Fertility Support and IVF

Fertility challenges can feel deeply personal and, at times, overwhelming. Whether you are just beginning to try for a baby, have been trying for some time, or are preparing for assisted treatment such as IVF, it can be a period filled with uncertainty.

At The Jade Centre in Chapel Allerton, Leeds, I offer fertility support using acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in a calm, considered and individualised way. My aim is not simply to focus on one symptom or diagnosis, but to understand you as a whole person — your health history, your cycle, your stress levels, your sleep, and the wider picture of your wellbeing.

Fertility acupuncture can be used on its own or alongside conventional medical care. It is not a replacement for fertility treatment, but it may provide additional support at different stages of your journey, helping you feel steadier and more supported along the way.

How acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine may support fertility.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have long been used to support reproductive health. In modern clinical practice, treatment focuses on gently supporting the body systems that influence fertility — including hormonal regulation, circulation, metabolic balance and the nervous system.

Depending on your individual needs, treatment may aim to:

Support regular and healthy ovulation
Encourage balanced menstrual cycles
Improve circulation to the pelvic region
Support the uterine environment
Help regulate stress responses and the nervous system
Support sperm health and overall vitality in men

Every treatment plan is carefully tailored. Two people with the same medical diagnosis may receive different support, because fertility is influenced by many interwoven factors. My role is to listen carefully, assess thoroughly and create a plan that feels appropriate and manageable for you.

Where suitable, Chinese herbal medicine may also be considered. Herbal prescriptions are selected with care and reviewed alongside any medication or fertility treatment you may be undergoing, to ensure safe and coordinated care.

Fertility support for different situations

People come for fertility support at many different stages. There is no single “right time” to begin. Treatment is always adapted to where you are now..

Trying to Conceive Naturally

If you are trying to conceive without medical intervention, treatment often focuses on cycle health, ovulation patterns and overall preparation for pregnancy.

Some people seek support after months of trying. Others choose to begin sooner, especially if cycles are irregular, periods are painful, or hormonal symptoms feel out of balance. In both cases, the aim is to gently support the body’s natural rhythms and create the healthiest possible foundation.

IVF and assisted conception support

Acupuncture is commonly used alongside assisted fertility treatments such as IVF, ICSI or IUI. Support may begin several weeks before treatment to allow time for preparation, and can continue during stimulation phases or around embryo transfer, depending on your clinic’s guidance and your comfort.

During assisted treatment, the focus is often on:

Supporting circulation
Helping regulate stress responses
Encouraging hormonal balance
Providing steady emotional support during what can be an intense process

Acupuncture works as complementary care. It does not replace your medical team, but sits alongside conventional treatment to support you more holistically.

Male fertility support

Male fertility plays a significant role in conception and deserves equal attention. Treatment for men may focus on overall health, stress regulation and lifestyle factors that influence reproductive wellbeing.

While acupuncture does not replace medical investigation or testing, it can form part of a thoughtful, whole-person approach to supporting fertility as a couple.

What the evidence says (a balanced view)

Research into acupuncture and fertility has grown over recent years. While studies vary in design and size, there is increasing interest in how acupuncture may support reproductive health alongside conventional care.

Some research suggests acupuncture may:

Support regulation of the menstrual cycle
Influence hormonal signalling pathways
Improve blood flow to the pelvic region
Help regulate the stress response and nervous system
Support metabolic balance in conditions such as PCOS

There has also been research exploring acupuncture alongside IVF treatment. Some studies suggest potential benefits when acupuncture is used before and around embryo transfer, particularly in relation to stress reduction and uterine blood flow. However, results across studies are mixed, and fertility outcomes are influenced by many factors including age, underlying diagnosis and overall health.

It is important to be clear that acupuncture is not a guaranteed solution and does not replace medical fertility treatment. Rather, it is used as complementary support — working alongside investigations, medication and assisted conception where needed.

In clinic, I combine traditional Chinese Medicine principles with an evidence-aware approach. I also work within professional safety standards and encourage open communication with your GP or fertility specialist so that your care remains coordinated and appropriate.

If you would like a more detailed overview of research and how fertility support is approached at The Jade Centre, you can download my fertility guide below.

Receive Louise's Guide to Fertility Support with TCM

What to expect at your first fertility appointment

Beginning fertility support can feel like a significant step. My aim is to make your first appointment calm, thorough and supportive, so you leave feeling clearer and more reassured.

A comprehensive consultation

Your first appointment is usually 60 minutes. We take time to explore your health history in detail, including:

Menstrual cycle patterns
Previous pregnancies or miscarriages
Medical investigations or diagnoses
Current fertility treatment, if applicable
Sleep, digestion, stress levels and energy

If you are attending as a couple, we can also discuss male health factors where appropriate. This conversation helps me understand the full picture, rather than focusing on one isolated symptom.

Assessment and personalised plan

Traditional Chinese Medicine uses a whole-person assessment approach. This may include questions about your cycle, symptoms and general health, as well as pulse and tongue assessment.

From there, we agree a personalised treatment plan. I will explain:

What I feel we are working on
How often sessions may be helpful
How treatment may align with your cycle or IVF plan
Whether herbal medicine may be appropriate

There is always space for questions, and nothing proceeds without your understanding and agreement.

The acupuncture treatment itself

Acupuncture needles are very fine and most people find treatment deeply relaxing. You may feel a mild sensation as the needles are placed — often described as a dull ache, warmth or heaviness — but it should not be painful.

Once the needles are in place, you rest comfortably for around 20–25 minutes. Many people use this time to relax fully, and some even fall asleep.

Ongoing support

Fertility support is rarely a one-off treatment. We review progress regularly and adapt your plan according to how your cycle, symptoms or medical treatment evolve.

If you are undergoing assisted conception, we coordinate sessions carefully around your treatment timeline. If you are trying to conceive naturally, we often work in rhythm with your cycle.

Above all, the process is collaborative. My role is to offer steady, informed support while respecting your pace and circumstances.

Treatment frequency and realistic expectations

Fertility support is rarely about a single treatment. The body works in cycles, and meaningful change often takes time. For that reason, treatment is usually planned over a number of weeks rather than as a one-off session.

How often are sessions recommended?

In many cases, sessions begin weekly. This allows us to build consistency and work with the natural rhythm of your menstrual cycle or IVF schedule. As your cycle stabilises or treatment progresses, appointments may move to fortnightly or align more specifically with key phases such as ovulation or embryo transfer.

If you are preparing for IVF, it is often helpful to begin acupuncture several weeks in advance where possible. This gives time to support cycle regulation and overall health before stimulation begins.

Every plan is individual, and we review regularly to ensure it remains appropriate.

How long does it take to see change?

Some people notice shifts in symptoms such as sleep, stress levels or cycle patterns within a few sessions. However, fertility itself is influenced by many interconnected factors, including age, underlying diagnosis, and overall health.

It is important to approach fertility treatment with realistic expectations. Acupuncture is not a guaranteed solution, and no practitioner can promise outcomes. My role is to provide consistent, informed support and to work alongside any medical care you may be receiving.

A steady, collaborative process

Fertility treatment can feel emotionally intense. Part of the value of regular sessions is the continuity of care — having space to check in, review progress and adjust your plan as needed.

We move at a pace that feels manageable. If your circumstances change, your treatment plan changes with you.

Safety, hygiene and professional standards

When considering fertility support, safety and professional standards matter deeply. Your health, and any pregnancy you may be hoping for, deserve careful, considered care.

Clinical safety

All acupuncture treatments are carried out using single-use, sterile needles in line with strict hygiene protocols. Treatment rooms are maintained to high standards of cleanliness, and equipment is handled in accordance with professional guidelines.

If you are undergoing medical fertility treatment, I work carefully around your cycle and any medication you are taking. Open communication with your GP or fertility specialist is encouraged, so that your care remains coordinated and appropriate.

Professional training

I trained extensively in Traditional Chinese Medicine and have completed additional training in fertility support. My background in healthcare has also shaped my approach — I value careful assessment, clear explanation and evidence-aware practice.

Fertility support requires sensitivity, clinical judgement and realism. My role is not to promise outcomes, but to offer informed and compassionate support within safe professional boundaries.

Herbal medicine considerations

Where Chinese herbal medicine is used, prescriptions are tailored to you and reviewed alongside any existing medication. Herbs are sourced from reputable suppliers and chosen carefully to ensure safety and suitability.

If at any point herbal medicine is not appropriate — for example during certain stages of IVF treatment — this will be discussed clearly.

Fertility acupuncture FAQs

Are You a Fertility Specialist?

I am proud to have been awarded “The Advanced Level Diploma in Fertility Acupuncture”. The training offered in-depth expert knowledge on integrative medicine to enable me to support all aspects of fertility using Chinese medicine including recurrent miscarriage, low sperm count, IVF, IUI, ICSI and pregnancy in the over 40s.

Are there any side-effects?

Side effects are very rare, but may include some soreness and minor bleeding or bruising where the needles were inserted. Single-use, disposable needles are used at the Jade Centre so the risk of infection is minimal.

Does it hurt?

Acupuncture needles are not comparable to other needle as they are very thin. Most people feel no pain or very little pain when they are inserted. Often people say they feel energised or relaxed after receiving treatment.

How much does it cost?

IVF support package pricing.

Pre-IVF treatment support (two months)

8 weekly treatments = £540

During IVF treatment.

Total of 8 treatments = £540

3 treatments “during IVF stimulation”

1 treatment “After egg collection”

2 treatments “Before/after embryo transfer”

2 treatments “After embryo transfer up to day of pregnancy test”
You can see our prices and book here.

Are there any medical studies which support TCM for fertility?

Although in life there are no guarantees, there have been several studies which show TCM can support fertility. Here’s a link to a retrospective study showing how three cycles of “Whole System TCM treatment” increased the positive outcomes of the IVF treatment by around 60%!

How Will You Assess me for Treatment?

I’ll start by asking some questions about your health and any condition you may have.
Some of these questions rather different from the usual questions a doctor may ask, such as how much liquid you drink, what your tongue looks like, or what your eating habits are.

Your clear answers to these questions are important for me to be able to understand the way your body is functioning. We will then be able to put together your individual treatment plan.

Is it Safe to have Acupuncture alongside other treatments?

Acupuncture is generally safe alongisde other treatments, but if you have a bleeding disorder, such as haemophilia, or are taking anticoagulants, talk to your GP before you have acupuncture.

Acupuncture is also not usually advised if you have a metal allergy or an infection in the area where needles may be inserted.

It’s also generally safe to have acupuncture when you’re pregnant. However, please let us know if you’re pregnant because certain acupuncture points cannot be used safely during pregnancy.

How long does a course of Acupuncture treatment last?

The number of sessions needed varies hugely depending on you and your condition.

Acute conditions may only need a few sessions. For more long-standing chronic conditions you may need to have one or two weekly sessions for a few weeks, months or until your symptoms have subsided.

Fees and booking

Typical first step
Most people begin with a dedicated fertility consultation, where we take time to understand your health history, cycle patterns and any current medical treatment. From there, we agree a personalised plan and arrange follow-up sessions at a pace that feels manageable and appropriate for you.

Further Information

Louise is one of a small number of TCM practitioners Worldwide who have completed Naava Carman’s world-leading Advanced Level Diploma in Fertility Acupuncture

Fertility Support Trained Practitioners are trusted experts in supporting all aspects of fertility using Chinese Medicine including recurrent miscarriage, low sperm count, IVF, IUI, ICSI, and pregnancy in the over-40s.

Louise has also written further information regarding Chinese herbs for fertility.