Acupuncture and IUI: What You Need to Know to Help You Conceive

We understand how difficult it can be when conception takes time.

For many couples, the dream of starting a family begins soon after marriage. But when months go by without a positive pregnancy test, it can be emotionally exhausting and confusing.

One of the first treatments your doctors might recommend is intrauterine insemination (IUI). To improve your chances of conceiving naturally, you could also consider complementary therapies such as acupuncture.

What is intrauterine insemination (IUI)?

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a type of artificial insemination which increases your chances of pregnancy by placing your partner’s sperm directly into your womb. To perform this procedure, your doctor will take a sperm sample from your partner and prepare it by selecting the sperm that are most likely to successfully reach and fertilise the egg.

To increase your chances of fertilisation, your doctor will inject the washed sperm directly into your womb using a thin, flexible tube (catheter) during ovulation. This treatment shortens the distance that the sperm must travel to reach the egg in the fallopian tube.

IUI is generally considered a less invasive procedure and is typically recommended as an initial fertility treatment option for suitable candidates. It is usually recommended as part of initial treatment for couples facing unexplained infertility, male factor infertility, low sperm count, or cervical factors affecting conception.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has been used for more than 3,000 years. This traditional technique is performed by inserting fine needles into specific pressure points on your body called acupoints.

According to TCM principles, your body contains energy pathways called meridians that connect to different organ systems, through which energy flows in the form of "Qi". When these pathways become blocked or the flow of energy is imbalanced, it can affect your fertility and overall health.

By stimulating these points, acupuncture may help restore balance in your body’s systems, improve blood flow to reproductive organs, support hormone regulation, and reduce stress, factors that may impact fertility.

How can acupuncture support IUI success?

Treatment with acupuncture has been shown to improve fertility outcomes by enhancing your body's reproductive health and overall well-being.

In 2019, researchers at the Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine reviewed 22 clinical trials involving 2,591 women navigating fertility challenges. Their findings suggested that acupuncture may be associated with improvements in pregnancy rates, ovulation rates and the thickness of the uterine lining, which helps support a fertilised egg during implantation.

While these results are promising, research in this area continues to evolve and individual responses to treatment will vary.

Based on current research and TCM principles, acupuncture may complement IUI fertility treatment in the following ways:

• Reduces your body's inflammatory response

• Improves follicle quality and overall reproductive health

• Regulates reproductive hormones essential for proper egg development and release

• Increases blood flow to your ovaries and uterus, improving egg quality to support successful fertilisation

• Stimulates the release of endorphins and serotonin hormones, which can naturally help reduce your stress level

• Enhances the effect of the fertility drugs prescribed by your doctor to stimulate your egg production

• Minimises the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a potential side effect of fertility medications used in IUI procedure

If you would like more information about acupuncture or the IUI fertility treatment, schedule an appointment with Thomson Fertility Centre or Thomson Chinese Medicine. Our TCM and fertility specialists can provide further explanations and guidance on how these treatments can help increase your chances of conceiving.

When is the best time to combine acupuncture with IUI?

There is no specific timeline for the best time to undergo acupuncture to support IUI. This is because acupuncture offers various benefits at different times throughout the menstrual cycle. Here are some of these benefits:

• Before conception:

  • To allow acupuncture sufficient time to work with your body's natural rhythms, many TCM physicians advise beginning treatment around three months before a planned IUI cycle.

  • This timeframe allows your body to complete three full menstrual cycles, giving acupuncture time to address underlying hormonal imbalances, regulate irregular cycles, and support conditions such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which may affect fertility.

• During the menstrual phase:

  • Acupuncture in the first few days of your cycle (days 1 to 4) is sometimes used with a focus on egg quality and quantity, both of which play a role in conception.

  • By days 5 to 7, attention may turn to the endometrial lining and follicle development, supporting your body as the cycle progresses. This timing is especially relevant, as acupuncture is thought to support hormonal regulation around ovulation, including during the natural LH surge that triggers egg release. 

• During the IUI procedure:

  • If you perform acupuncture during the IUI procedure, it may help support blood flow to the uterus and ovaries during this important window.

  • Acupuncture in the 24 to 36 hours following the IUI procedure may help ease uterine tension that could otherwise affect the implantation process

• After IUI (implantation phase):

  • Following your IUI procedure, your TCM physician may advise continuing acupuncture for around 10 to 12 days following the IUI procedure, alongside any other treatments recommended for your care.

  • If you've successfully conceived, weekly sessions through the first trimester may help support hormonal balance and general wellbeing during early pregnancy, as guided by a TCM physician.

What to expect during acupuncture

Much like a doctor’s visit, your acupuncturist will conduct an examination during your acupuncture appointment. They will ask you about your medical history, symptoms, and fertility journey. They will also use TCM diagnostic techniques, such as pulse and tongue diagnosis, to understand your body’s internal state and identify any imbalances.

Based on this initial assessment, your acupuncturist will select specific acupoints for needle insertion depending on your specific needs. Each session usually lasts between 20 and 30 minutes, during which you may experience slight tingling or warmth at the needle sites.

During treatment, you can expect to have acupuncture needles placed on your lower abdomen, legs and arms, and sometimes in other areas such as your ears. Regular sessions are generally recommended, with the frequency and duration of treatment guided by your physician based on your individual needs and fertility goals.

For further consultation on acupuncture and whether it is suitable for your needs, our TCM physicians can help. Schedule an appointment with Thomson Chinese Medicine today.

FAQ

Does acupuncture increase IUI success?

Yes, some research suggests acupuncture may complement IUI by supporting reproductive health, though results can differ from person to person. Many TCM physicians advise beginning acupuncture at least three months before a planned IUI cycle, with session frequency determined by your individual needs and how your body responds to treatment.

How can you tell if acupuncture is working?

How many acupuncture sessions are recommended for successful conception?

Are two follicles enough for a successful IUI?

Having two mature follicles may improve the chances of a successful IUI, as there is potential for two eggs to be released, giving sperm a greater opportunity to achieve fertilisation. A fertility specialist can advise on what this means for your individual situation.

Can acupuncture interfere with implantation?

There is little evidence indicating if acupuncture interferes with implantation. On the contrary, some studies suggest that acupuncture may improve blood flow to the uterus, creating a more receptive environment for implantation.

What are the advantages of acupuncture for infertility?

If you're considering IUI as a fertility treatment option, schedule an appointment with our fertility specialist at Thomson Fertility Centre for personalised recommendations and tailored advice.