The Role of Acupuncture in Fertility Treatments

Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture involves the gentle insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to balance energy, improve circulation, and promote overall well-being. But beyond relaxation, research now shows that acupuncture may play a powerful role in boosting fertility, improving IVF outcomes, and supporting hormonal health for both women and men.
Isha Women’s Hospital
What Is Acupuncture & How Does It Work?
Dr. Chinmay Pataki, one of the leading fertility experts in Thane, strongly believes in combining advanced reproductive science with holistic healing methods like acupuncture to support every couple's fertility journey. Isha Women’s Hospital takes pride in being the only centre of Dombivali that addresses fertility from every angle—integrating medical treatment with personalized care plans that include diet, yoga, and holistic therapies. Our mission is to provide comprehensive, compassionate care that nurtures both body and mind on your path to parenthood.
In this blog, we explore what acupuncture is, how it works, and how it may benefit those trying to conceive.
What Is Acupuncture?
How It Works:
It involves the insertion of ultra-fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body called acupoints or meridians.
- These points are believed to stimulate the flow of Qi (pronounced ‘chee’), the body’s vital energy.
- When Qi is blocked or imbalanced, it can affect overall health—including reproductive function.
- Acupuncture stimulates nerves, muscles, and connective tissue, triggering the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
- It promotes better blood circulation, reduces inflammation, and encourages the release of endorphins (natural painkillers).
- It also influences the neuroendocrine system, which plays a key role in hormonal balance and fertility.
How Acupuncture May Boost Fertility
1. Increases Blood Flow to the Ovaries and Uterus: Good circulation is essential for fertility. Acupuncture helps:
- Improve ovarian function by enhancing blood flow to the ovaries.
- Deliver more oxygen and nutrients to developing follicles.
- Promote thick, healthy endometrial lining, increasing the chance of successful implantation.
Acupuncture:
- Helps in building a triple-line endometrium, which is ideal for implantation.
- Increases vascularization (blood vessel formation) in the endometrial layer.
3. Balances Reproductive Hormones: Acupuncture positively affects the hormonal axis that regulates the menstrual cycle:
- Modulates FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) and LH (Luteinizing Hormone) to encourage ovulation.
- Supports estrogen and progesterone balance for a healthy luteal phase and early pregnancy.
- Improves thyroid function, which is closely linked to fertility.
4. Supports Regular Ovulation and Menstrual Cycles: Irregular or absent periods are a common cause of female infertility.
Acupuncture can:
- Stimulate the ovaries to ovulate regularly.
- Regulate the menstrual cycle in women with anovulation or hormonal disorders.
- Improve egg quality by increasing ovarian response.
Acupuncture helps:
- Promote deep relaxation by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.
- Lower cortisol levels, allowing your body’s natural reproductive rhythm to return.
- Improve sleep, emotional well-being, and mental clarity—all of which contribute to overall fertility.
Acupuncture & Fertility Treatments
Acupuncture and IVF Success Rates
For couples undergoing IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), acupuncture is one of the most widely recommended complementary therapies. Numerous studies have shown that combining acupuncture with IVF can improve pregnancy rates, especially when done at specific stages of the IVF cycle.
Benefits of Acupuncture During IVF:
- Improves Embryo Quality: By boosting blood flow to the ovaries, acupuncture may support better egg maturation and follicular development, contributing to healthier embryos.
- Enhances Uterine Receptivity: A well-nourished endometrial lining is crucial for embryo implantation. Acupuncture helps build a thicker, more receptive lining.
- Boosts Success Rates: Research suggests the best outcomes occur when acupuncture is performed on the day of embryo transfer, both before and after the procedure.
Acupuncture for PCOS and Hormonal Imbalance
How Acupuncture Helps PCOS Patients:
- Regulates Insulin and Androgens: Acupuncture can improve insulin sensitivity and lower testosterone levels, both of which are often elevated in PCOS.
- Restores Ovulation: Many women with PCOS struggle with irregular or absent ovulation. Acupuncture encourages the body’s natural ovulation process by rebalancing hormones like LH and FSH.
- Reduces Common Symptoms:
- Irregular periods
- Acne and oily skin
- Excess facial or body hair (hirsutism)
- Weight gain and fatigue
How Acupuncture Supports Natural Conception
Fertility Benefits of Acupuncture in Natural Conception:
Enhances Cervical Mucus Production: Cervical mucus is essential for sperm transport and fertilization. Acupuncture helps improve mucus quality by enhancing estrogen levels and blood flow.
Improves Libido and Uterine Tone: Acupuncture boosts sexual desire and prepares the uterus for embryo implantation by improving muscle tone and circulation.
Encourages Regular, Pain-Free Periods: Women with irregular, painful, or heavy periods often find relief through acupuncture. It helps regulate menstrual cycles, which is key for tracking ovulation.
Supports Women with Unexplained Infertility: For couples with no identifiable cause of infertility, acupuncture provides a natural, non-invasive method to optimize reproductive health and reduce stress.
What to Expect & Safety Tips
What Happens During a Fertility Acupuncture Session?
For those new to acupuncture, the idea of needles may seem intimidating. But fertility acupuncture is a gentle, calming experience, often described by patients as deeply relaxing.
Here's What a Typical Session Looks Like:
- Personalised Consultation: Your acupuncturist begins by taking a detailed health history—including your menstrual cycle, hormone levels, fertility goals, lifestyle, and any past treatments.
- Targeted Needle Placement: Based on your current cycle phase, very thin, sterile needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points on the abdomen, lower legs, back, or ears. Each point is chosen to support your reproductive function and hormonal balance.
- Relaxing Environment: Sessions last about 30 to 45 minutes. Many patients report falling asleep or entering a meditative state during treatment.
- Consistent Sessions Recommended: Ideally, 1–2 sessions per week are advised, starting at least 3–6 months before trying to conceive, whether naturally or via IVF.
Is Acupuncture Safe During Fertility Treatment?
Acupuncture & Male Fertility
Acupuncture isn’t just for women—male fertility also benefits significantly from this ancient therapy. With increasing cases of male factor infertility, it’s vital to support sperm health and hormonal balance holistically.
How Acupuncture Helps Men:
- Improves Sperm Parameters: Research shows acupuncture can increase sperm count, motility, and morphology, improving the chances of natural conception or IVF success.
- Reduces Oxidative Stress: Acupuncture lowers inflammation and oxidative stress in the testes, creating a healthier environment for sperm production.
- Supports Testosterone & Reduces ED: Acupuncture helps regulate hormones like testosterone and can reduce stress-related erectile dysfunction and low libido.
Is Acupuncture Right for Your Fertility Journey?
Why Consider Acupuncture?
- Safe and non-invasive
- Reduces stress and balances hormones
- Enhances IVF success and egg/sperm quality
- Helps manage PCOS and unexplained infertility
- Complements other fertility treatments
Dr. Chinmay Pataki’s Isha Women’s Hospital is committed to treat fertility from every dimension—medical, emotional, and holistic. Whether it's through cutting-edge ART procedures, individualized nutrition plans, stress management, or healing practices like acupuncture, we’re here to guide and support you at every step.
Take the first step toward a complete and compassionate fertility journey.
Book your consultation at Isha Women’s Hospital today—and let’s work together to turn your dream of parenthood into reality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ans - Ideally 3–6 months before trying to conceive or starting IVF.
2. How often should I get acupuncture for fertility?
Ans - Most experts recommend 1–2 sessions per week, depending on your cycle.
3. Does acupuncture hurt?
Ans - No, the needles are very thin—most people feel relaxed, not pain.
4. Can acupuncture help with PCOS or endometriosis?
Ans - Yes, it can regulate hormones, reduce inflammation, and promote ovulation.
5. Can men also benefit from fertility acupuncture?
Ans - Absolutely! Acupuncture improves sperm quality and reduces stress in men too.