Fertility and IVF Support

I offer fertility and IVF support with acupuncture sessions and online, with stand alone nutrition consultations or health coaching packages.

Acupuncture for Fertility and IVF Support

Research has found that acupuncture can help fertility outcomes by:

  • Improving blood supply, hormone and nutrient delivery to the ovaries and uterus (promoting follicle development and ovulation, endometrial receptivity and implantation)

  • Regulating fertility hormones (for example, by promoting the release of beta-endorphins in the brain thus affecting the hypothalamic pituitary-ovarian axis (HPOA))

  • Reducing and alleviating painful periods

  • Improving emotional wellbeing, reducing stress and anxiety and increasing womens’ ability to cope with the IVF process

  • Improving clinical pregnancy and live birth rates of sub-fertile women undergoing IVF or ICSI (including with donor cycles)

  • Improving sperm motility, count and quality (by lowering scrotal temperature, enhancing microcirculation and blow flow, reducing inflammation, improving sperm maturation and increasing testosterone levels)

While research on acupuncture for IVF sometimes shows mixed results, this is often due to differences in how studies are designed—such as variations in sample size, control methods, and acupuncture dosage—so more consistent research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits. The HFEA (Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority) recognises that some complementary therapies like acupuncture can help IVF patients with relaxation or general wellbeing, recommending to choose from qualified traditional acupuncturists that are BAcC members. Before an initial consultation, you will be asked to complete a comprehensive pre- consultation form, which includes questions about your health and fertility history, lifestyle, current diet, and food preferences, as well as a food diary. This background information helps me identify the specific areas we should focus on during our session.

What is the evidence for acupuncture for fertility?

Acupuncture is widely used by people while trying to conceive naturally, on its own or alongside any other medical treatment, including in preparation for and throughout IVF, IUI, and egg freezing. It is used to relieve symptoms associated with the following conditions:

  • PCOS or PCOS-like symptoms and endometriosis

  • Ovarian cysts

  • Diminish ovarian reserve and high FSH

  • Recurrent pregnancy loss and threaten miscarriage

  • Implantation failure

  • Pelvic pain and cystitis

  • Menopausal symptoms

  • Autoimmune conditions (for example thyroid)

Watch my video with Zita West here

When should acupuncture in preparation for IVF begin?

The outcomes of IVF depend on a number of factors, including the quality of reproductive cells (gametes) and the resulting embryo, as well as the quality and receptivity of the uterine lining (endometrium). Because the development of eggs and sperm occur over a 90 day-cycle, it is considered that in order to exert a positive influence, acupuncture should be used not only during the IVF cycle or during embryo transfer, but regularly in the months leading to an egg collection. If this preparation time frame cannot be achieved, acupuncture can also begin with the start of an IVF cycle and as outlined in the timeline below. We also encourage men with suboptimal sperm parameters to consider having acupuncture in preparation for treatment alongside their partners.

Besides influencing ovarian function and sperm development, acupuncture in the lead-up to IVF also aims to: support lifestyle (such as sleep and digestion), enhance emotional wellbeing (including mood fluctuations and stress), address medication side effects (like hot flashes, headaches, and constipation), improve endometrial (lining) quality and thickness, aid implantation, and support early pregnancy.

Based on current scientific evidence, acupuncture is recommended during several stages: the preparation phase, starting at any point within the 3–6 months leading up to egg collection; the pretreatment phase, beginning up to 4 weeks before ovarian stimulation (ideally with weekly sessions during down regulation with agonist or antagonist drugs); and throughout ovarian stimulation (with at least two sessions, preferably before day 10). On the day of embryo transfer, it is ideal to have one session before and one after (if this is not feasible, a session the day before can work as a good alternative). During the two- week wait, a session about one week after embryo transfer is also suggested.

For frozen embryo transfer (FET), weekly treatments starting up to 4 weeks before transfer can support endometrial preparation. During early pregnancy, weekly acupuncture sessions until the 12-week scan can promote relaxation and continue to provide emotional support. In cases of threatened miscarriage, acupuncture may also help reduce stress and potentially support beneficial hormonal responses during this sensitive stage.

Nutrition for Fertility and IVF Support

What areas of fertility can nutrition help with?

  • People trying to conceive naturally, and preparation for a healthy conception and pregnancy

  • Women with gynaecological conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, PCOS or PCOS-like symptoms

  • Women with a history of miscarriage

  • People with hormonal and menstrual cycle irregularities

  • Couples with unexplained infertility

  • People preparing for IVF, IUI, egg freezing and embryo transfer

  • Male fertility (low sperm count and concentration, reduced motility, abnormal morphology and DNA fragmentation)

  • Egg quality

When should nutrition in preparation for IVF begin?

For optimal IVF preparation, it is recommended to begin focusing on nutrition approximately 2 to 3 months before treatment, as this timeframe aligns with both folliculogenesis in women and spermatogenesis in men—two processes of gamete maturation that each span around 90 days and are sensitive to dietary and lifestyle influences. Nutritional improvements and the use of some specific supplements during this period can positively impact both egg and sperm quality, as well as overall reproductive health.

A diet emphasizing whole, unprocessed foods—such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins—can support hormonal balance, reduce inflammation, and improve metabolic health. Additionally, key nutrients such as folate, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants (including vitamins C and E, selenium, and zinc) have been shown to support fertility in both men and women, as indicated by various scientific studies.