Fertility & IVF Support

Whole-person support for fertility

Trying to conceive can be emotionally and physically demanding. Fertility acupuncture focuses on supporting overall balance, cycle regularity, stress, sleep and circulation, and on helping you feel cared for through the process. Many people choose acupuncture alongside treatment at a fertility clinic.

People come to us when

• Trying to conceive naturally, including after a long stretch of trying
• Living with irregular cycles, PCOS or endometriosis, alongside medical care
• Preparing for IUI, IVF, a frozen embryo transfer or egg freezing
• Facing unexplained infertility or past pregnancy loss, alongside medical care
• Wanting support for a partner's fertility and wellbeing
• Building a family as a same-sex couple, a single parent by choice, or with donor eggs or sperm

How Chinese medicine looks at fertility

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, fertility is connected to the health of the whole body: the rhythm of your cycle, your energy and sleep, digestion, circulation and stress. Your acupuncturist will ask detailed questions about your cycle and health history, and may ask you to track your cycle or basal body temperature. Treatment is tailored to you and adjusted through the different phases of your cycle.

Trying to conceive naturally

Eggs and sperm take around three months to mature, so many people come in weekly for about three months before trying, or while trying. You can start at any point, and your acupuncturist will suggest a rhythm that fits your cycle, budget and schedule.

Acupuncture alongside IUI and IVF

Treatment is planned around your fertility clinic's timeline. A typical rhythm looks like this:

• Before your cycle: weekly sessions for several weeks to prepare and help manage stress.
• During stimulation: regular sessions while you take your medications.
• Around egg retrieval: a session in the days before or after, if helpful.
• Transfer day: sessions timed as close as practical to your embryo transfer.
• The two-week wait: gentle, calming sessions to support rest and ease anxiety.

Please bring your protocol and medication schedule, and let your fertility clinic know you are having acupuncture.

What the research says

Research on acupuncture and fertility outcomes is mixed. Some studies suggest benefits and others show no difference in pregnancy rates, so we can't promise results. What many patients tell us they value is feeling calmer, sleeping better and having steady support through a demanding process.

Support for partners

Fertility involves both partners. Partners are welcome to come in for acupuncture too, focused on overall health, stress and sleep.

More support at the clinic

Herbal medicine: Natalia can create custom herbal formulas when you are trying to conceive naturally. If you are in an IUI or IVF cycle, check with your fertility clinic first, as many ask patients to pause herbs during treatment. About herbal medicine

Counselling: Fertility challenges can strain your mood and your relationship. Antonio Guzman, RCC, offers individual and couples counselling. About counselling

Once you're pregnant: acupuncture can continue, adjusted for pregnancy. See pregnancy and postpartum care.

Acupuncture is a complementary therapy. It works alongside, not instead of, care from your physician or specialist. Please tell your practitioner about any diagnoses, medications or pregnancy.