Fertility Acupuncture
Expert Acupuncture to Support Fertility Treatments
Dr. Ruolin Sun is a fertility acupuncture specialist with over 30 years of clinical experience, dedicated to supporting individuals and couples undergoing IVF and other fertility treatments. She has helped many patients improve their chances of conception and overall reproductive health through tailored acupuncture care. She is a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM), and the British Fertility Society (BFS).
When to Begin Acupuncture
Many people choose to begin acupuncture around 12 weeks before IVF or IUI, as this timeframe is often recommended, with research exploring its potential supportive benefits. Starting earlier allows time to focus on overall wellness, stress reduction, and hormonal balance.
Dr. Ruolin Sun, our Fertility Acupuncturist, typically offers weekly sessions, adjusting the frequency based on individual needs and the stage of treatment.
Acupuncture Support at Key Stages
Dr Sun provides acupuncture at various points throughout the fertility journey, helping individuals feel supported and balanced. This may include:
- Preparing for IVF or IUI – Supporting general wellbeing and preparing the body for treatment
- During IVF or IUI cycles – Promoting relaxation, supporting hormone balance, and improving overall comfort
- Stress and anxiety support – Encouraging emotional wellbeing and calm
- Pre- and post-embryo transfer sessions – Helping the body feel settled and relaxed
- Two-week wait support – Aiding relaxation during a naturally stressful stage
- Early pregnancy support (first 12 weeks) – Gentle treatments that may help ease early symptoms such as nausea
Evidence-Based Benefits
Acupuncture is widely used as a complementary therapy in fertility care. While results vary from person to person, studies suggest it may:
- Support healthy blood flow to the reproductive organs
- Help regulate key reproductive hormones
- Promote relaxation and reduce stress levels
- Support general reproductive health, including egg and sperm development
- Support endometrial health and uterine wellbeing
- Encourage a relaxed environment around embryo transfer
Research also indicates that receiving acupuncture and/or herbal medicine for several months before assisted reproduction may offer supportive benefits by allowing time to regulate cycles and optimise overall wellness.
Acupuncture is not a medical fertility treatment and cannot guarantee specific outcomes, but it can play a supportive role within a wider fertility plan.
Experience and Expertise
Dr Sun has extensive experience supporting individuals navigating a variety of fertility-related concerns, including low ovarian reserve, endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS, anovulation, recurrent miscarriage, reproductive immunology issues, and thyroid imbalances.
She collaborates closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure patients receive well-rounded, integrated care.
Whether you are preparing for IVF, frozen embryo transfer (FET), IUI, or donor conception, Dr Sun’s focus is on supporting wellbeing at every stage, helping patients feel informed, calm, and supported throughout their journey.
Can acupuncture improve IVF success rates
Research indicates that acupuncture may provide supportive benefits during IVF, such as promoting relaxation, aiding blood flow, and assisting with hormonal regulation. It does not guarantee specific outcomes, but it is often used as a complementary therapy alongside conventional fertility care.
When should I start acupuncture before IVF?
Many people begin 3–6 months before IVF to allow time to support cycle regularity and overall balance. Starting closer to the embryo transfer—such as 2–3 weeks beforehand can still offer benefits such as stress reduction.
Do you provide support before, during, and after embryo transfer?
Yes. Many women come for treatments shortly before and after embryo transfer. These sessions are designed to relax the uterus and support implantation.
Will Accuopunture interfere with IVF medication?
No, acupuncture is considered safe alongside IVF medication. Treatments are always adapted to each stage of your cycle.
Can This Treatment Support Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)?
Absolutely. FET cycles benefit from acupuncture just as much as fresh IVF. I support women in preparing their endometrial lining and managing emotional ups and downs.
Book a session
If you’d like to explore how acupuncture may complement your fertility treatment or support your wellbeing, you can book a consultation with Dr Sun by calling or emailing us. Our friendly team will be happy to assist you.
