IVF Acupuncture in Berkshire
Acupuncture is one of the most widely used complementary therapies among women undergoing IVF treatment. At Berkshire Natural Fertility Clinic, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto has over 25 years of experience supporting IVF patients with targeted TCM acupuncture, timed to the key stages of their treatment cycle. The clinic is based at Wokingham Therapy Clinic, 49 Denmark Street, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 2AY.
How acupuncture supports IVF
Acupuncture can be used to support IVF in several evidence-informed ways:
- Improving endometrial receptivity — increasing blood flow to the uterus to thicken the endometrial lining ahead of embryo transfer
- Enhancing ovarian response — supporting follicular development during the stimulation phase
- Reducing side effects — helping manage symptoms associated with IVF medication including bloating, headaches, mood changes and fatigue
- Supporting embryo transfer — acupuncture before and after embryo transfer is one of the most researched applications, with some studies showing improved implantation rates
- Reducing stress and anxiety — IVF is emotionally and physically demanding; acupuncture promotes deep relaxation and helps regulate the stress response, which can positively affect outcomes
- Reducing risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) — TCM treatment during stimulation may help moderate the ovarian response in women at risk of OHSS
When to start IVF acupuncture
Ideally, acupuncture should begin two to three months before your IVF cycle starts. This preparation phase allows time to improve egg quality, regulate your menstrual cycle, optimise your endometrial lining and address any underlying constitutional imbalances identified in your TCM diagnosis.
If your IVF cycle is already underway or about to begin, acupuncture can still be beneficial at any stage. Dr (TCM) D'Alberto will adapt your treatment plan to wherever you are in your cycle.
IVF acupuncture protocol
A typical IVF acupuncture programme at Berkshire Natural Fertility Clinic involves:
- Initial consultation and TCM assessment
- Weekly sessions during the preparation phase (2–3 months before IVF)
- Sessions during the stimulation phase, timed to complement your medication protocol
- Acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer (before and/or after)
- Supportive sessions during the two-week wait
- Ongoing treatment in early pregnancy if required
Dr (TCM) D'Alberto works closely with the fertility clinics that his patients attend and is experienced in adapting TCM treatment to all the main IVF protocols used in the UK.
IVF acupuncture and the research
Research into acupuncture and IVF has produced promising results. A widely cited 2002 study by Paulus et al. found a significantly higher clinical pregnancy rate in women who received acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer compared to a control group. Subsequent systematic reviews have continued to explore this relationship, and many fertility clinics now actively recommend acupuncture alongside IVF treatment.
Supporting your partner
IVF places demands on both partners. If male factor infertility is a concern, Dr (TCM) D'Alberto can treat both partners simultaneously — improving sperm quality ahead of egg collection while supporting the female partner through the IVF cycle. See our male fertility page for more information.
Book IVF acupuncture in Berkshire
If you are planning IVF or are already in a cycle and would like to discuss how acupuncture can support you, book a fertility consultation at our Wokingham clinic. View our treatment costs or learn more about Dr (TCM) D'Alberto.