Complementary IVF Therapies
How do complementary therapies support IVF success?
Some individuals find that using complementary therapies alongside their IVF treatment helps them feel more relaxed, emotionally grounded and better equipped to manage the process.
While these therapies are not a substitute for medical care, they may improve quality of life during treatment. It’s important to speak with your fertility specialist before starting any complementary therapy, as evidence for their effectiveness varies and individual outcomes can differ.
Therapy Options
Acupuncture involves inserting very fine needles into specific points of the body to create a therapeutic effect. It is part of traditional Chinese medicine and is used by some patients to complement their IVF treatment.
Potential benefits:
- Improved blood flow to the uterus and endometrium
- Balanced reproductive hormones
- Stress reduction and relaxation
- Possible improvement in sperm quality
Always consult your fertility specialist and a qualified acupuncturist before beginning treatment.
Yoga is a popular practice to help manage the emotional and physical stress of fertility treatment. Although yoga cannot guarantee pregnancy, it can support your mental health and relaxation.
Potential benefits:
- Helps regulate breathing and reduce anxiety
- Supports emotional wellbeing
- Improves posture, flexibility and pelvic circulation
- Encourages a positive body connection
Gentle or restorative yoga classes are best during treatment. Avoid movements that place pressure on the abdomen.
Meditation and mindfulness help manage stress, promote calm and may support hormonal balance.
Possible benefits:
- Lower heart rate and blood pressure
- Reduced stress hormone levels
- Improved mood and mental clarity
- Increased emotional resilience during treatment
Some research suggests women who practice stress-reducing techniques may have improved fertility outcomes.
Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils to support emotional and physical wellbeing. When combined with massage, it can promote relaxation and reduce tension.
Benefits may include:
- Improved circulation and reduced muscle tension
- Calmer mood and less stress
- A greater sense of emotional balance
Speak with a qualified therapist before using essential oils during pregnancy or fertility treatment.
Some herbal remedies are used for general wellbeing and are taken before or between fertility cycles. However, many herbs can interfere with IVF medications and hormone regulation. City Fertility recommends avoiding herbal supplements once you begin fertility medication unless advised by your clinician. If you are using herbal products, always inform your fertility team.
You can also contact the National Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA) to find a qualified practitioner.
Next Steps
Every IVF journey is different.
That’s why our team of specialists, scientists and nurses are here to provide personalised care and answer your questions at every stage.