Acupuncture During IVF: Does It Help?

Research suggests acupuncture may improve IVF success rates, especially for clinical pregnancy and live birth, but evidence is mixed and controversial when compared to sham treatments.
It seems likely that acupuncture helps reduce stress, balance hormones, and improve uterine blood flow, potentially aiding implantation.
The evidence leans toward minimal risks, mainly minor pain or bruising, if done by a trained practitioner.
Costs vary widely, typically $50–150 per session, with multiple sessions needed; time commitment is about 30–60 minutes per session over several weeks.
Similar therapies include meditation, yoga, and nutritional counseling, but their effectiveness for IVF is less studied and may have risks.

For many couples facing infertility, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is a beacon of hope. But let’s be real: the IVF journey can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, packed with stress and uncertainty. That’s why some turn to complementary therapies like acupuncture to boost their chances of success. Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture has gained buzz as a potential sidekick to IVF.

But does it really work? Let’s dive into the science, sift through the evidence, and explore what acupuncture might (or might not) do for your IVF journey.

Traditional Chinese Medicine clinic. Young couple. Consultation.

Table of Contents

What Is Acupuncture, Anyway?

Picture this: tiny needles gently inserted into specific points on your body to balance your energy flow, or “qi” (pronounced “chee”). That’s acupuncture in a nutshell. It’s been around for thousands of years, traditionally used to treat everything from pain to digestive woes¹. In the context of IVF, acupuncture is typically timed around key moments—like egg retrieval or embryo transfer—with the goal of improving pregnancy rates and easing the process².

Think of it like prepping a garden: acupuncture might be the tool that waters the soil (your body) and clears the weeds (stress), making it a better home for the seed (your embryo). But does the science back up this cozy metaphor? Let’s find out.

Important reminder: Acupuncture is not part of “IVF”. It is only an additional auxiliary means.

How Could Acupuncture Help IVF?

Researchers have zeroed in on a few ways acupuncture might give IVF a nudge in the right direction:

Stress Relief: IVF can be a pressure cooker of emotions. Acupuncture may calm your nerves by triggering the release of feel-good chemicals like endorphins³, helping you stay relaxed during the process.
Hormone Harmony: It’s thought that acupuncture could tweak hormone levels by influencing the pituitary gland⁴, which might support your ovaries during IVF.
Better Blood Flow: Improved circulation to the uterus could create a plush, welcoming environment for an embryo to settle in⁵.

Sounds promising, right? But here’s where it gets tricky: the evidence isn’t a slam dunk. Let’s break down what the studies say.

What Does the Research Tell Us?

The jury’s still out on whether acupuncture is an IVF game-changer, with studies showing mixed results. Here’s a snapshot of the latest findings:

A 2023 Meta-Analysis
A study published in Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics (link) reviewed 25 trials with 4,757 women. The results? Women who used acupuncture had a clinical pregnancy rate of 43.6% and a live birth rate of 38.0%, compared to 33.2% and 28.7% in the no-acupuncture group. That’s a noticeable bump, suggesting acupuncture might help.
A 2008 BMJ Review
This older study (link) found higher pregnancy and live birth rates with acupuncture—until they compared it to “sham acupuncture” (a placebo where needles don’t actually pierce the skin). The difference shrank, hinting that some of the benefit might come from relaxation rather than the needles themselves.
A 2019 Boost for Repeat IVF Attempts
Another analysis (link) found a silver lining: women with past IVF failures saw better pregnancy and live birth rates with acupuncture. So, if IVF hasn’t worked before, acupuncture might be worth a shot.

Why the mixed bag? Differences in study design—like timing, needle placement, or what “control” groups got—muddy the waters. Still, the takeaway is this: acupuncture might help some people, some of the time, but it’s not a magic bullet.

An experienced Chinese medicine practitioner is treating the patient with acupuncture and moxibustion.

Are There Any Risks?

Good news: acupuncture is generally low-risk when done by a trained pro. You might experience:

Mild soreness at needle sites
A little bruising or spotting

Serious side effects? Rare. Studies, like one from Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology (link), show no link to increased miscarriage risk. Just make sure your acupuncturist knows their stuff—especially if you’re in the thick of IVF.

Read more: Acupuncture Risks and Side Effects: What You Need to Know

What About Cost and Time?

Adding acupuncture to IVF isn’t free, and it takes some commitment. Here’s the breakdown:

Cost: In the U.S., sessions typically range from $50 to $150 each. For an IVF cycle, you might need 5–10 sessions, totaling $500 to $1,500 or more, depending on where you live.
Time: Each visit lasts about 30–60 minutes, often scheduled around egg retrieval and embryo transfer days.

It’s an investment, sure—but for some, the potential payoff feels worth it.

Read more: How Much does Acupuncture Cost (Different Countries)

A woman with black hair is consulting a doctor in a traditional Chinese medicine clinic about hair problems.

Other Options to Support IVF

Not sold on acupuncture? You’ve got alternatives:

Meditation or Yoga: These stress-busters might indirectly boost your IVF odds by keeping anxiety in check⁶.
Nutrition Tweaks: A diet rich in antioxidants and fertility-friendly foods could support your body⁷.
Herbal Supplements: Proceed with caution—some herbs can clash with IVF meds, so check with your doctor first.

Evidence for these is thinner than for acupuncture, but they’re part of the broader wellness toolkit.

So, Should You Try Acupuncture During IVF?

Here’s the bottom line: acupuncture isn’t a guaranteed ticket to IVF success, but it’s not snake oil either. The research suggests it might improve pregnancy and live birth rates for some—especially if you’ve hit roadblocks with IVF before. Plus, it’s low-risk and could help you unwind during a stressful time. On the flip side, it’s not cheap, and the benefits might partly come from a placebo effect.

What’s the smart move? Talk to your fertility team. They can help you weigh the pros and cons based on your unique situation. If you’re curious and your budget allows, acupuncture could be a gentle nudge toward your baby-making goals—just don’t expect miracles.