Fertility Acupuncture
Whether you're trying to conceive naturally or undergoing IVF, acupuncture offers evidence-based support to optimize your fertility journey.
Fertility acupuncture supports natural conception and IVF outcomes by regulating cycle quality, improving endometrial response, and reducing the allostatic load of treatment. In my Cambridge and Saffron Walden clinics I work with women and couples at every stage — pre-conception, IUI, IVF, and recurrent miscarriage support — for 20+ years alongside the usual maternity care pathway.
Higher pregnancy rates with acupuncture during IVF (Paulus et al., 2002)
Live birth rate improvement in some studies
Stress and anxiety levels during fertility treatment
Fertility Support
Every fertility journey is unique. I tailor my approach to your specific situation and needs.
Natural Conception
Optimizing your fertility naturally through cycle regulation, improving egg and sperm quality, and addressing underlying imbalances.
IVF & IUI Support
Supporting you through assisted reproduction — before, during, and after procedures to maximize your chances of success.
Cycle Regulation
Balancing hormones and establishing regular ovulation. Essential for both natural conception and IVF preparation.
Recurrent Loss Support
Gentle support after pregnancy loss, helping to strengthen and prepare your body for future pregnancy.
Acupuncture for IVF
Research suggests that acupuncture may improve IVF success rates by increasing blood flow to the uterus, reducing stress hormones, and supporting implantation.
I work alongside your fertility clinic, timing treatments to complement your IVF protocol. Many Saffron Walden patients combine acupuncture with their treatment at local fertility centers.
The most well-known protocol involves treatment on the day of embryo transfer — before and after — but I recommend starting earlier for best results.
Preparation
3+ months beforeBuilding your foundation — improving egg quality, regulating cycles, and optimizing overall health.
Stimulation
During stimsSupporting follicle development and reducing side effects of medication.
Transfer
Before & afterPromoting blood flow to the uterus and calming the nervous system for optimal implantation.
Two Week Wait
Post-transferReducing anxiety and supporting early pregnancy. Gentle treatment to help you through this stressful time.
The Chinese Medicine Approach
Optimize Egg Quality
Nourishing Blood and Kidney essence supports healthy eggs
Regulate Your Cycle
Establishing regular ovulation and healthy menstruation
Prepare the Uterus
Building a healthy lining for implantation
Reduce Stress
Calming the mind and supporting emotional wellbeing
Trying to Conceive Naturally
For couples trying to conceive naturally, I recommend starting acupuncture 3-6 months before you want to become pregnant. This allows time to regulate cycles, optimize egg and sperm quality, and address any underlying imbalances.
Treatment is tailored to your menstrual cycle — different points and techniques for the follicular phase, ovulation, and luteal phase.
Chinese herbal medicine can also be helpful, particularly for PCOS, endometriosis, and irregular cycles. All herbs I prescribe are 100% plant-based.
Conditions Treated
Fertility challenges I commonly work with
Male Partners Welcome
Fertility is a couple's journey. Acupuncture can help improve sperm quality, count, and motility. I offer treatment for male partners as part of a comprehensive fertility support plan — you can book a fertility consultation for either partner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about fertility acupuncture and IVF support.
Acupuncture improves ovarian blood flow, supports regular ovulation and reduces stress-related cortisol — all known contributors to fertility. A 2018 meta-analysis in Reproductive Biomedicine Online found acupuncture improved clinical pregnancy rates in IVF cycles when combined with embryo transfer support.
3–6 months before trying to conceive is ideal — one full cycle of egg development (around 90 days). Weekly treatment alongside cycle tracking lets Amanda tune the protocol around each menstrual phase.
Acupuncture is most effective when started at least 4 weeks before egg collection and continued through embryo transfer. Amanda works with Cambridge's Bourn Hall and Addenbrooke's IVF patients — timing visits around stimulation, egg collection and transfer for maximum effect.
Yes, with the right practitioner. Amanda is MBAcC-registered and trained in pregnancy-specific protocols — certain points are avoided during early pregnancy, others are actively used to support morning sickness, pelvic pain, breech presentation and labour preparation.
Pre-birth acupuncture from 36 weeks helps prepare the cervix and optimise baby's position; labour-induction acupuncture from 40+ weeks can encourage onset naturally. Amanda provides both pre-birth preparation and labour-induction sessions for patients nearing or past their due date.
Start Your Fertility Journey
Book a consultation to discuss your situation and create a personalized fertility support plan.