IVF Acupuncture in Melbourne — Coburg & Northern Suburbs
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Undergoing IVF or other fertility treatment can be demanding in ways that aren't always obvious to the people around you. Between medical appointments, medications, tests and waiting for results, it can sometimes feel as though much of your life is organised around the process.
At Coburg Chinese Medicine, I offer acupuncture consultations for people undergoing IVF, ICSI, IUI and other assisted reproductive treatments. I'm happy to work collaboratively with your fertility specialist and other treating practitioners, with acupuncture considered as an adjunct to your existing medical care.
Located on Sydney Road in Coburg, I welcome people from Brunswick, Pascoe Vale, Preston, Thornbury and across Melbourne's northern suburbs.
Acupuncture alongside IVF and fertility treatment
People explore acupuncture at different points during fertility treatment. Some are preparing to begin IVF, while others are already undergoing treatment or approaching embryo transfer.
As a registered Chinese medicine practitioner, I take time to understand your circumstances, explain what acupuncture involves and discuss any questions or concerns you may have. If you're looking for fertility acupuncture in Melbourne while undergoing assisted reproductive treatment, you're welcome to discuss your options at my Coburg clinic.
My approach is to work alongside your existing fertility care rather than treat acupuncture and reproductive medicine as competing choices. There is no expectation that you need to change your fertility treatment or medication to attend.
When to have acupuncture during IVF
One question I'm often asked is when to consider acupuncture during IVF.
People may enquire before beginning a cycle, during ovarian stimulation, before egg collection, or around a fresh or frozen embryo transfer (FET).
Research has examined acupuncture at different stages, including before and after embryo transfer. However, an optimal timing or number of acupuncture appointments for improving IVF outcomes has not been established.
If you're considering acupuncture during IVF, we can discuss where you are in your treatment cycle, your current medications and any recommendations from your fertility clinic.
Acupuncture before and after embryo transfer
I offer consultations for people approaching embryo transfer, including those undergoing frozen embryo transfer.
Because transfer dates and treatment schedules can change, I prefer to discuss appointment timing individually. You don't need to arrange a particular number of acupuncture sessions or follow a fixed schedule before contacting the clinic.
What happens during an IVF acupuncture consultation?
We'll begin by talking about where you are in the fertility treatment process, your medical history, any medications or supplements you're taking, and what you would like from the appointment.
I recognise that IVF can bring uncertainty and difficult emotions. Some people want to discuss those experiences, while others prefer to focus on practical questions about acupuncture and their treatment schedule. I'm comfortable with either approach.
I'll explain the proposed treatment, relevant risks and precautions, and what you might experience. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss your preferences before deciding whether to proceed.
With your consent, I'm happy to communicate with your fertility specialist or other treating practitioners where appropriate.
Considering acupuncture during IVF?
Whether you're preparing for an IVF cycle, undergoing ovarian stimulation or approaching embryo transfer, you're welcome to arrange a consultation.
We can discuss your circumstances and whether acupuncture is something you'd like to consider alongside your current fertility care.
Inclusive IVF and fertility care
Families are formed in many different ways. I welcome people pursuing solo parenthood, LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples, people using donor eggs, sperm or embryos, and people in different relationships and family structures.
My approach is to respect your privacy, preferred name and language, and the decisions you've made about your fertility treatment. I don't make assumptions about your relationships, reproductive history or family plans.
IVF acupuncture in Coburg and Melbourne's northern suburbs
If you're looking for IVF acupuncture near you in Melbourne's northern suburbs, Coburg Chinese Medicine is located at 197 Sydney Road, Coburg.
I welcome people from Coburg, Coburg North, Brunswick, Brunswick West, Pascoe Vale, Pascoe Vale South, Preston, Thornbury, Northcote, Fawkner, Glenroy, Reservoir and surrounding areas.
As a single-practitioner clinic, I aim to provide accessible, individualised consultations, with current appointment fees and opening hours available on my Fees & Opening Hours page.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start acupuncture for IVF?
You can enquire before beginning an IVF cycle or while treatment is already underway. There isn't an established acupuncture schedule that improves IVF success rates, so we can discuss timing in the context of your circumstances.
Can I have acupuncture before or after embryo transfer?
I offer consultations for people around fresh and frozen embryo transfer. Appointment timing can be discussed alongside your fertility clinic's schedule and recommendations.
Can I have acupuncture while taking IVF medication?
You can arrange a consultation while taking prescribed fertility medications. We'll review your current treatment and consider any relevant precautions. Medication changes should always be discussed with your fertility specialist.
What does the research say about acupuncture and IVF?
Research has examined acupuncture at different stages of IVF treatment, including around embryo transfer. Although some studies have reported favourable findings, results have been inconsistent.
A large Australian and New Zealand clinical trial published in 2018 found no significant difference in live-birth rates between acupuncture and sham acupuncture. Subsequent reviews have reported mixed findings, and acupuncture has not been established as improving IVF pregnancy or live-birth rates. [1, 2]
I believe it's important to be clear about the research while respecting each person's decisions about the additional care they wish to consider.
Book an IVF acupuncture consultation in Coburg
If you're undergoing IVF or other fertility treatment and would like to explore acupuncture as an additional healthcare option, you're welcome to book a consultation.
I'm happy to work alongside your existing fertility team and provide clear information so you can make decisions that suit your circumstances.
Coburg Chinese Medicine
197 Sydney Road, Coburg VIC 3058
Phone: (03) 9041 6569
References
Smith, C. A., de Lacey, S., Chapman, M., et al. (2018). Effect of Acupuncture vs Sham Acupuncture on Live Births Among Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA, 319(19), 1990–1998.
https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2018.5336Wang, Y., Ji, J., Duan, N., & Yin, Y. (2025). Acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy on embryo transfer day: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical pregnancy and live birth outcomes. Frontiers in Reproductive Health, 7, 1673144.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41064015/Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and Chinese Medicine Board of Australia. Chinese medicine examples — Claims about fertility treatment.
https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Resources/Advertising-hub/Resources-for-advertisers/Chinese-medicine-examples