There are times when utilizing IVF can be a necessity, as with both tubes being blocked, other times it many seem that you’ve tried everything else and this may seem like your best option.
Asian traditional medicine has been used for thousands of years to help women be able to conceive naturally with acupuncture, herbal and dietary support. If you haven’t worked with an acupuncturist well versed in this area, it would be helpful to try this first, if it’s not due to bilateral tubal blockage.
That being said, if IVF is your option, acupuncture has been found to help increase your rate of success with IVF by 20-30%.
This is the most helpful though when done at least a few weeks prior to your retrieval, to help get your system more balanced with all the meds/hormones taken during this time. It is also most effective to have acupuncture on the day of the transfer. At the transfer you are typically needing to feel calm and lower stress levels as much as possible, since with stress, your blood moves to your extremities, not to your reproductive organs where it is most beneficial that day.
Acupuncture is great for helping bring the blood to the uterus and helping you stay calm, especially when this can be done at your Reproductive specialist’s office. Not all RE’s allow this in their facility, but it’s worth asking! Otherwise, acupuncture can be done before you go for your transfer. (Please contact our office for more information on this.)
Shelly Tompkins L.Ac, CFMP, is an Integrative Wellness Expert, Licensed Acupuncturist, and Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner specializing in women’s health, fertility, and pregnancy, as well as postpartum and immune conditions.

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Thank you for your interest in Fertile Lifestyle. I do not accept insurance at this time, but I offer several convenient payment options, including credit cards, FSA/HSA cards, Venmo, and Apple Pay. My services are designed to support women in building a strong foundation for health and wellness through a personalized functional medicine approach, focusing on hormone balance, gut health, nutrition, lifestyle, and emotional wellness. As part of your journey, I may refer you to trusted laboratories for testing, which allows me to tailor your plan based on real data; please note that lab fees and supplements are not included in any program or service. Some specialty tests may not be available in New York, New Jersey, or Rhode Island, and if you reside in one of these states, I will work with you to find suitable alternatives. All content provided by Fertile Lifestyle including articles, coaching sessions, programs, social media content, and educational resources is for general informational purposes only and reflects my professional experience and perspective in functional medicine and reproductive wellness. This content is not a substitute for personalized medical care, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed healthcare provider. Fertility, hormonal health, and reproductive wellness are highly individual, and results may vary. If you are pregnant, trying to conceive, nursing, taking medications, or managing any medical condition (including PCOS, endometriosis, or thyroid issues), please consult your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, lifestyle, or supplement routine. By using this website or participating in any services offered through Fertile Lifestyle, you acknowledge that your health decisions and outcomes are your responsibility. My goal is to educate, support, and empower you to feel informed and confident on your fertility and wellness journey.