Fertility acupuncture is not a standardised treatment. Your age, menstrual cycle, fertility history, diagnosis, previous treatment and future plans all need to be considered. In this guide, Simin Wei, TCM Fertility Specialist with advanced doctoral training in TCM gynaecology and fertility, answers the questions patients most frequently ask when trying naturally, preparing for IVF or seeking support following pregnancy loss. Drawing on extensive clinical experience supporting fertility patients, Simin explains when treatment may begin, how frequently it may be recommended and how acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be integrated with conventional fertility care.
Am I suitable for fertility acupuncture?
You may be suitable for an initial consultation if you are trying to conceive naturally, preparing for IVF, undergoing fertility treatment or seeking support for menstrual and reproductive health.Your age, medical history, diagnosis, medication and treatment timetable will be considered before a treatment plan is recommended. If medical investigation should take priority, we will explain this honestly.
Can I have acupuncture while taking Clomid, letrozole or IVF medication?
Acupuncture can often be provided as complementary support alongside medically prescribed fertility treatment. You should continue taking medication exactly as directed by your fertility clinic or prescribing clinician.When should I start acupuncture before IVF?
When possible, some patients choose to begin several weeks or months before IVF to allow time to review their general health, menstrual cycle and preparation.
However, patients also contact us after stimulation has started or shortly before or after embryo transfer. It may still be possible to provide supportive care, depending on your stage of treatment and appointment availability.
Starting acupuncture at a particular time cannot guarantee a better IVF outcome.
Is it too late if my IVF cycle has already started?
Not necessarily. Please tell us when your medication started and the estimated date of egg collection or embryo transfer. We can then advise whether an appointment is practical.Appointments close to a procedure are subject to availability, so contacting us early is recommended.
Can acupuncture improve egg quality or raise AMH?
AMH is commonly used to help estimate ovarian reserve and likely response to IVF stimulation. A low AMH result does not mean that pregnancy is impossible, and some women with low AMH do conceive naturally or through fertility treatment. AMH gives more information about expected egg quantity than the quality of an individual egg.In our clinic, we have seen some patients whose AMH result was higher after approximately six – twelve months of treatment, as well as patients who became pregnant despite having a low AMH level. These are encouraging individual experiences, but AMH can fluctuate between tests and laboratories. We therefore cannot conclude that acupuncture caused the increase or promise that it will raise another patient’s AMH.
Can you help with PCOS or irregular ovulation?
Patients with PCOS or irregular cycles may seek acupuncture as part of their wider support. Your cycle pattern, symptoms, medical investigations and current medication will be reviewed during the consultation.Acupuncture should not replace appropriate medical investigation or prescribed ovulation treatment.
Can I come if my periods are regular but I am not becoming pregnant?
Yes. Regular periods do not confirm that every relevant fertility factor has been assessed.We will review how long you have been trying, any investigations already completed and whether you or your partner may need further medical evaluation.
Can acupuncture and Chinese medicine support me after miscarriage?
Yes. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can provide valuable, individualised support following miscarriage. From a TCM perspective, treatment focuses on supporting physical recovery, replenishing the body, regulating the menstrual cycle and preparing for a future pregnancy. Treatment may also help with symptoms such as fatigue, disrupted sleep and emotional stress.I have supported many women after miscarriage, including patients who experienced recurrent pregnancy loss. Many later went on to have successful pregnancies and become mothers. These outcomes are encouraging and demonstrate the value that consistent, personalised care may bring to a patient’s wider fertility journey.
Your treatment will be tailored to your constitution, symptoms, medical history and plans for trying again. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine may be used individually or together when clinically appropriate.
TCM support can be provided alongside conventional medical care. Medical follow-up and appropriate investigation remain important, particularly following recurrent miscarriage.
How frequently will I need treatment?
There is no single schedule suitable for everyone. Frequency depends on your reasons for attending, symptoms, fertility-treatment timetable and personal circumstances.A recommendation will be made after the initial consultation. Your progress and the value of continuing treatment will be reviewed rather than recommending indefinite appointments.
What our patients say?
“I am so lucky and grateful to have found Simin. After trying to get pregnant unsuccessfully for 2 years and going through modern western treatment IVF and a heartbroken miscarriage. I was getting desperate and one of my colleagues told me to contact Simin. Simin is very empathetic and assuring and I felt at ease with her straight away. After 3 months of acupuncture treatment, I was pregnant and now I got my beautiful baby girl. No words can describe my gratitude towards her for bringing so much happiness to my family.”
Vicky – Northampton
About Simin Wei
Simin Wei is a TCM Fertility Specialist with advanced doctoral training in TCM gynaecology and fertility. She supports women and couples trying to conceive naturally, preparing for IVF and navigating complex reproductive-health concerns.Her approach combines traditional Chinese medicine assessment, extensive clinical experience and an understanding of conventional fertility treatment. Each plan is individualised according to the patient’s menstrual cycle, medical history, investigations and fertility journey.