Many people going through IVF ask whether acupuncture is worth adding. It’s a fair question, and it deserves a straight answer.
What the research says
Acupuncture during IVF has been studied extensively, including in large, well-designed clinical trials. Overall, these have not shown that acupuncture improves live birth rates. Some earlier, smaller studies suggested a benefit, but those findings have not held up in better-quality research. We won’t tell you that acupuncture will improve your chances of pregnancy.
Why some people still choose it
IVF can be physically and emotionally demanding. Some people use acupuncture during this time simply because they find sessions calming, and value an hour set aside for themselves. If that’s what you’re looking for, and your fertility team is comfortable with it, it’s a reasonable choice.
How sessions fit around your clinic
- Tell your fertility specialist you’re considering acupuncture
- Bring your clinic’s key dates so we can plan sessions around stimulation, retrieval and transfer
- We don’t give advice about IVF medication, and we don’t prescribe herbs during an active cycle unless your specialist agrees
Who you’ll see
Our acupuncturists are registered with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia through AHPRA. Hannah Chen, who has a particular interest in women’s health, sees patients on Sundays.
Booking
If you’d like to talk it through, book a free 20-minute consultation at our St Lucia clinic. There’s no obligation to go ahead. Book a free consultation or call 0434 743 569.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Acupuncture supports, and does not replace, care from your fertility specialist. Individual experiences vary.
