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IVF & Acupuncture Timeline to Optimise Your IVF Cycle

Updated: Sep 24

IVF Timeline
IVF Timeline

Optimising Your IVF Cycle with Acupuncture

The table and notes below outline suggested timing for acupuncture to support an upcoming IVF cycle. We understand you may not begin acupuncture as early as three months before starting IVF—please know you can start at any point in your cycle. Every treatment is tailored to your needs on the day.


Time of cycle 
Frequency 
Goals 

At least 2-3 months prior to commencing IVF cycle

Weekly 

  • Improve egg quality 

  • Regulate menstrual cycle 

  • Reduce stress

  • Support general health & wellbeing 

Stimulation Phase 

Weekly or 2-3 times prior to egg collection

  • Support follicular growth 

  • Improve blood flow to the ovaries & uterus 

  • Reduce stress & side effects from medication 

Day of Embryo Transfer

Two treatments within 24 hours (one before and one after transfer)

  • Support nervous system 

  • Reduce uterine contractility after embryo transfer 

3-5 days post Embryo Transfer (around implantation) 

Once 3-5 days post transfer day

  • Reduce stress

  • Reduce cramping in the uterus and pelvic cavity




Three Months Before IVF

Frequency - Weekly

Goal:

  • Improve egg quality and support endometrial receptivity

  • Regulate menstrual cycles and reduce pain associated with menstruation/ovulation

  • Support general health, stress management, and sleep


In Chinese Medicine:

  • Acupuncture may improve blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, supporting follicular development and endometrial thickness.

  • Stress reduction through acupuncture to support the endocrine system and optimise the menstrual cycle hormones. 

  • Improved menstrual regulation and reduce pain associated with menstruation and ovulation to optimise a healthy cycle. 

  • In Chinese medicine, this is the time to nourish Jing (Essence) and Kidney energy, and address any underlying imbalances such as stress, sleep disturbances, and digestive issues.




Stimulation Phase (Injections to Egg Collection)

Frequency - 2–3 sessions during this phase

Goals:

  • Support follicular development and blood flow to ovaries and uterus

  • Reduce stress and support the nervous system

  • Minimise medication side effects


In Chinese Medicine:

  • Enhanced ovarian and uterine blood flow may improve follicular development and endometrial receptivity.

  • Acupuncture during stimulation is also associated with lower anxiety levels and improved emotional well-being.

  • From a Chinese medicine perspective, treatments benefit pelvic blood flow, regulate the nervous system while helping to reduce side effects from the medication.  




Day of Embryo Transfer (Pre and Post Embryo Transfer Acupuncture Appointments)

Frequency - Ideally one treatment before and one after transfer on the same day

Goal:

  • Increase implantation rates and calm the nervous system

  • Reduce uterine contractility to improve implantation potential


In Chinese Medicine:

  • The Paulus protocol (2002) demonstrated significantly higher pregnancy rates with acupuncture on embryo transfer day (Paulus et al., 2002; PMID: 11937123)

  • Acupuncture may reduce uterine contractility post-transfer, improving implantation potential.

  • In Chinese medicine, focus is on building Heart-Kidney connection and lifting and holding the energy in the body and keeping everything still and calm.



3-5 Days Post Transfer

Frequency - Once

Goal:

  • Support implantation and reduce stress/anxiety

  • Prevent uterine contractions and calm the mind


In Chinese Medicine:

  • Treatments support the parasympathetic nervous system to calm the mind, reduces worry, and supports Qi holding, a key concept in Chinese medicine.



Individualised Care

At Melbourne Reproductive Acupuncture, we understand that every IVF journey is unique. Your practitioner may recommend adjustments to the timing or frequency of your treatments based on your specific needs.


Interested?

Book your Initial Consultation or a 10‑Minute Discovery Call below.


(03) 9132 0287

@reproductive.acupuncture






Written by Joanne Sharkey

BApSci(ChinMed) BApSci(HumBiol)

AHPRA and AACMA





References

1. Lai, Y.-Y., Liu, L.-Y., Wu, Y.-N., Huang, L., Zheng, X.-Y., Gan, D., Yu, S.-Y., Zhong, Y., Liang, F.-R., Zhou, Y. & Yang, J.,2024. Immediate effect of electro-acupuncture on endometrial blood flow in patients with recurrent implantation failure: a randomized controlled trial.Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, 30(4), pp.291–298. doi:10.1007/s11655-024-37589.


2. Hullender Rubin, L., Opsahl, M.S., Wiemer, K.E., Mist, S.D. & Caughey, A.B., 2015. Impact of whole systems traditional Chinese medicine on in vitro fertilization outcomes. Reproductive Biomedicine Online, 30(6), pp.602–612. 


3. Hullender Rubin, L., 2010. Adjunctive role of Chinese herbs and acupuncture in an in vitro fertilization cycle: A case study. Journal of Chinese Medicine, (93), pp.16–20. 


4. Smith, C.A., de Lacey, S., Chapman, M., Ratcliffe, J., Norman, R.J., Johnson, N.P., Boothroyd, C., Fahey, P., Armstrong, S., Brennan, C. & Ee, C., 2018. Effect of acupuncture vs sham acupuncture on live births among women undergoing in vitro fertilization: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA, 319(19), pp.1990–1998. 


5. Smith, C.A., Ussher, J.M., Perz, J., Carmady, B. & de Lacey, S., 2011. The effect of acupuncture on psychosocial outcomes for women experiencing infertility: A pilot randomized controlled trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 17(10), pp.923–930. 


6. De Lacey, S. & Smith, C.A., 2013. Acupuncture and infertility treatment: Is there more to the outcome for women than pregnancy? Medical Acupuncture, 25(3), pp.195–199.


7. Hullender Rubin, L.E., Anderson, B.J. & Craig, L.B., 2018. Acupuncture and in vitro fertilisation research: current and future directions. Acupuncture in Medicine, 36(2), pp.88–97. doi:10.1136/acupmed-2016-011352.

 
 
 
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