During assisted reproduction

IVF and IUI support: discussing acupuncture and TCM

Discuss acupuncture and TCM alongside IVF or IUI with Elizabeth Yau. Coordinate with your fertility team, medication and schedule, with realistic expectations.

When people come in

Preparing for or undergoing IVF or IUI
Sleep or emotional strain during treatment
Questions about combining acupuncture, herbs and medication

The TCM view of support alongside ivf & iui

During treatment, Chinese medicine focuses on sleep, mood and digestion, and must fit around the medication and timetable set by your fertility team.

Common patterns

Liver Qi constraint

Anxiety, chest tightness, light sleep

Heart and Spleen deficiency

Overthinking, fatigue, poor appetite

Kidney deficiency

Lower-back ache, feeling cold, low energy

Patterns are identified by a practitioner through all four examinations. They are here to explain the thinking, not for self-diagnosis.

The medical view

Your fertility team directs medication, investigations and procedures. Discuss complementary care with them first. Evidence does not justify promises that acupuncture will improve IVF success.

What the consultation covers

Scheduling and options are considered around your treatment plan and comfort. Share all herbs and supplements with both clinicians because interactions may be relevant.

Therapies that may be discussed: Acupuncture

Keep complementary care in step with IVF or IUI

Treatment stages: share the current plan

IUI and IVF are different processes, and even repeated IVF cycles may use different medication or dates. Bring the current plan, prescriptions and findings, and explain your treatment stage. Complementary appointments should fit that plan rather than follow a standard transfer-day formula.

Changes in dates or symptoms: keep the team informed

Update the practitioner if stimulation, retrieval, transfer or testing dates change. New or worsening symptoms should be reported according to your fertility team’s advice. Prescribed medication and monitoring stay under that team’s direction; a TCM visit does not replace them.

Acupuncture and herbs: clarify their role first

Acupuncture: an individual choice, without outcome promises

You may want to do something additional during treatment, but acupuncture should not become another obligation. Discuss comfort, preferences and scheduling before choosing it. It must not be offered with a promise of implantation, a live birth or prevention of a failed cycle.

Herbs and supplements: disclose every product

List every herb, tea product and supplement rather than describing them simply as tonics. Some products may interact with medication or be unsuitable in pregnancy. Starting or continuing them needs professional review; taking products a few hours apart does not establish compatibility.

What to bring

Treatment schedule and clinic instructions
Injections, medication and supplements
Advice from your fertility clinician

Discuss the next step for your circumstances

To discuss your symptoms and suitable support, gather your history, medication and available findings, then contact Elizabeth Yau through WhatsApp. In-person consultations are in Central; online consultation can also be discussed. Arrange physical examination or medical follow-up where needed.

You may also want to read: Preconception care · Support when conception is difficult · Care during pregnancy

Questions

Is acupuncture essential around embryo transfer?

No. It is not an essential procedure, and choosing not to have it does not mean you are doing too little.

Can I add herbs during treatment?

Do not add herbs without discussing the specific ingredients and medication with your care team.

Is acupuncture compulsory on embryo transfer day?

No. Consider the treatment schedule, your preference and your clinician’s advice. Do not add a stressful appointment on the assumption that it guarantees a better result.

Can I add acupuncture and herbs together myself?

Both need individual review, particularly while medication changes. Discuss the plan with your fertility team and share the prescription details with the practitioner.

Can I ask about acupuncture if I have never tried it?

Yes. Ask about the procedure, comfort, risks and suitability before deciding. You can choose to discuss practical support without accepting every treatment option.