Acupuncture for Infertility
At Tong Shen TCM Clinic, we offer acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for infertility to support natural conception and improve reproductive health.
Trying to conceive can feel like living in a waiting room. At Tong Shen TCM Clinic, I offer acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to support people at every stage of the journey: trying naturally, preparing for IUI or IVF, getting ready for an embryo transfer, or healing after a loss. I work alongside your fertility doctor, not in place of them, and I see patients throughout Clark County, including Vancouver, Camas, Ridgefield, and Battle Ground, as well as Portland, OR.
Every visit at Tong Shen TCM Clinic is a full hour. You spend the whole hour with me so you have time to talk through your history, ask questions, and feel supported.
Acupuncture and herbal medicine provide a natural way to support fertility. Acupuncture can improve blood flow to the reproductive organs, reduce stress, and help the body feel more balanced, creating better conditions for conception. Herbal medicine works alongside acupuncture to address issues like hormone imbalances that might make it harder to get pregnant. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can be used alongside western fertility treatments to enhance effectiveness and improve outcomes.
Research shows that these treatments can be effective. For example, studies have found that acupuncture may increase the chances of success for people undergoing fertility treatments like IVF (PubMed ID: 32127151, PubMed ID: 33959581).
Whether you’re trying to conceive naturally or need extra support during fertility treatments, acupuncture and herbal medicine offer a gentle, holistic approach to improving your reproductive health.
Where are you in your fertility journey?
- Trying naturally
- Ovulation drugs to induce ovulation
- IUI / IVF
- Upcoming Embryo transfer
- Unexplained infertility
- Recent loss
Fertility became a passion of mine during my doctoral training. The advanced OB/GYN course covered every stage of pregnancy and postpartum, plus treatment for male and female infertility. It was my favorite class during my 4 years of school, and it’s the reason I chose to focus on this work.
Can Acupuncture and herbs help with infertility?
Research on acupuncture and fertility treatment outcomes is mixed. Large reviews have not shown that acupuncture raises IVF live birth rates, and I won’t promise you a pregnancy. What I can offer is individualized care that supports sleep, stress and mental/emotional regulation, menstrual cycle regularity, digestion, and energy, which are the things many patients tell me they need most during this time. Pregnancy is a big journey. Going into it as healthy and resilient as possible will be so helpful in making the process more enjoyable. For many people, my clinic is also a place where they feel heard during a process that can feel clinical and lonely.
12 week fertility foundation
Treatment starts with six weeks of consecutive visits. After that, treatments may start to be bi-weekly or continue on a weekly basis. After 3 months, we sit down together, review what has changed, and decide what comes next.
- Visit 1: a full health history, a discussion of your cycle and goals, and your first treatment
- Weekly visits: acupuncture, with Chinese herbs when appropriate and lifestyle recommendations between visits
- Week 12: a check-in on your progress and next steps
Many of my patients choose to pause trying to conceive for 3 to 6 months while we work together, so the body has time to respond. Sperm production renews every 72 to 90 days, so it is important to give the treatment time to work before actively trying to conceive. That isn’t right for everyone. Your age, your diagnosis, and your doctor’s advice all matter, so please talk through timing with your doctor. If you want to keep trying while you’re in treatment, we’ll plan around that.
I’m happy to coordinate with your fertility team or OB/GYN, with your permission.
Chinese Herbal Medicine for infertility
Chinese herbal formulas are customized to you and can provide support between visits. I’ll always review your medications and fertility treatment schedule first, and I’ll tell you why I’m recommending each formula. Some herbs aren’t appropriate at certain points in a cycle or treatment, so please tell me about every medication and supplement you’re taking!
Emotional support during fertility treatments
The stress of trying to conceive is real! Every treatment is one hour so there is time time to talk about how you’re feeling and make a plan for how to move forward. Recommendations can be made on practical ways to care for yourself between visits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Infertility Acupuncture
How soon should I start?
The sooner you start, the more time we have to work together before your next step. Many patients start 3 or more months before a planned transfer. For those trying to conceive naturally, we should start as soon as you start thinking you may want to start a family!
Does Acupuncture hurt?
Most patients feel little to nothing during treatment. At most there will be some pinching sensations, dull sensations, and mild sharp sensations during the treatment. All needles will be stimulated so you feel them during the treatment. Treatment is adjusted to each patient to ensure their comfort. We work on a team to determine how to provide the best treatment for you. Needles can be adjusted at any time for any reason. Since I stay in the room for the whole hour I’m right there if you ever need something to be adjusted.
Do you treat male infertility?
Yes! There are 2 ingredients for a health pregnancy so I want to be sure I am promoting health for both partners. Acupuncture and herbal treatments are customized to each patient.
Can this be done alongside IVF or IUI?
Yes. I work around your other fertility treatments to ensure you are getting the support you need. One important factor is not doing too much! We don’t want you running from appointment to appointment. I can work with your schedule so that you have time to relax and recover from each of your treatments and feel like you can still live your life as you go through this journey!
What does treatment cost?
Each 60 minute acupuncture treatment is $160. HSA/FSA funds can be used to pay for treatment. Herbal treatment costs are separate.
What if I’m not ready to book?
You can call me to chat and ask me anything before you sign up for your first appointment!