IVF Acupuncture Support in Australia

IVF Acupuncture Support Personalised care. Informed by research.

If you’re preparing for IVF, you’re likely navigating a mix of hope, urgency, and uncertainty. Whether this is your first cycle or your fifth, IVF can be an intense experience—physically, emotionally, and financially.

At The Acupuncture Pregnancy Clinic, we offer IVF-focused acupuncture that fits with your treatment plan and your life. Since 2008, we’ve supported thousands of patients across Australia. Our practitioners are AHPRA-registered, degree-qualified in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and experienced in fertility and IVF support.

We work with all patients—solo parents, LGBTQIA+ families, egg donor recipients, and those who have experienced loss—with empathy and individualised care.

If you’re in your 30s or 40s and preparing for IVF, you’re not alone. Many people at this stage are juggling careers, relationships, and often years of trying to conceive. It’s common to feel overwhelmed or unsure about what will actually help.

Here’s what we hear most often in clinic, and how we respond:

1. Can acupuncture really help IVF work?

While acupuncture is not a guarantee of success, research indicates it may positively influence IVF outcomes. A retrospective cohort study by Hullender Rubin et al. (2015) found that women who received whole-systems traditional Chinese medicine (WS-TCM), including acupuncture, herbal medicine and dietary advice where appropriate had significantly higher live birth rates compared to those who did not receive such interventions.¹

Smith et al. (2019) also demonstrated that receiving three or more acupuncture treatments before embryo transfer was associated with increased clinical pregnancy rates.⁴ This study highlights that timing and dose matter—showing the importance of a structured treatment plan across the IVF cycle.

A systematic review and meta-analysis by Zhong et al. (2019) suggested that acupuncture may improve endometrial receptivity, a crucial factor in embryo implantation.²

For more on the science, see our breakdown here: IVF Acupuncture – the research explained

Acupuncture isn’t a guarantee, but it can support your IVF cycle in measurable ways.

Research suggests acupuncture may:

• Improve blood flow to the uterus and ovaries
• Support hormonal balance (including FSH and LH regulation)
• Reduce cortisol and increase serotonin to ease stress
• Support endometrial receptivity and lining development
• Improve implantation and live birth rates when used consistently

2. I’m already in a cycle—is it too late?

Not at all. While early intervention may offer greater benefits, studies have shown that even acupuncture administered close to embryo transfer can support implantation and stress reduction.³ Acupuncture during stimulation, after egg collection, or around embryo transfer may support circulation, reduce uterine contractions, and calm the nervous system.

3. How many sessions do I need?

Evidence-informed acupuncture care is often delivered according to the following schedule:

• 6–12 weeks pre-IVF: Weekly oe bi weekly sessions supporting hormones according to cycle 
• During stimulation: 2–4 sessions to support follicular development and endometrial growth 
• After egg collection: 1 session for recovery
• Embryo transfer day: 1–2 sessions (pre/post transfer)
• Two-week wait: 1–2 sessions to ease anxiety and support sleep

The Smith study (2019) reinforced that a higher number of sessions—particularly three or more—correlated with improved IVF outcomes, which supports a whole-cycle approach.⁴

4. Does acupuncture help with IVF side effects?

Many patients find that acupuncture helps manage IVF-related side effects such as:

• Bloating and digestive discomfort
• Headaches
• Mood swings
• Sleep disruption

A study by Isoyama et al. (2012) reported that acupuncture significantly reduced anxiety symptoms in women undergoing IVF, which may also reduce physical tension and improve overall comfort.⁵

5. I’m 40. Can acupuncture support me?

Ageing affects ovarian reserve, but acupuncture may improve the environment for egg development and implantation. We regularly support patients in their late 30s and 40s with care that considers age-specific needs. Acupuncture cannot change ovarian reserve, but it may help optimise reproductive health by:

• Supporting blood flow to the uterus and ovaries
• Enhancing follicular development
• Regulating the stress response

These mechanisms may help create optimal conditions for implantation.

6. I’m anxious. Can acupuncture help?

Yes. Absolutely. Acupuncture reduces stress hormones and promotes calm. Many patients describe feeling more centred and emotionally steady especially during the two-week wait. Several studies have shown acupuncture may:

• Reduce cortisol (stress hormone) levels
• Increase serotonin and other calming neurotransmitters
• Improve parasympathetic nervous system tone

This can support mental wellbeing throughout an IVF cycle. We see patients float out of the clinic everyday, and its extra benefit most patients rave about.

7. Will it interfere with my IVF treatment?

No. Acupuncture is complementary to medical IVF care. It can be safely integrated alongside medications, monitoring, and embryo transfer. Many IVF clinics refer patients to us directly.

8. Can acupuncture help with lining, egg quality, or implantation?

Acupuncture may support endometrial lining development and ovarian blood flow—factors associated with implantation success. While it cannot change egg genetics, it may help optimise the uterine environment. Research and clinical experience suggest acupuncture may:

• Promote a trilaminar endometrial pattern and lining thickness ≥6mm
• Enhance blood flow to ovaries and uterus
• Support follicle development and uterine receptivity

9. How do I choose the right practitioner?

Choose someone who is:

• AHPRA-registered
• Holds a university-level Chinese medicine degree
• Experienced in fertility and IVF care

All of our practitioners are degree-qualified and AHPRA-registered. We focus on IVF and fertility every day, and offer care that is professional, personalised, and respectful.

10. When should I book in?

Ideally, 4–6 weeks before your cycle begins. But it’s never too late (or too early) to start.

Embryo Transfer Acupuncture—Is It Worthwhile?

For many patients, embryo transfer day brings a mix of anticipation, nerves, and hope. Acupuncture at this time is often used to support:

• Uterine relaxation and reduced contractility post-transfer
• Improved pelvic blood flow
• Emotional calm and parasympathetic activation

Acupuncture before embryo transfer

While earlier acupuncture in the IVF cycle is typically more impactful, transfer-day acupuncture has been associated with improved pregnancy rates in some studies.⁶ Our clinics follow gentle, research-informed transfer protocols, offering treatments before and/or after transfer depending on your clinic’s policies and your preference.

Patients often report feeling more grounded, calm, and connected after transfer-day acupuncture—and many find it helps frame the experience with a sense of care and closure.

IVF-related concerns we commonly support:

• PCOS and ovulatory issues

• Endometriosis and pelvic pain

• Hormonal imbalances and luteal phase defects

• Recurrent implantation failure

• Male factor infertility

• Unexplained infertility

Ongoing support for your whole journey

We aso provide:

• Acupuncture on embryo transfer day
• Acupuncture for calming support during the two-week wait
• Herbal and nutritional advice (where appropriate)
• Free IVF blogs, research, and patient resources

Locations

Clinics in Sydney CBD, Alexandria, Westmead, Central Coast, East Melbourne & Mornington.

Book your IVF Acupuncture Consultation

You don’t have to do IVF alone. With the right support, this process can feel empowered, calmer, and more confident.

Book online or contact us to find the right time for you.

What to Expect

Your First Appointment At your initial consultation, your practitioner will take a detailed history including your IVF treatment plan, reproductive history, general health, and emotional wellbeing. We may assess your pulse and tongue according to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles to individualise your care. Your session will include acupuncture treatment and any recommended self-care or dietary suggestions.

How Many Sessions You Might Need The number of sessions varies depending on where you are in your IVF cycle and your overall health. Some patients start 6–12 weeks before stimulation for preconception support, while others begin mid-cycle. Our recommendations are based on available research suggesting benefit from at least three sessions before transfer, with optimal support coming from 9–12 treatments over the course of your cycle.

Working Alongside Your Fertility Clinic We regularly collaborate with IVF specialists, nurses and fertility clinics to ensure our treatments align with your medical timeline. We’re experienced in timing acupuncture around scans, egg collection, transfer, and the two-week wait, and we’ll coordinate your care to fit seamlessly into your broader treatment plan.

References:

1. Hullender Rubin L, Opsahl T, Wiemer K. (2015). Impact of whole systems traditional Chinese medicine on live birth outcome in IVF. Reproductive Biomedicine Online, 30(6), 602–612.
2. Zhong Y et al. (2019). Acupuncture improving endometrial receptivity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 19, 61.
3. Cheong YC et al. (2013). Acupuncture and assisted reproductive technology. BMJ, 345:e7126.
4. Smith CA et al. (2019). Acupuncture for endometrial receptivity in women undergoing IVF: A prospective study. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 25(9), 889–897.
5. Isoyama D et al. (2012). Effect of acupuncture on symptoms of anxiety in women undergoing IVF: A randomized clinical trial. Acupuncture in Medicine, 30(2), 85–88.
6. Paulus WE et al. (2002). Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy. Fertility and Sterility, 77(4), 721–724.

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.

We also offer naturopathy and nutrition consultations to support fertility, pregnancy, children’s health, and general wellbeing. Osteopathy services are available in our Alexandria clinic for pregnancy care, paediatrics, and general rehabilitation.

Read more about IVF Acupuncture and Research here.

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