In which stage should I consider acupuncture for fertility?

Acupuncture can be used at any stage of the fertility process. Generally, we work with people for a minimum of 3-6 months. Ideally, having acupuncture once a week allows time to make a positive impact on egg or sperm quality.

Will Fertility Acupuncture be covered by insurance?

At this time, infertility acupuncture therapy insurance billing is not available directly. However, we provide statements to patients who wish to submit them to insurance companies for possible reimbursement.

What can I expect in an Acupuncture Session?

You will be asked about your general health and medical history. The typical sensation is a numbness or tingling in the pierced area, followed by a sense of deep relaxation.

Acupuncture For Fertility in London: A Natural Path to Conception

Q: Are there any risks of doing acupuncture?

Acupuncture is usually safe, and side effects are very rare. Most treatments do not require anaesthesia as the needles are extremely thin. It is essential to find a licensed professional.

Introduction to Acupuncture for Fertility

Interest in acupuncture for fertility is rapidly growing across London as more couples seek natural paths to conception. Infertility is a difficult issue for many couples. Many people believe that the only option left is to turn to fertility treatments, which can be costly and time-consuming. There are many other options, though! Acupuncture has been shown in studies to help improve success rates among those who practice it on a regular basis.

The fertility rate in London has been declining for decades, and with more couples struggling to conceive than ever before, it's no surprise that people are looking into alternative ways to help them. One of these methods is acupuncture. Acupuncture can be a great treatment because when used correctly, it stimulates blood flow to the reproductive organs and increases endorphins- both of which work together to regulate the reproductive system.

The Chinese Medicine approach is holistic, which means that it addresses the entire person, not just the reproductive system. The goal is to restore balance and harmony within the body so that the woman can conceive naturally.

Understanding Infertility Statistics in the UK

Infertility has plagued many people. Many families have issues. Around 1 in 7 couples may have difficulty conceiving, equating to approximately 3.5 million people in the UK. It is those who have a normal sexual life and have not taken any contraceptive measures and yet are still unable to conceive.

There are many causes. Female factors account for about 40%, male factors account for about 40%, couples have about 10% of factors, and other unclear factors account for the remaining 10%. In addition, about 40% of infertile couples have primary infertility, i.e. they have never been pregnant. 60% of infertile couples have secondary infertility, which refers to couples who have been pregnant but have been unable to conceive a second time. The total fertility rate (TFR) in England was 1.70 children per woman in 2018, The TFR in London was 1.45 and in Kensington and Chelsea was only 1.27 in 2020.

As modern life pressure increases, the incidence of infertility has increased significantly. Some factors can affect both men and women. These include late marriage and childbearing, abortion, being obese (having a BMI of 30 or over), exposure to certain pesticides and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

40 years after the first child was born using in vitro fertilisation, IVF treatment has become a common treatment for people who are unable to conceive naturally. However, its clinical pregnancy rate has always hovered in the 30% to 50% region, with the embryo implantation success rate as low as 10% to 20%. Failure of repeated IVF has become a bottleneck that hinders the further improvement of the pregnancy rate and is increasingly receiving widespread attention from the reproductive medicine community.

What Are the Causes of Infertility?

It can be caused by a variety of factors and conditions, and it often involves complex interactions between genetic, physiological, environmental, and lifestyle elements. Here are some of the common causes in both men and women:

Causes of Male Infertility

Sperm Production Problems: Issues with the production or quality of sperm, including low sperm count or abnormal sperm shape and movement.
Varicocele: Swelling of the veins that drain the testicle, which can affect sperm quality.
Hormonal Imbalances: Problems with hormones that regulate reproduction, such as testosterone.
Genetic Disorders: Conditions like Klinefelter syndrome can affect male fertility.
Ejaculation Issues: Including premature ejaculation or retrograde ejaculation, where semen enters the bladder instead of emerging through the penis.
Infections: Such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can cause scarring and block sperm passage.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain chemicals, radiation, and overheating of testicles (e.g., frequent use of hot tubs).

Causes of Female Infertility

Ovulation Disorders: Problems with ovulation can prevent the release of eggs from the ovaries. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hyperprolactinemia are examples.
Uterine or Cervical Abnormalities: Including polyps, fibroids, or malformations of the uterus or cervix.
Fallopian Tube Damage or Blockage: Often caused by pelvic inflammatory disease, usually resulting from STIs.
Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, affecting the function of the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes.
Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (Early Menopause): When the ovaries stop functioning and menstruation ends before age 40.
Cancer and its Treatment: Certain types of cancer, particularly reproductive cancers, and treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can affect fertility.

Common Factors for Both Sexes

Age: Fertility declines with age, especially for women after the age of 35.
Weight: Being overweight or underweight can affect hormone production and thus fertility.
Smoking, Alcohol, and Drugs: These can harm the health of a pregnancy.
Stress: High levels of stress can interfere with certain hormones needed.
Medical Conditions: Conditions like thyroid problems or diabetes.

How Acupuncture Supports Fertility

Acupuncture and traditional Chinese herbal medicine have a long history when it comes to enhancing fertility. It's an ancient art of treatment that may also help improve reproductive health in many ways, according to studies.

The term 'infertility' was first seen as far back into the literature in "Su Wen" (475-221 BC) where physiological problems with menopause were recognised, this continued through Han Dynasty until Huangfu's book on Acupuncture -A B:- Miscellaneous Diseases which showed how it can be used for women who are infertile because they cannot conceive children or are not able to bear them due to various reasons.

Historically, it was used to regulate menstrual cycles, address hormonal imbalances, and treat conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, which can affect fertility.

In recent decades, acupuncture has been studied in conjunction with Western medicine, particularly in the field of reproductive health. Studies have explored it's role in improving the success rates of in vitro fertilisation (IVF), with some suggesting it can increase blood flow to the uterus and improve the chances of implantation.

The Science: How Acupuncture Boosts Fertility

As a unique treatment method in traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture treatment and herbal medicine fertility treatment have been applied more widely in IVF. Clinical studies have shown that it has achieved good results in improving ovarian function, endometrial receptivity and reducing postoperative complications. Recent research has shown that the acupuncture treated group had a higher parturition rate compared with drug treatment (Ai 2017).

Acupuncture appears to influence the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian (HPO) axis. This is the feedback loop that governs the release of reproductive hormones like GnRH, FSH, LH, and estradiol.

Acupuncture works on stimulating the release of specific neurotransmitters and neuropeptides (such as beta-endorphin) in the central nervous system. These neurochemicals can normalize the secretion of Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH). This regulation is particularly vital for women with irregular cycles or ovulatory disorders, helping to restore regular ovulation (Anderson 2007).

One study found that acupuncture fertility treatment on the day of embryo transfer improved fertility results in women who underwent in vitro fertilisation/intracytoplasmic sperm injection for reproduction (Çoksüer 2019).

The stress of infertility can create a negative feedback loop; stress raises cortisol levels, which can disrupt the reproductive cycle. Acupuncture has been observed to attenuate the stress response. By stimulating specific points, the body releases endogenous opioids (natural painkillers and mood enhancers). This helps balance the autonomic nervous system, shifting the body from a fight or flight (sympathetic) state to a rest and digest (parasympathetic) state. Lowering cortisol levels prevents the suppression of reproductive hormones and may improve outcomes in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) cycles.

Researchers found that acupuncture demonstrates a positive therapeutic effect on asthenozoospermia, with evidence showing improvements in sperm motility, semen parameters, and overall reproductive function, suggesting that acupuncture is a beneficial and promising intervention for enhancing male fertility outcomes (Wu 2021).

Some benefits of acupuncture are pain relief throughout pregnancy including backache, pelvic cramps; fewer issues with constipation during pregnancy; reduction in nausea and vomiting (morning sickness); less discomfort after childbirth; increased energy levels postpartum.

Acupuncture as a Complementary Therapy

Many people use it as a complementary approach alongside conventional fertility treatments. It's generally considered safe when performed by a trained and licensed practitioner. As with any treatment, individual responses to acupuncture can vary. What works for one person might not work for another.

Acupuncture often involves a holistic approach to health, considering both physical and emotional aspects, which can be particularly beneficial in the often-stressful journey of trying to conceive.

Benefits of Acupuncture for Infertility

Acupuncture treatment may work through several mechanisms to enhance fertility. In addition, the benefits of acupuncture include regulating hormones and improving blood flow to the uterus and ovaries. Some studies have shown that it can help lower anxiety levels which would make an treatment less stressful for couples in general (Wang 2015; Stener-Victorin 2000). Furthermore, some research demonstrates its mechanism of action by showing how to influence plasma beta-endorphins via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal gland axis or on uterine artery blood flow (Stener-Victorin 1996). There are some other theories about how it may work:

Mechanisms of Action

Regulating Hormones: Acupuncture can help in balancing reproductive hormones by influencing the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which is crucial for managing the menstrual cycle and ovulation.
Improving Blood Flow: Enhanced blood flow to the reproductive organs, particularly the uterus and ovaries, is one of the significant benefits of acupuncture. This improved circulation can provide a more favourable environment for an egg to be nourished and carried to term.
Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Acupuncture can lower anxiety levels, which is particularly beneficial during fertility treatments. Stress can adversely affect hormone levels and ovulation. By promoting relaxation, acupuncture may improve the likelihood of conception.
Influencing Endorphins: Research indicates that acupuncture can affect plasma beta-endorphins, which are linked to the stress response and pain relief. This effect is achieved through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal gland axis, potentially impacting fertility.

Specific Fertility Enhancements

Improves Ovarian Function: By regulating hormones, acupuncture can help improve ovarian function, which is crucial for egg production and quality.
Enhances Ovarian Endocrine Function: It may also influence the endocrine function of the ovaries, leading to a more balanced hormonal environment conducive to fertility.
Promotes Follicular Development: Acupuncture can aid in the development of healthy follicles in the ovaries, which is essential for successful ovulation.
Stimulates Ovulation: For women with ovulation disorders, acupuncture can be a complementary approach to stimulate and regularise ovulation.
Regulates Reproductive Hormones: It helps maintain a balanced level of reproductive hormones, which is crucial for the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
Improves Endometrial Receptivity: Acupuncture may increase the lining of the uterus's receptivity, which is essential for embryo implantation.
Reduces Postoperative Complications: In cases where women undergo fertility-related surgeries, acupuncture may aid in faster recovery and reduce complications.

How Acupuncture Works - Chinese Medicine Perspective

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the dysfunction of organs and meridians mainly causes infertility, which is a common problem. The treatment methods for it include acupuncture with herbs to stimulate Qi movement through body energy channels called “meridians” in order to promote fertility.

Acupuncture stimulates and moves Qi, a form of life energy that flows from one part of the body into another, like blood flowing through your veins or water going down mountainside streams. A traditional Chinese medical approach will take a detailed look at menstrual cycles as well as tongue shape and pulse patterns before making any diagnoses on why some people are not able to conceive children easily, because these symptoms vary by individual person so there can be many potential reasons behind it all based on each person's condition. Some researchers believe acupuncture can help the body release some chemicals. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities. Acupuncture is also said to influence the autonomic nervous system to reduce inflammation and calm the mind (Liu 2021).

We see several conditions, including: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)/Sperm quality/Non-ovulation/Amenorrhea/Unexplained infertility/Fibroids/Endometriosis/High FSH/IVF Assistance/Painful periods

Common Questions About Fertility Acupuncture（FAQ）

In which stage should I consider acupuncture?

People often ask, When should I get acupuncture treatment for fertility Acupuncture can be used at any stage of the fertility process. In general, we work with people for a minimum of 3-6 months. It's ideal to have acupuncture once a week. It gives us time to make a positive impact on egg or sperm quality and increase the success rate during your fertility journey. If you have any questions, contact our clinic in South Kensington, Chelsea, London.

Are there any risks of doing acupuncture?

Acupuncture is usually safe, and the side effects are very rare. In fact, most acupuncture treatments don't require anaesthesia because the needles are so thin they hardly feel a thing! But it's essential to find a licensed professional.

What to Expect in an Acupuncture Session？

Many people are nervous on their first visit, as they have never had acupuncture before. You will be asked about your general health as well as specific questions about your current symptoms and medical history when you visit our London clinic. The typical sensation of an acupuncture session is numbness or tingling in the area that has been pierced. Once the feeling subsides, you feel a sense of deep relaxation, making your session very relaxing.

Will Fertility Acupuncture Be Covered by My Insurance?

Currently, acupuncture therapy insurance billing is not available. However, we will provide statements to patients who wish to submit them to insurance companies for possible reimbursement.

If you are experiencing difficulty conceiving a child, you may want to consider using acupuncture as part of your fertility treatment plan. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in increasing fertility rates and helping couples conceive children.

About the Author

Phoebus Ye Tian BMed, MBAcC, Clinical Lecturer

Phoebus’s journey into Chinese Medicine began remarkably early. He started his apprenticeship at the age of 13 under the mentorship of a seasoned practitioner and family colleague in China. This early immersion sparked a lifelong passion for healing, allowing him to build a foundation of intuitive knowledge and traditional techniques over two decades, long before he entered formal university training.

He solidified this traditional lineage with a formal medical degree from the Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine and gained rigorous clinical experience in a hospital orthopaedics unit. Today, Phoebus is a proud member of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC), the UK’s leading regulatory body for traditional acupuncture, ensuring the highest standards of professional practice and safety.

Before establishing his private practice, Phoebus was invited to the UK on an international exchange program and served as a lecturer at London South Bank University, where he supervised clinical students. He now practices in South Kensington & Chelsea, London, specialising in blending classical wisdom with modern anatomical theories to support couples with infertility and IVF assistance.

Medical Disclaimer
Medical Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While acupuncture is a recognised complementary therapy, every individual's fertility journey is unique. Always seek the advice of your physician, reproductive endocrinologist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or fertility treatment plan.

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