Acupuncture and IVF- a combined effective treatment strategy

February 26, 2025

What is IVF

IVF (in vitro fertilisation) is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedure to help infertile couples achieve a pregnancy. This procedure involves the removal of an egg from the ovaries, and the egg is then fertilised with a sperm to create an embryo; the embryo is then implanted back into the woman’s body for a pregnancy. Dislike a natural pregnancy, IVF procedures are done in laboratories.

Who is considered infertile

Couples are considered as infertile when they are unable to get pregnant after having frequent, unprotected sexual activity for a year. According to the World Health Organisation, 1 in 6 couples are infertile, and this is expected to increase due to women delaying the age of pregnancy. Infertility results from both male and female factors, such as:

Men:

Abnormal sperm: low sperm count, poor sperm quality- low sperm motility.
Unable to have sex: premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction.
Smoking
Toxin exposure
Alcohol.
Genetic abnormality.

Women:

Aging
Abnormal menstrual cycle
Obesity
Hormone issues that prevent ovulation.
Endometriosis, PCOS, poor ovarian stimulation.
Smoking
Reproductive system structural abnormalities.
Genetic abnormality.

The most common age of infertility is observed in the age group 35-50 years old and becomes more common in older individuals planning to conceive. IVF thus offers an opportunity for infertile couples to achieve a pregnancy.

Who can be considered to have IVF

Couples should consider IVF if they have 1) tried but failed to conceive for at least 12 months with unprotected intercourse, 2) the female age is under 40 years old, and 3) the female BMI is under 30.

In New Zealand, IVF is funded if you are:

Female age is under 40 years old
Trying to become pregnant for more than one year with unprotected intercourse
If you have 0 or 1 child of any age from current or previous relationships, including adopted children.
Not smoking
Female BMI is under 32, and male BMI is less than 40 at the start of treatment.
You and your partner (if you have one) both must be NZ citizens or eligible to live in NZ for at least 2 years.

The assessment criteria must be met to be funded for fertility treatment. Some couples who do not meet the criteria can make lifestyle changes such as losing weight or quitting smoking.

Read more about fertility treatment funding from Fertility Associate and Fertility Plus in NZ

The success rate of IVF

Although IVF has been one of the most common and effective infertility treatments since 1978, the success rate of IVF is just over 50%. For example, fertilisation may not be successful even after ICSI, or even after a successful fertilisation, the embryo may not develop up to standard. Additionally, healthy embryos selected for implantation may not implant into the uterus as smoothly due to maternal factors (e.g thin endometrium lining). Moreover, if the embryo carries an inherited genetic or chromosomal abnormality, there is a risk that miscarriage may occur during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Some couples may require more than one IVF cycle to achieve a pregnancy; this is because the offs of getting pregnancy during the first IVF cycle vary based on factors such as aging and other causes of fertility problems.

IVF success rate declines by age in women

Acupuncture + IVF

Over the years, acupuncture has become a popular combination with fertility treatment, such as IVF, to enhance a successful pregnancy. Acupuncture is put to achieve pregnancy by promoting physical and emotional well-being, both crucial for a healthy conception. Many studies have evaluated the benefits of acupuncture in areas of health, such as improving blood circulation, enhanced healing, and pain relief. In terms of infertility, acupuncture can promote ovulation and balance reproductive hormones to normal levels by stimulating the central and peripheral nervous systems. Moreover, improving blood circulation to reproductive organs such as the ovaries and relieving stress by stimulating the release of endorphins can increase the chance of pregnancy.

At our clinic

At Ponsonby Wellness Centre, we have many patients who have come to seek acupuncture + herbal, to support their IVF procedures.

Many patients undergoing IVF experience stress, hormonal imbalances, and challenges with implantation, which is why they seek complementary therapies like acupuncture and herbal medicine. Acupuncture is believed to improve blood flow to the uterus, regulate hormone levels, and reduce stress—factors that can contribute to a more favorable IVF outcome. Herbal medicine, when used appropriately, may also support reproductive health by enhancing egg quality and endometrial receptivity.

At Ponsonby Wellness Centre, we tailor treatments to each patient’s IVF stage, whether they are preparing for egg retrieval, embryo transfer, or implantation. We often work alongside fertility specialists to provide holistic support, ensuring treatments align with medical protocols. Many patients report improved well-being, reduced anxiety, and a sense of empowerment during their fertility journey.

Ponsonby Wellness’s acupuncturists will take a detailed health history, examine the tongue, feel the pulse, and possibly perform additional physical examinations. To begin the acupuncture treatment, fine, pre-sterilised needles are gently placed on acupoints in various body areas. The needles are usually retained for five to 30 minutes, and the entire session will take up to an hour. Acupuncturists may also use other treatment techniques, such as cupping, moxibustion, or auriculotherapy, depending on the patient’s condition.

When choosing an acupuncturist, it’s important to verify that they are registered with one of the two regulatory bodies for acupuncturists in New Zealand. At Ponsonby Wellness, highly trained acupuncturists are recognised ACC treatment providers and hold a minimum four-year Bachelor of Health Science that combines traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Biomedical training.