How Acupuncture Can Help Fertility

Fertility challenges affect many Australians, with around 1 in 6 couples experiencing difficulty conceiving. For people searching for acupuncture for fertility in Kogarah or a natural fertility approach, acupuncture is becoming an increasingly popular option.

At Back to Basics Chiropractic in Kogarah, we take an integrative, nervous-system-focused approach to health and wellbeing. Acupuncture, when used in conjunction with lifestyle guidance, can support hormonal balance, stress regulation, and optimal nervous system function—key factors in reproductive health for both men and women.

This article explains how acupuncture can help fertility, how it supports IVF and natural conception, and why many locals choose acupuncture at Back to Basics Chiropractic when looking for fertility support in the St George area.

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a therapeutic technique originating from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and has been practised for thousands of years. It involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body to influence energy flow (Qi), circulation, and nervous system regulation.

From a modern healthcare perspective, acupuncture is known to:

• Stimulate the nervous system
• Improve blood flow
• Influence hormone regulation
• Reduce inflammation and stress responses

In Australia, acupuncture is widely recognised as a complementary therapy and is commonly used alongside medical fertility care.

How Acupuncture Can Help Fertility

1. Supporting Hormonal Balance and Menstrual Health

Healthy hormone regulation is essential for ovulation, implantation, and maintaining pregnancy. Acupuncture can influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, which plays a central role in regulating reproductive hormones.

Potential benefits include:

• More regular menstrual cycles
• Improved ovulation
• Reduced PMS symptoms
• Support for hormonal conditions such as PCOS

By supporting the body’s natural regulatory systems, acupuncture may help create a more optimal environment for conception.

2. Improving Blood Flow to the Uterus and Ovaries

Adequate blood flow is critical for egg quality, endometrial thickness, and successful implantation. Research suggests acupuncture may help:

• Increase uterine blood flow
• Improve endometrial receptivity
• Support ovarian function

Enhanced circulation allows better delivery of oxygen and nutrients to reproductive tissues, which is particularly important for those undergoing IVF.

3. Reducing Stress and Supporting the Nervous System

Stress is a major but often underestimated factor in fertility. Chronic stress can interfere with hormone signalling, ovulation, and sperm quality.

Acupuncture helps regulate the autonomic nervous system, shifting the body from a sympathetic (fight-or-flight) state into a parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) state. This is especially important when trying to conceive.

Benefits may include:

• Lower cortisol levels
• Improved sleep
• Reduced anxiety during fertility treatment
• Improved emotional wellbeing

At Back to Basics Chiropractic, we focus on nervous system health, making acupuncture a natural complement to chiropractic care.

4. Acupuncture and IVF in Australia

Many Australian fertility clinics now recommend acupuncture as a supportive therapy during IVF cycles. Acupuncture may:

• Improve egg and embryo quality
• Increase implantation rates
• Reduce side effects of fertility medications
• Support recovery after embryo transfer

Acupuncture is commonly used in the weeks leading up to IVF, as well as before and after embryo transfer, to support both physical and emotional wellbeing.

5. Addressing Underlying Conditions Affecting Fertility

Acupuncture takes a whole-body approach, which can be especially helpful for people with underlying health concerns that affect fertility, such as:

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Endometriosis
• Painful or irregular periods
• Thyroid imbalances
• Unexplained infertility

Rather than focusing solely on reproduction, acupuncture aims to optimise overall health, which can positively influence fertility outcomes.

Acupuncture for Male Fertility

Male factors contribute to approximately 40–50% of fertility challenges. Acupuncture may support male fertility by:

• Improving sperm count and motility
• Enhancing sperm morphology
• Reducing oxidative stress
• Supporting testosterone regulation

It can also help reduce stress and improve sleep—both important factors for healthy sperm production.

What to Expect From Fertility Acupuncture at Back to Basics Chiropractic

Personalised Assessment

Treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment, including:

• Menstrual cycle history
• Fertility and medical background
• Stress levels and lifestyle factors
• Nervous system and musculoskeletal health

Treatment Frequency

While individual needs vary, many patients attend:

• Weekly sessions when trying to conceive naturally
• More frequent sessions during IVF cycles

Consistency is important, as acupuncture works cumulatively over time.

Is Acupuncture Safe When Trying to Conceive?

When performed by a qualified and registered practitioner, acupuncture is considered safe. All needles used are sterile and single-use. Fertility-specific acupuncture avoids points contraindicated during pregnancy and early implantation.

Always inform your practitioner if you are undergoing fertility treatment or believe you may be pregnant.

Acupuncture offers a gentle, evidence-informed, and holistic approach to fertility support. By regulating hormones, improving circulation, calming the nervous system, and supporting overall health, acupuncture can play a valuable role in both natural conception and assisted reproductive treatments.

At Back to Basics Chiropractic, we focus on restoring balance to the body from the ground up. If you are trying to conceive, acupuncture—combined with chiropractic care and lifestyle support—may help optimise your fertility journey.