Exploring Fertility and Acupuncture: Insights for Women and Men


Fertility challenges affect individuals and couples worldwide, with various underlying causes requiring diverse approaches to treatment. Acupuncture, a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been used for centuries to support reproductive health. While research into its effects on natural fertility is still developing, acupuncture has garnered attention as a complementary therapy, particularly in conjunction with in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and for addressing conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).  


Female Fertility  

The majority of research on acupuncture in fertility focuses on its use as an adjunct to IVF and related reproductive technologies. Although there is limited evidence on its impact on natural fertility, preliminary studies suggest acupuncture may aid in addressing menstrual and ovulatory disorders in women struggling to conceive.  

Recent reviews on acupuncture for PCOS highlight potential benefits, including:  

  • Improved ovulation and menstruation  
  • Enhanced pregnancy rates  
  • Regulation of reproductive hormones  

However, the evidence remains limited and of low quality. Additionally, six randomized trials from China published in the past two years (not included in earlier reviews) suggest beneficial effects of acupuncture for PCOS-related infertility, often compared to the drug clomiphene. While these studies are promising, further high-quality research is needed to confirm acupuncture’s efficacy in this area.  


Male Fertility

Acupuncture has also been studied for its potential to improve male fertility, with a focus on enhancing sperm characteristics. A 2015 systematic review of 12 studies involving 2,177 patients found acupuncture to be superior to medication, or more effective when combined with it, in improving sperm concentration, quality, and response rates. Despite these promising indications, the quality of the studies was poor, underscoring the need for further rigorous research.  


Mechanisms of Action  

Experimental evidence suggests acupuncture may influence reproductive function through mechanisms such as:  

  • Hormonal regulation  
  • Improved blood flow to the reproductive organs  
  • Reduction of stress and inflammation  

These findings position acupuncture as a potentially valuable complementary therapy for both female and male fertility challenges. While the case for its efficacy is not yet conclusive, ongoing research continues to shed light on its role in reproductive health.


References

Jo J, Lee YJ, Lee H. Acupuncture for polycystic ovarian syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2017;96(23):e7066.  doi: 10.1097/ MD.0000000000007066

Lim CE, Ng RW, Xu K, et al. Acupuncture for polycystic ovarian syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;(5):CD007689. Published 2016 May 3. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007689.pub3

Wu Y, Robinson N, Hardiman PJ, et al. Acupuncture for treating polycystic ovary syndrome: guidance for future randomized controlled trials. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B. 2016;17(3):169-180. doi:10.1631/jzus.B1500301

He Y, Chen CT, Qian LH, et al. Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue. 2015;21(7):637-645.