References

• Amorim, D., et al. (2018). Acupuncture and IVF-related anxiety: a systematic review. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 20, 81–93.
• Lim, C. E., et al. (2019). Acupuncture for polycystic ovarian syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore), 98(8):e14297.
• Pei, J., et al. (2005). Quantitative evaluation of spermatozoa ultrastructure after acupuncture treatment for idiopathic male infertility. Fertility and Sterility, 84(1), 141–147.
• Shen, C., et al. (2024). Acupuncture and IVF outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Reproductive Biomedicine Online, 49(2), 345–357.
• Siterman, S., et al. (2009). Does acupuncture treatment affect sperm quality? Andrologia, 41(1), 17–23.
• Stener-Victorin, E., et al. (1996). Reduction of uterine artery blood flow impedance in infertile women with electro-acupuncture. Human Reproduction, 11(6), 1314–1317.
• Stener-Victorin, E., & Humaidan, P. (2006). Use of acupuncture in female infertility and a summary of controlled studies. Reproductive Biomedicine Online, 13(3), 389–399.

We offer clinical programmes for all of the above and including: 

• Diet
• Egg quality
• Male fertility
• Menstrual cycle regularity
• Immune factors
• PCOS
• Endometriosis
• Stress management
• Sleep Quality

Got questions? Enquire now.