Fertility Acupuncture Protocols

If you’ve decided to explore Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture to support fertility, you’ve likely come across references to fertility acupuncture protocols—particularly during IUI or IVF.

But what you may not have read is that in traditional TCM practice, all treatment is based on the individual's unique diagnosis. So, the real question is:
Which approach is more effective—protocol-based fertility acupuncture or individualised fertility treatment tailored to your body?

Diagnosis in TCM vs Western Medicine

Someone presenting with infertility may have a Western medicine (WM) diagnosis like:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

• Endometriosis

• Pelvic inflammatory disease

• Low sperm motility

• Absence of sperm

In TCM, we also recognise many distinct diagnostic patterns that influence fertility. We gather diagnostic information through:

• Detailed consultation and discussion

• Review of WM diagnosis, treatments, and medications

• Observation of complexion, posture, and body language

• Tongue examination

• Pulse diagnosis

This allows us to develop a custom treatment plan that reflects your specific pattern—not just your condition.

TCM is holistic—we aim to treat the root cause rather than masking symptoms. For example, two women with PCOS may have vastly different presentations and therefore receive very different TCM diagnoses and treatments.

A PCOS diagnosis in TCM may present as:

• Phlegm-damp accumulation

• Kidney deficiency

• Qi and blood stagnation

• Liver qi stagnation

Each diagnosis requires a different treatment approach, even though the WM diagnosis is the same.

Fertility Acupuncture Protocols

Fertility acupuncture protocols are standardised treatment templates developed through clinical research. These protocols typically specify:

• Which acupuncture points to use at different phases of the cycle

• When to begin and how often to attend sessions

• Specific treatments for IUI and IVF, especially around egg retrieval and embryo transfer

For instance, it’s common for protocols to require two acupuncture sessions on the day of embryo transfer—one before and one after.

While protocols provide structure, they lack flexibility and don't consider individual differences in TCM diagnosis. They may also increase emotional and financial stress for those trying to follow them rigidly.

Additionally, it’s difficult to measure the effectiveness of protocols in research, since patients with vastly different TCM diagnoses are often grouped together and treated identically.

Currently, there are no studies comparing individualised TCM treatment to standardised protocols. Further research is needed, especially with larger and more diverse sample sizes.

Individualised Fertility Acupuncture Treatment

At Sydney Natural Fertility, we believe individualised treatment plans offer better outcomes.

We combine findings from TCM assessment with Western medical knowledge and research to tailor your treatment. Let’s revisit PCOS as an example.

If your PCOS presents as:

• Damp-phlegm accumulation: We focus on spleen and stomach points to clear dampness and strengthen digestion.

• Kidney deficiency: We use points to support the kidneys, nourish blood, and build yin, yang, or jing.

Regardless of the pattern, we may also incorporate points to:

• Stimulate qi and blood to the ovaries

• Support uterine lining development

• Address stress and emotional strain

This flexible approach allows us to adapt your care based on what’s happening in your body week by week.

For example:

• If you’re under stress during IVF, we can prioritise calming treatments

• If you miss a session, we’ll reassure you that it won’t ruin your cycle

• If you only want acupuncture before embryo transfer, that’s perfectly okay

Minimising stress is often more important than strictly following a protocol.

So Which Is Better?

As you can see, one size does not fit all when it comes to fertility acupuncture.

At Sydney Natural Fertility, we prioritise individualised fertility treatment over rigid protocols. We believe this approach is more effective, more compassionate, and more aligned with true TCM principles.

If you’d like to learn about your individual TCM diagnosis and how acupuncture may support your fertility journey, you can book an appointment here.