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It is no secret when pursuing fertility treatment that it also comes with elements of stress and frustration. Many patients seek additional support in alternative medicine to nurture their well-being, hoping to optimize outcomes on their path to parenthood. Among the several alternative options, acupuncture is one that we work with regularly at Pacific Fertility Center Los Angeles (PFCLA). These treatments have been recognized to support fertility and overall health.
If you're unfamiliar with Acupuncture, it's an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. For thousands of years, it has been used to support various health conditions such as pain, stress, anxiety, insomnia, and more.
PFCLA provides acupuncture as a supplementary service for patients undergoing fertility treatments, including in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfers. Our In-House Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Dr. Nefertiti Abdou, is highly trained and experienced in integrative reproductive medicine and women's health. She collaborates with our fertility doctors to create customized treatment plans that address each patient's unique fertility journey.
How Acupuncture Works for Fertility
Acupuncture may potentially improve your fertility in several ways:
- Balances hormones: Acupuncture stimulates the endocrine system, which is responsible for producing and releasing hormones that affect ovulation, menstruation, and pregnancy. By balancing the levels of hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), acupuncture may help better prepare your body for fertility treatment.
- Increases blood flow: Acupuncture helps to increase blood circulation to the reproductive organs, especially the uterus and ovaries. This may improve the quality and quantity of eggs and the thickness and receptivity of the uterine lining. A well-nourished uterus and ovaries can increase your chances of conceiving and carrying a healthy baby.
- Reduces stress: Stress can have a negative impact on your fertility by disrupting your hormonal balance, affecting your ovulation, and lowering your libido. Acupuncture is known to reduce stress by stimulating the release of endorphins. It also can calm your nervous system and lower your blood pressure, improving your overall health and well-being.
How Acupuncture Complements Fertility Treatments
Acupuncture can be a valuable addition to your fertility treatment plan, whether you are trying to conceive naturally or with assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as IVF. Here are some of the ways acupuncture can complement your fertility treatments:
- Enhances IVF outcomes: Some studies have suggested that acupuncture performed before and after embryo transfer can increase the pregnancy rates of IVF patients. This may be due to acupuncture’s ability to improve blood flow to the uterus, relax the uterine muscles, and reduce stress and anxiety. Acupuncture can also help reduce some side effects of IVF medications, such as bloating, nausea, headaches, and mood swings.
- Supports overall wellness: Acupuncture can help you address other health issues that may affect your fertility indirectly, such as insomnia, digestive problems, allergies, or chronic pain. By improving your sleep quality, digestion, immunity, and pain relief, acupuncture can help you feel more comfortable and energetic throughout your fertility journey.
- Promotes emotional well-being: Trying to conceive can be emotionally challenging and cause frustration, sadness, anger, or guilt. Acupuncture can help you cope with these emotions by providing a safe and supportive space to express yourself and receive compassionate care. Acupuncture can also help you cultivate a positive and hopeful mindset to boost your confidence and resilience.
Who Should Consider Fertility Acupuncture?
Fertility acupuncture can be beneficial for anyone looking to enhance their reproductive health—whether you’re just beginning your fertility journey or currently undergoing assisted reproductive treatment such as IVF or embryo transfer. At PFCLA, our integrative approach allows acupuncture to complement your medical care, supporting both physical and emotional well-being.
You may consider adding acupuncture to your fertility plan if you are:
- Preparing for IVF or embryo transfer: Acupuncture may help regulate hormones, improve blood flow to the uterus, and reduce stress levels, helping your body feel more balanced and receptive before and after treatment.
- Experiencing irregular menstrual cycles or ovulation challenges: By stimulating the endocrine system, acupuncture may help promote more regular ovulation and menstrual cycles.
- Managing conditions that can affect fertility: Acupuncture may support patients with conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or unexplained infertility by promoting circulation, reducing inflammation, and easing discomfort.
- Seeking natural fertility support: If you’re trying to conceive naturally, acupuncture may help optimize your reproductive health and relieve stress—two important factors that play a role in conception.
- Supporting male fertility: Acupuncture may also benefit men by improving sperm count, motility, and morphology, contributing to a higher likelihood of successful conception.
Each fertility journey is unique, and acupuncture can be tailored to your individual needs, diagnosis, and treatment plan.
How Much Does Fertility Acupuncture Cost, and Is It Covered by Insurance?
The cost of fertility acupuncture can vary depending on where you live, your provider’s experience, and how many sessions you receive throughout your fertility journey. On average, patients can expect to pay between $100 and $200 per session, with some clinics offering discounted packages for multiple visits.
Because fertility acupuncture is most effective as a series of treatments rather than a single session, your overall investment will depend on your personalized treatment plan: how often you visit and whether sessions are scheduled before, during, and after your IVF or embryo transfer.
Insurance coverage for acupuncture also varies.
Some plans include acupuncture for pain management or general wellness, but may not specifically cover fertility-related treatments. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to ask about coverage details and whether your plan includes acupuncture performed by a licensed practitioner.
Meet Dr. Nefertiti Abdou, Our In-House Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Dr. Nefertiti Abdou is a licensed acupuncturist who specializes in integrative reproductive medicine. She earned her doctorate degree in integrative reproductive medicine and women’s health from Yo San University and attended the University of Miami for her undergraduate degree in psychology.
Dr. Abdou has been practicing acupuncture for over ten years and has been a part of the PFCLA team for the last seven years. She has helped hundreds of patients achieve their fertility goals. She is passionate about providing holistic and individualized care to each patient, considering their medical history, lifestyle factors, emotional state, and personal preferences. She works closely with our fertility doctors to create customized treatment plans that optimize each patient’s chances of success.
Dr. Abdou offers acupuncture sessions at our clinic before and after embryo transfers and regular sessions throughout the menstrual cycle or during IVF stimulation. She also provides lifestyle and dietary recommendations, herbal prescriptions, and emotional support to enhance the effects of acupuncture and fertility treatments.
Experience the Benefits of Acupuncture for Yourself
If you want to explore acupuncture with your fertility treatment plan, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Abdou. She will assess your condition, answer your questions, and design a treatment plan that suits your needs and goals. Whether you are just starting your fertility journey or have been trying for a while, acupuncture can help you improve your chances of conceiving and having a healthy baby.
At PFCLA, we are committed to providing our patients with the most effective, personalized, and compassionate care. Dr. Abdou’s integrative approach reflects this commitment and has consistently resulted in positive outcomes and feedback from our patients. Contact us today to find out how acupuncture can boost your fertility journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fertility Acupuncture
Does acupuncture actually work for fertility?
While individual results vary, research and clinical experience suggest that acupuncture may support fertility by improving blood flow to the reproductive organs and reducing stress—all of which are important factors in reproductive health. Studies have shown that acupuncture may enhance outcomes for patients undergoing IVF and other assisted reproductive treatments by promoting relaxation and creating optimal conditions for conception.
At PFCLA, we use acupuncture as part of a comprehensive care plan designed to support your fertility journey holistically.
When is the best time to get acupuncture for fertility?
Many patients benefit from beginning acupuncture several months before trying to conceive or starting an IVF cycle. This allows time for your body to respond to treatment and improve circulation to the uterus and ovaries. During IVF, acupuncture is often performed at key points in the process—such as before and after embryo transfer—to help calm the nervous system and prepare the body for implantation.
Your acupuncturist will personalize your schedule based on your fertility goals and treatment timeline.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most patients find acupuncture to be a comfortable and relaxing experience. The needles used are extremely thin, about the width of a human hair, and are inserted gently into the skin. You may feel a mild tingling or warmth at the insertion point, but it shouldn’t be painful.
Many patients even fall asleep during their session, describing the treatment as deeply calming and restorative.