IVF PREP: Three Acupuncture Sessions You Shouldn’t Skip
Preparing for IVF can feel like a whirlwind of appointments, injections, and emotions. But nestled within this complex journey is a powerful, evidence-backed tool: acupuncture.
At Cultivate, Nashville’s acupuncture clinic for women, we specialize in supporting women through fertility treatments like IVF, IUI, and embryo transfer. Strategic acupuncture sessions can enhance blood flow to the uterus, regulate hormones, and calm the nervous system—all of which improve your odds of success, but not all sessions are created equal.
These are the three acupuncture appointments you shouldn’t skip during your IVF cycle.
1. Pre-Retrieval Acupuncture: Boost Egg Quality + Reduce Inflammation
When: weekly leading up to your egg retrieval
This is where your IVF journey begins—stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple follicles. Acupuncture during this time can:
Increase blood flow to the ovaries, supporting follicular development
Help reduce systemic inflammation, which may impact egg quality
Balance hormones to support optimal estrogen and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels
Calm the nervous system during what can feel like an overwhelming phase
Studies suggest that acupuncture prior to egg retrieval may lead to a higher number of mature eggs and better-quality embryos. The key is consistency—especially during the 2–4 weeks before retrieval.
2. Pre + Post Embryo Transfer Acupuncture: Enhance Uterine Receptivity
When: Within 24 hours before and after your embryo transfer
This is arguably the most crucial acupuncture session in your IVF cycle. Research has shown that women who receive acupuncture immediately before and after embryo transfer have higher pregnancy rates.
Benefits of transfer-day acupuncture include:
Improved uterine blood flow, promoting implantation
Relaxation of uterine muscles, minimizing the risk of contractions
Reduction in cortisol levels, supporting hormonal balance
Emotional grounding and nervous system support
We recommend scheduling these appointments at your clinic (if allowed) or at Cultivate within 12–24 hours of transfer. Timing is everything.
3. Two-Week Wait Support: Calm the Mind, Support Progesterone
When: 5–7 days post-transfer
The two-week wait can be emotionally intense. Acupuncture at this point plays a role in:
Supporting progesterone levels, which are crucial for maintaining early pregnancy
Promoting uterine blood flow to nourish a newly implanted embryo
Calming anxious thoughts and improving sleep
Reducing the impact of stress on the immune and endocrine systems
This session helps you move through the wait with more ease—and may positively influence your outcome.
Bonus Tip: Consistency Matters
IVF is a highly structured medical process, but your body isn’t a machine. Acupuncture offers a gentle, effective way to support your cycle on a physical and emotional level—while addressing individual imbalances along the way.
Ready to Add Acupuncture to Your IVF Journey?
If you're preparing for IVF in Nashville, acupuncture may be the missing piece in your fertility puzzle. At Cultivate, we create personalized fertility acupuncture plans for every stage of your cycle.
Book your consultation today and let’s support your IVF journey—together.
