Acupuncture has been used for decades to support IVF treatments.

Here are our most commonly asked questions:

1. Do I really need acupuncture if I am doing IVF?

The reason many Reproductive Endocrinologists recommend acupuncture for IVF is they want their patients to succeed in becoming pregnant. Acupuncture is an adjunct therapy that optimizes the chances of achieving pregnancy. Acupuncture increases blood flow to the uterus and reproductive organs, reduces stress, and minimizes the side effects of medication.

2. How many acupuncture treatments will it take to work?

We typically recommend 12 treatments before the IVF procedure, with a minimum of two treatments per week for the 4 weeks leading up to the retrieval itself. The purpose of acupuncture for IVF is to optimize the quality and quantity of eggs for retrieval, and to prepare the body for transfer.

3. Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture should not be painful at all. Acupuncturists are trained to insert sterilized, hair-thin needles into the skin in a way that can be hardly perceived. Sometimes it may feel like a mosquito is biting. Receiving an acupuncture treatment for IVF is typically a very relaxing experience, one that induces many patients to fall asleep, or experience a deep sense of rest and relaxation.

4. Can I have acupuncture without the needles?

Acupuncture, by definition, involves the insertion of hair-thin needles. A professional will insert the needles without pain, ensuring the patient has a relaxing experience.

5. Where will you put the needles?

One of the amazing things about acupuncture is that there are many, many options for where to place needles. Typically to support the stimulation part of IVF, we insert needles in the abdomen, over the uterus and ovaries. Additional needles are placed on the body to support as needed.

6. Can acupuncture hurt my chances of conceiving?

Acupuncture for IVF is an extremely low risk treatment. An acupuncturist specializing in fertility is trained specifically on optimizing, rather than negatively affecting, the chances of pregnancy.

Quality fertility specialists not only works in tandem with local IVF doctors, but they’re also familiar with the IVF protocols and medications, what they do and how they make patients feel. They understand the nuances and intricacies of IVF, and work with patients to support them through the process.

If you are interested in acupuncture for IVF, but have more questions, we encourage you to reach out and schedule a complimentary online consultation.

As fertility specialists, we believe that if you are going to spend the time, energy and money to come and work with us, you deserve to have every opportunity to succeed in becoming pregnant.

We invite you to make an appointment or speak to one of our fertility specialists.

Anna Rudel
San Jose Acupuncturist
408.279.9001
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