While getting poked and prodded might not seem like the most appealing way to boost your fertility, some research suggests that acupuncture may help women conceive. Here's what it's like to get acupuncture and how it might benefit you.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a therapy that uses needles to stimulate nerve endings below the surface of the skin. By inserting and gently manipulating thin needles — sometimes combined with mild electrical stimulation (a technique known as electroacupuncture) — practitioners activate nerves that signal the body to release endorphins. These natural chemicals can help reduce stress, which may have a positive effect on fertility.
"I did acupuncture for 3 months every week and got my positive exactly 3 months after starting acupuncture," says What to Expect Community mom stargazer9530. "I can't say for sure that was it, because we did introduce a bunch of other things three months before getting our positive, but I can't say it hurt."
Can acupuncture boost fertility?
The verdict is still out on whether acupuncture directly increases fertility, but some research is promising — particularly for women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).
One small study found that women who received acupuncture before and after embryo transfer were more likely to get pregnant than those who made lifestyle changes alone. A review of 23 studies also suggested that acupuncture may improve IVF success rates, though these findings remain controversial and not all studies show a benefit.
There's little conclusive evidence that acupuncture improves natural pregnancy rates. That said, there's also no evidence showing that it harms fertility.
"I had acupuncture after trying for two years and having a miscarriage during that time. I got pregnant that cycle and am holding my 13-month-old right now," says What to Expect Community member marypoppins202. "I loved it."
What are the benefits of trying acupuncture for fertility?
One of the clearest benefits of acupuncture is stress reduction. Acupuncture has been shown to help ease anxiety and depression — common challenges for women struggling with infertility. This matters because high levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, have been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage once pregnancy occurs.
"Acupuncture helped with my stress and made my cycles a literal dream," says What to Expect Community member Rabd190. "I love acupuncture and plan to use it again as we begin TTC baby #2."
Are there any risks of doing acupuncture when you're trying to conceive?
The practice is usually safe, but it's important to seek out a certified and licensed professional who's familiar with infertility care. You'll also want to make sure you're comfortable with your practitioner. Ask your doctor for a referral if possible.
"Finding the right acupuncture practitioner for you is key," says What to Expect Community mom RoobixQB. "The first practitioner I had ended up stressing me out, so I found a different one. She's been amazing and really helpful! My stress level has greatly improved. I sleep a lot better! (Plus I get a nap on the table!)"
As an extra precaution, make sure your practitioner uses sterile, single collage-use needles and cleans your skin with an alcohol swab before insertion.
Many acupuncturists also recommend herbal therapies. It's very important to discuss any herbs or supplements with your doctor to make sure that they're safe to take with any fertility treatments you've been prescribed.
Acupuncture pressure points for fertility
According to acupuncturists, pressure points on the head promote relaxation, while points around the stomach are thought to increase blood flow to the ovaries. Points on the lower legs and feet are believed to help improve circulation to the reproductive organs.
What to expect at an acupuncture appointment
An initial visit typically includes an in-depth consultation. Some questions may not immediately seem to be related to fertility, but your answers will help your practitioner determine the ideal therapy for you.
After the consultation, the acupuncturist will insert needles at specific points designed to support fertility or improve blood flow. The needles are usually left in place for around 20 to 25 minutes while you rest. Follow-up visits are generally shorter and usually don't include a consultation.
"I am a big believer in acupuncture!" says What to Expect Community member ahill1000. "Maybe it was just coincidence, but after 4 years and four failed fresh IVFs, not one BFP [big fat positive], I decided to do acupuncture right before my FET [frozen embryo transfer]. Had first treatment three weeks before, next one two days before transfer. I'm now 15 weeks pregnant with twins! I am still getting a treatment monthly until delivery."
Keep track of appointments and connect with other women who are trying to conceive in the What to Expect app, where you can also get tips for your pregnancy journey once you do conceive.
How much does acupuncture cost? Does insurance cover it?
Costs vary depending on location, but an initial visit typically ranges from $125 to $300. Follow-up sessions can cost between $75 and $150. Insurance often doesn't cover acupuncture — though some plans do, so check with your provider. If you buy a package of treatments, you can sometimes save money.
"It doesn't hurt to try it. Especially if your insurance covers it," says What to Expect Community member ourmiracleboy, whose insurance covers 12 visits a year and who got pregnant after three acupuncture appointments.
Success rates of doing acupuncture when TTC
Success rates are difficult to pin down. Some studies suggest that acupuncture helps increase fertility, especially in women who are having trouble conceiving, while other studies show little to no benefit.
A large study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that acupuncture only caused only a negligible (around 1%) increase in pregnancy outcomes. Smaller studies have reported larger improvements, but these findings need confirmation in larger, well-controlled trials.
Studies haven't shown any negative impact of acupuncture on fertility or treatment outcomes.
Should you try acupuncture during pregnancy?
If you want to! You may find acupuncture during pregnancy helpful. Acupuncture can alleviate some of the undesirable symptoms of pregnancy like morning sickness, fatigue, and depression. Some research has shown that in pregnant women who did depression-focused acupuncture, the treatment reduced symptoms by 63%.
However, the absolute safety of this therapy during pregnancy hasn't been proven, so it's important to consult with your doctor before trying it.
The bottom line
It's not completely clear whether acupuncture increases fertility, but it has been shown to help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression — factors that can make trying to conceive more difficult. Research suggests it may also improve outcomes for women undergoing IVF.
And while it's often not covered by insurance, the cost is relatively low compared with fertility treatments like IVF. If there's a possibility that acupuncture will boost your chances of getting pregnant or at least lift some of the stress you're dealing with, it may be worth a try if it fits your budget.
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