Acupuncture for Fertility in Sheffield
Discover how acupuncture can complement your fertility journey through enhanced blood flow, hormonal balance, stress relief, and whole-body wellness. At Life + Lemons, we take your journey seriously, with a clear treatment pathway designed for success.
Fertility Success Statistics
Transforming lives
From our analysis of 2025, Life + Lemons has a 61% conception rate. This has increased from 56% in 2023, and 59.6% in 2022.
This year we’ve also supported more same-sex couples, solo IVF journeys, and male fertility patients than ever before. In line with the previous years, we also continued to welcome and support patients from all walks of life—some conceiving naturally, others moving from natural conception to clinical fertility support, and many who had been through one or multiple unsuccessful IVF rounds before finding us.
At Life + Lemons in Sheffield, we combine acupuncture, nutrition, and evidence-based holistic therapies to support fertility at every stage—naturally and alongside medical treatment.
Your Fertility Treatment Pathway
STEP 2
Initial Consultation + Treatment
A 90-minute appointment where our Clinic Director Kimberley will listen to your story, review your personal and family medical history, understand your goals, and begin your acupuncture treatment.
STEP 3
Personalised Plan
Together, we’ll decide whether you’d benefit most from acupuncture-only care, extra support alongside acupuncture, or our most comprehensive programme with nutrition included for a full, 360 support programme, in order to give you the best chance of success.
3 Levels of Support
Acupuncture-Only. For those who just want treatment without the extras. Perfect if you’re already working with other practitioners or consultants. £75 per session or £560 for a package of 8 treatments. Recommended as a course over several weeks or months.
Bloom & Balance Packages. For those who want or require extra guidance and support beyond the treatment room.
Bloom (Fertility): Designed for couples or individuals trying to conceive.
Balance (Women’s Health): Focused on menstrual and hormonal health.
What’s included:
Acupuncture sessions tailored to your cycle
Expert advice on fertility and hormone testing, functional testing, and support reviewing your results
GP referral letters where needed
Links to trusted specialists and discounts on private testing
Educational resources and ongoing support between treatments
- Access to “Fertile Foundations” online course
Flow Package. For those who want the most comprehensive support.
This includes everything in the Bloom & Balance packages PLUS:
Women’s Health + Fertility Nutritional Therapy sessions for a personalised nutrition, lifestyle and supplement plan
A complete plan that connects acupuncture, food, supplements, and lifestyle to give your body the best chance to thrive
How Acupuncture Supports Fertility
Improves endometrial receptivity and uterine blood flow
Better circulation means a healthier uterine lining and improved conditions for implantation. Some studies suggest acupuncture can help improve endometrial receptivity – making the womb more welcoming to an embryo.
Supporting hormone balance and cycle regularity
By calming the nervous system and working with the body’s natural rhythms, acupuncture can help regulate ovulation and improve cycle consistency, especially in conditions like PCOS.
In a randomised controlled trial, repeated manual/electro-acupuncture increased ovulation frequency and reduced circulating androgens in women with PCOS versus an attention control, suggesting a peripheral endocrine effect and autonomic modulation. (PMID: 23482444)
Reducing stress and improving emotional wellbeing
Fertility journeys are stressful. Acupuncture is known to lower stress hormones like cortisol, helping you feel calmer, sleep better, and restore balance – which can have a positive impact on fertility.
Meta-analysis indicates modest reductions in IVF-related state anxiety, and earlier work shows shifts in neuroendocrine markers (e.g., cortisol, prolactin) across stimulation phases. Many patients also report improved sleep and coping. (PMID: 19118825)
Male fertility
Acupuncture may support sperm health by improving circulation, reducing stress, and supporting lifestyle change – important factors for overall fertility.
Some small RCTs note changes in semen parameters but there is a need for further research. We can still support mens fertile potential by addressing stress, sleep and lifestyle while coordinating with andrology where needed. ( PMID: 25038176)
Supporting each phase of your cycle with TCM
Preconception care is about preparing the fertile soil for you and baby to thrive, in pregnancy and beyond. But this begins with an understanding of your body and your monthly health report card.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we organise care around the natural rhythm of your menstrual cycle. We adjust point selection and treatment aims by phase:
Menstruation (Day 1–5): move Blood, ease cramps, and clear residual stasis so the next follicular phase starts smoothly. Helpful when periods are painful, heavy/clotty or scanty.
Follicular phase (approx. Day 6–13): nourish Yin and Blood to support follicle growth and a receptive lining; soothe Liver Qi to reduce PMS-type tension later; support Spleen for nutrient delivery.
Ovulation (around Day 14): ensure free flow of Qi for follicle release and tubal transport; gently regulate the Chong/Ren and calm the nervous system to support timing and cervical fluid.
Luteal phase (Day 15 to bleed): warm and stabilise Yang, support Kidney and Spleen to hold the luteal temperature rise, reduce spotting, and ease anxiety/sleep issues that can affect implantation.
This cycle-sensitive approach dovetails with biomedical aims (blood flow, endocrine balance, stress modulation) and is why we usually recommend weekly sessions at minimum through one full cycle, or a concentrated plan ahead of IVF.
Find your flow by reading more about the intricacies of your cycle on our “Perfect Period” page.
120 day pre-conception support
We believe that preconception care starts long before pregnancy. The foundation of fertility is woven into the way you live your life in the years before embarking on your fertility journey.
Recent research even indicates that fertility is enhanced when a woman and her partner are mindful about their health throughout their reproductive years, not only when they begin trying to fall pregnant.
Know that it’s never too late to start on this health conscious path. Oocytes (the egg cells) have a life cycle of 120 days and sperm even shorter at just 90 days, during which time they grow and develop.
With this in mind, Practitioners at Life + Lemons encourage patient and partner to make mindful choices about their nutrition and lifestyle for 3+ months prior to actively trying to conceive.
So what can you do? And where to begin?
Miscarriage + Recurrent miscarriage: Helping you find answers
Trying to conceive after loss can feel like stepping into the unknown – a journey filled with emotions, unanswered questions, and a deep need for guidance and support.
At Life + Lemons in Sheffield, we take a whole-body integrative approach to fertility and pregnancy, going beyond symptom management we aim to explore and uncover the underlying root cause behind pregnancy loss.
Through thorough investigations, we help you piece together the full picture of your health, offering clarity where it’s often lacking.
Based on the findings from the initial consultation and test results, we design a tailored treatment plan, focusing on supporting your body’s natural rhythms, optimising hormonal balance, and addressing any underlying imbalances that may be contributing to pregnancy loss.
Where needed, we connect you with our network of trusted specialists to ensure you have the right support on your path to parenthood.
The Life + Lemons Approach
We believe fertility is never a one-size-fits-all journey. Every individual and couple brings a unique story, which is why our approach is rooted in whole-systems health care. Rather than treating symptoms in isolation, we look at you as a whole: your cycles, your rhythms, your resilience, and the way your body interacts with its environment.
Your body is a finely tuned ecosystem. When one part is out of balance, it affects the whole. Our aim is not just to relieve symptoms, but to restore harmony so your health feels sustainable and effortless in daily life.
Together, we’ll create a treatment plan that resonates, something you feel confident integrating into your routine, supporting lasting change in both physical and emotional wellbeing. Acupuncture is often the foundation, but we may also draw on nutrition, herbal medicine, lifestyle guidance, or further additional therapies where appropriate and further testing if required.
Our role is to guide you with clarity and compassion, helping you find the level of support that matches your needs. Never more than you require, but always enough to give you the best chance of success.
Ready to Begin?
Start with your 90-minute Initial Consultation + Treatment.
After this, we’ll recommend the most suitable pathway for you, whether that’s acupuncture alone, or one of our comprehensive treatment packages.
Book your Initial Consultation here
Or get in touch with us if you’d like to chat first.
Supporting women in all forms
We love that modern families come in varying and unique forms, so whether you’re journeying into fertility solo or with a partner, we encourage you to reach out to find a preconception plan that is right for you.
Acupuncture for Fertility
FAQs
We’ve included below answers to the most common questions we receive from our patients. If you still have questions, please get in touch via email at [email protected].
What is acupuncture for fertility?
Acupuncture is a gentle, holistic therapy rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow, or “Qi.” For fertility, acupuncture aims to harmonise the body’s systems, regulate hormonal balance, improve blood flow to reproductive organs, and reduce stress, all of which can support conception.
Supporting Study: A study published in The Journal of Reproductive Medicine found that acupuncture was effective for improving fertility in women with unexplained infertility, leading to higher pregnancy rates (source: Unexplained Infertility Treated with Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine)
How does acupuncture support fertility?
Acupuncture can:
Regulate menstrual cycles and enhance ovulation.
Improve blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, promoting egg quality and a healthy uterine lining.
Reduce stress and anxiety, which can negatively impact fertility.
Support male fertility by improving sperm quality and motility.
Balance thyroid function, which is crucial for reproductive health.
Supporting Study: A study published in Fertility and Sterility found that acupuncture can enhance ovarian blood flow, contributing to better egg quality and higher pregnancy rates in women undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) (Source: The Impact of Acupuncture on Uterine Artery Impedance and Egg Quality in Women Trying to Conceive)
When should I start acupuncture treatment for fertility?
It’s beneficial to begin acupuncture 3–4 months before trying to conceive, whether naturally or through assisted reproductive technologies like IVF or IUI. This timeframe allows for optimal regulation of the menstrual cycle and improvement in reproductive health.
Supporting Study: A study published in The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews reviewed the effectiveness of acupuncture in IVF patients and found that starting acupuncture prior to IVF could improve pregnancy rates (source: The effects of acupuncture on pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilisation)
How often should I have acupuncture sessions?
For natural conception, weekly sessions are recommended.
During IVF or IUI cycles, treatments may increase to 2 times per week, especially during the stimulation phase and around embryo transfer. Continuing sessions during the two-week wait and early pregnancy can support implantation and reduce the risk of miscarriage.
Supporting Study: A study in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that frequent acupuncture (2–3 times per week) during IVF cycles improved clinical pregnancy rates, especially around the time of embryo transfer (source: The effects of acupuncture on pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilisation)
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture is generally painless. The needles used are very thin, and most clients experience only a mild sensation such as tingling or a dull ache upon insertion. Many people find acupuncture relaxing and often fall asleep during their sessions.
Can acupuncture improve my chances of getting pregnant naturally?
Yes, acupuncture can enhance fertility by improving hormonal balance, menstrual regularity, and overall reproductive health. Many individuals have successfully conceived naturally after acupuncture treatments, even following unsuccessful IVF or IUI attempts.
Supporting Study: A study in The Journal of Reproductive Medicine found that acupuncture improved fertility in women who had previously experienced unexplained infertility, leading to a higher conception rate (source: Acupuncture Improves Fertility in Unexplained Infertility).
Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?
Acupuncture is considered safe during pregnancy when performed by a qualified practitioner. It can help alleviate common pregnancy discomforts such as nausea, fatigue, and back pain, and may reduce the risk of miscarriage when used in early pregnancy.
Supporting Study: A review in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine indicated that acupuncture during pregnancy is safe and effective for managing common pregnancy symptoms like nausea and anxiety (source: The Safety of Acupuncture during Pregnancy).
We have a very comprehensive post dedicated to acupuncture during pregnancy on our blog, broken down into trimesters and more FAQs. Feel free to go ahead and read it here.
What should I expect during my first session?
During your initial consultation, your acupuncturist will review your medical history, discuss your fertility goals, and assess your overall health. The treatment involves lying down while fine needles are inserted into specific points on your body.
Initial sessions can last between 90-60 minutes depending on which of our practitioners you book with, and many clients report feeling relaxed afterward.
Are there any risks or side effects?
Acupuncture is generally safe when performed by a licensed acupuncturist. Potential side effects are rare but may include slight bruising, dizziness, or temporary fatigue. It’s important to inform your acupuncturist of any medical conditions or medications you’re taking.
Supporting Study: A review in The Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies found that acupuncture has minimal risks when performed by trained professionals, with side effects usually being mild and short-lived (source: Safety of Acupuncture).
How do I find a qualified acupuncturist for fertility?
Look for a licensed acupuncturist with experience in reproductive health. Certifications from recognized bodies, such as the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), indicate professional standards. Personal referrals and online reviews can also guide your choice.
