For many couples, infertility can be a stressful and often heartbreaking time. Conventional fertility treatments such as IVF or IUI can be an important part of the journey, but they focus primarily on helping achieve pregnancy. Some couples also want an approach that considers their health and well-being as a whole.

Acupuncture for fertility, nutritional supplements, herbal medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine for fertility, and Functional Medicine for fertility can provide complementary support during this process. By looking at the body as a system of integrated and interacting parts, this whole-body approach considers reproductive health alongside nutrition, stress, sleep, lifestyle, and overall wellness.

Key Takeaways

• Acupuncture for fertility may be used as complementary support while trying to conceive naturally or alongside IVF or IUI
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) looks at reproductive health as part of the body’s larger, interconnected system
• Functional Medicine for fertility considers nutrition, lifestyle, stress, sleep, and other factors that may influence overall wellness

How Can Acupuncture Support Fertility?

Research has explored the use of acupuncture for fertility during different stages of the menstrual cycle, including the luteal phase, which occurs after ovulation, as well as alongside IVF treatment. Some studies have reported encouraging findings, although research on whether acupuncture improves pregnancy or live-birth rates remains mixed.

Fertility involves both partners. Acupuncture has also been studied in men for its potential effects on sperm quality and motility. Some studies have reported encouraging findings, which has helped support continued research into acupuncture and reproductive health.

Why may acupuncture and targeted herbal or nutritional supplements be helpful? They may support:

• Healthy circulation and blood flow to the uterus and ovaries
• Ovarian and menstrual health
• A healthy uterine environment
• Hormonal wellness
• Relaxation and stress management

For couples experiencing infertility, Diane often recommends beginning acupuncture approximately three months before a desired conception or IVF cycle. The frequency and length of treatment can then be personalized based on the patient’s menstrual cycle, fertility goals, overall health, and any fertility treatments they may be receiving.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Functional Medicine for Fertility

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Functional Medicine take a whole-body approach to fertility, looking at the body as a system of integrated and interacting parts. Rather than focusing only on reproductive health, this approach also considers nutrition, stress, sleep, lifestyle, and overall wellness.

Depending on your individual needs, TCM and Functional Medicine for fertility may include:

• A whole-food diet
• Herbal medicine and targeted nutritional supplements
• Reducing or eliminating caffeine when appropriate
• Avoiding or limiting alcohol
• Reducing and managing stress
• Practicing healthy sleep habits

Combined with acupuncture, these healthy lifestyle practices can help support greater balance and overall wellness while you are trying to conceive.

Patient Experiences With Fertility Acupuncture

Diane has seen the impact of fertility-focused care firsthand in her practice.

One patient was a 32-year-old woman who had been trying unsuccessfully to conceive with her partner for two years. She originally came to Diane for another health concern, but during her intake appointment, they also discussed her fertility journey.

Based on her individual needs, Diane recommended specific fertility acupuncture points along with targeted nutritional supplements. After three acupuncture treatments, the patient was thrilled to learn that she had become pregnant.

Diane has also worked with E! personality and former WWE star Brianna Danielson. After four fertility acupuncture treatments, Brianna became pregnant and later shared her experience.