FERTILITY & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
Fertility Acupuncture in Edmonton
The World Health Organization (2023) estimates that about 1 in 6 people experience infertility at some point in their lives. Many people trying to conceive, naturally or with IUI or IVF, look for support that helps them feel more in control. Acupuncture can be part of a supportive plan alongside the medical care recommended by your physician or fertility clinic.
We understand fertility treatment
Dr. Frank Yeh has extensive experience supporting patients through fertility treatment, and he understands how stressful and overwhelming treatments like IUI or IVF can feel. Between appointments, medications, and waiting for results, it can be comforting to have someone who understands what you’re going through and can offer support along the way.
Patients often have questions about what to eat during IVF, which supplements to take, or whether things like exercise or coffee might affect their cycle. It’s common to worry that one small thing could make a difference in the outcome. Frank takes the time to listen, answer your questions, and help you feel more confident and less worried about every little decision.
Fertility treatment can also be a significant financial commitment, and the constant trips to the clinic for blood tests, ultrasounds, and procedures can add to the stress. A weekly acupuncture session can be a chance to slow down, take a break from it all, and enjoy some time that’s just for you.
If you’re curious about acupuncture but aren’t quite sure whether it’s right for you, you’re welcome to book a free meet and greet. Share where you are in your fertility journey, ask whatever questions are on your mind, and get to know Frank before deciding whether you’d like to continue. There’s absolutely no pressure or obligation.
How acupuncture may help
Researchers have proposed several ways acupuncture might influence reproductive health: by affecting nerve signalling and hormone release (Stener-Victorin & Wu, 2010), blood flow to the uterus (Xu et al., 2022), and stress responses. Studies have reported improvements in endometrial thickness (Zhong et al., 2019) and, in polycystic ovary syndrome, in LH and testosterone levels and menstrual regularity (Zheng et al., 2013). A 2019 review of studies on the uterine lining (endometrium) also found higher pregnancy rates in women who had acupuncture (Zhong et al., 2019).
Where the needles go
Fertility acupuncture typically uses points on the lower abdomen, legs, ankles, feet, hands, and sometimes the back. Each group of points is chosen for a different goal, such as supporting blood flow to the uterus, hormonal regulation, or relaxation. If you’re sensitive to needles, Frank can adjust where and how many needles are used.
Acupuncture for Natural Conception, IUI and IVF
Everyone’s fertility journey is different. Whether you’re trying to conceive naturally or undergoing fertility treatment such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF), acupuncture can be part of a supportive approach to your care.
At Healify Wellness, our Edmonton clinic in Meadowlark, Dr. Frank Yeh tailors your acupuncture sessions to your individual circumstances, health history, and fertility treatment schedule.
Trying to Conceive Naturally
If you’re trying to conceive naturally, we begin by understanding your menstrual cycle and overall health. This may include identifying patterns such as shorter, longer, or irregular cycles, light or heavy menstrual bleeding, as well as other factors like stress levels and sleep quality.
Taking these signs and symptoms into account, along with your individual constitution, Frank develops a personalized acupuncture treatment plan. Throughout your care, he monitors changes in your symptoms and menstrual patterns to assess your progress and adjust treatment as needed.
We also recognize the importance of medical fertility assessments when conception is taking longer than expected.
Acupuncture During IUI Treatment
If you’re undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI), acupuncture may offer relaxation and stress-management support throughout the process.
A 2011 study found that women receiving acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine alongside donor-sperm insemination had a cumulative pregnancy rate of 65.5%, compared with 39.4% in a historical comparison group (Sela et al., 2011). Larger, well-designed studies are needed to determine whether acupuncture can improve IUI pregnancy outcomes.
Acupuncture During IVF Treatment
If you’re undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), acupuncture can be incorporated into different stages of your treatment, including ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, and embryo transfer. Some patients also find acupuncture helpful for relaxation and managing stress throughout the process.
A 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis showed an 8-percentage-point higher live-birth rate among participants receiving acupuncture compared with control groups (Ganchuluun et al., 2026). Further high-quality clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits and determine the most effective acupuncture protocols.
Timing acupuncture for IVF
There is no medically established best time to start acupuncture for IVF, and no single schedule works for everyone. Some patients begin before ovarian stimulation, while others start closer to egg retrieval or embryo transfer. It is not too late to start once injections have begun.
If you’re planning to undergo IVF, we recommend booking an initial meet and greet with Dr. Frank Yeh, Acupuncturist, to discuss your health history, fertility goals, and upcoming treatment schedule.
Male fertility
Male factors contribute to a large share of infertility, and both partners are often assessed. A systematic review found some evidence that acupuncture may improve sperm concentration and motility, though study quality was limited (Jerng et al., 2014).
Your fertility plan at Healify
- A detailed intake covering your cycle, medical history, previous fertility treatment and lifestyle.
- A schedule built around your cycle or your clinic’s treatment dates.
- Where appropriate, Chinese herbal medicine, with care to avoid interactions with fertility medications. Always tell your fertility clinic about any herbs or supplements.
- Practical advice on sleep, stress and nutrition.
Working with your fertility clinic
Acupuncturists cannot perform a medical fertility assessment. If you have been trying to conceive for 12 months (or 6 months if you are 35 or older), or have irregular or absent periods, it is recommended that you see your doctor for a fertility assessment. The results of your assessment will inform your TCM diagnosis and treatment plan.
Common questions
When should I start acupuncture before IVF?
Many people start a few weeks to a few months before a cycle. We plan around your clinic’s timeline.
Is acupuncture safe in early pregnancy?
Tell us if you might be pregnant. Treatment is adjusted in pregnancy, and some points are avoided.
Do you treat both partners?
Yes. We are happy to see both partners.
References
- Ganchuluun, T., Hsu, W.-T., & Hung, S.-Y. (2026). Efficacy of acupuncture and optimal acupoint selection for in vitro fertilization outcomes: Systematic review, meta-analysis, and data mining study. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 88, Article 102765. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2026.102765
- Jerng, U. M., Jo, J.-Y., Lee, S., Lee, J.-M., & Kwon, O. (2014). The effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for poor semen quality in infertile males: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Asian Journal of Andrology, 16(6), 884. https://doi.org/10.4103/1008-682x.129130
- Sela, K., Lehavi, O., Buchan, A., Kedar-Shalem, K., Yavetz, H., & Lev-ari, S. (2011). Acupuncture and Chinese herbal treatment for women undergoing intrauterine insemination. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 3(2), e77–e81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2011.04.020
- Stener-Victorin, E., & Wu, X. (2010). Effects and mechanisms of acupuncture in the reproductive system. Autonomic Neuroscience, 157(1–2), 46–51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autneu.2010.03.006
- World Health Organization. (2023). Infertility prevalence estimates, 1990–2021.
- Xu, J.-Y., Zhao, A.-L., Xin, P., Geng, J.-Z., Wang, B.-J., & Xia, T. (2022). Acupuncture for female infertility: Discussion on action mechanism and application. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2022, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/3854117
- Zheng, Y.-H., Wang, X.-H., Lai, M.-H., Yao, H., Liu, H., & Ma, H.-X. (2013). Effectiveness of abdominal acupuncture for patients with obesity-type polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized controlled trial. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 19(9), 740–745. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2012.0429
- Zhong, Y., Zeng, F., Liu, W., Ma, J., Guan, Y., & Song, Y. (2019). Acupuncture in improving endometrial receptivity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 19(1), Article 61. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-019-2472-1