Acupuncture
Fine needles at set body points, often timed around transfer, claimed to aid IVF success.
The verdict
The traditional theory isn't scientifically supported, and rigorous trials show no live-birth benefit. Low-risk and fine for relaxation, but not a fertility treatment.
| Body | Position |
|---|---|
| HFEA |
|
| ESHRE | Not recommended (research only) Not recommended; low-quality evidence. Source |
| NICE | Not addressed Not addressed as an add-on. |
| ISAR | No position Not addressed in the 2021 ISAR add-ons consensus. |
Cochrane evidence base
No evidence of benefit for live birth around egg collection or transfer (an occasional clinical-pregnancy signal appears, but none robust and it doesn't carry through to live birth).
In India
Low cost, widely available outside clinics.
- No. Its traditional basis (qi and meridians) has no anatomical or physiological grounding, and sham-controlled trials show no benefit for live birth — the classic signature of a placebo effect. It is low-risk and fine for relaxation, but it is not a fertility treatment.
Does acupuncture help IVF work?
Sources
Take this further
Last reviewed .