Annabel Hammer Acupuncture

Going through IVF was never something I imagined I would have to do. It took me a long time to wrap my head around it, and for a while, I resisted the idea completely. I felt like I was already doing everything! From tracking my cycle, adjusting my diet, taking supplements to the point where I felt I was rattling, reducing stress (super easy when trying to conceive feels like a full-time job), exercising but not exercising too much… and the list goes on. And yet, month after month, I wasn’t getting the outcome I desperately wanted.

When I finally accepted that IVF was the next step, I knew I wanted to go into it feeling prepared physically, mentally, and emotionally. Acupuncture was an important support for me through my journey. I had a number of setbacks and found acupuncture (and my wonderful acupuncturist) to be a huge help in supporting me through the ups and downs.  It didn’t replace my medical treatment, but it did help me feel like I had some control in a process that often felt overwhelming.

Why Consider Acupuncture Alongside IVF?

Fertility treatment can feel like an emotional and physical marathon. There are so many unknowns, and the medical side of things can be clinical and fast-moving as well as leaving you waiting. Many people seek out acupuncture to complement their fertility treatment, to support their general well-being, manage stress, and prepare their bodies as best they can.

Here’s how acupuncture may play a supportive role:

1. Preparing for Fertility Treatment

In the lead up to having IVF, I had regular acupuncture to help support my energy and stress levels, sleep and menstrual cycle. 

Some people choose to begin acupuncture a few months before starting IVF to help regulate their cycles, improve circulation to the reproductive organs, and promote relaxation. While research is still emerging, many people feel that this preparation phase helps them feel more in control of their journey.

2. Supporting the Ovarian Stimulation Phase

During IVF, hormone injections stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple follicles. It is a big shift for the body, and for some people, it can come with bloating, mood swings, or discomfort. I personally found that acupuncture helped me stay grounded and supported my energy levels during this phase.

Some acupuncture points are chosen to promote circulation to the ovaries, while others are used to support relaxation and emotional balance.

3. Before and After Embryo Transfer

The embryo transfer day is a huge milestone, but incredibly nerve-wracking. I had acupuncture both before and after my transfer, which helped me feel calm and centered.

While there is no guarantee that acupuncture will improve success rates, research suggests having acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer lowered perceived stress at the time and may play a role in improved pregnancy rates (1) along with improved endometrial blood flow and endometrial receptivity (2). 

At the very least, I found it was a way to pause, breathe, and feel like I was doing something supportive in that moment.

4. The Two-Week Wait

This was the hardest part for me, just waiting, not knowing, overanalyzing every symptom (or lack of symptoms). Many people use acupuncture during this phase to help manage stress and promote emotional balance.

One of the best pieces of advice I received was to do things that made me laugh, helped me relax, and kept me distracted. Easier said than done, but having small things to look forward to made the waiting a little easier.


Lifestyle and Self-Care During Fertility Treatment

Alongside acupuncture, I focused on small, daily habits that made me feel good. Some things that helped me:

  • Eating nourishing foods (without obsessing over every bite)
  • Gentle movement, like yoga or walking in nature
  • Prioritising rest and making sleep a non-negotiable
  • Setting boundaries with friends and family
  • Letting go of guilt, I was doing my best, and that was enough

 

Male Fertility: It Takes Two

Now let’s not forget the men! Male fertility is just as important as female fertility, yet it often gets overlooked. In fact, male factor infertility accounts for nearly 40-50% of infertility cases, making it just as common as female-related issues. Factors such as sperm count, motility, morphology, and DNA integrity all play a role in conception.
 
Yet, in many cases, the focus remains almost entirely on the woman. I know from personal experience how much weight we carry when going through fertility treatment—the appointments, invasive investigations, the injections, the emotional toll—but it really does take two to conceive. When both partners are involved in optimising their reproductive health, it not only improves outcomes but also strengthens the support system needed during the process.
 

Many lifestyle factors can impact sperm health, including:

• Diet and nutrition
• Exposure to environmental toxins
• Stress levels
• Smoking and alcohol consumption
• Sleep and general fitness
 
Some men choose to incorporate acupuncture and dietary changes to support their overall well-being. Nutrients such as Zinc, L-Carnitine, Vitamin D, and Selenium have been studied for their potential role in supporting sperm health. However, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements.
 
Just as acupuncture may support women’s reproductive health, it may also be used to promote circulation, reduce stress, and support general wellness in men. If you’re going through fertility treatment, involving your partner in lifestyle changes and self-care strategies can make a world of difference—not just for conception but for your relationship as a whole.


What I Learned from My IVF Journey

One of the biggest lessons I learned was that while I couldn’t control the outcome, I could control how I supported myself along the way. So instead of focusing on the end goal, I tried my best to embrace the journey, and trust that each step I took was supporting my body in the best way I could without trying to put pressure on myself to conceive by a certain date.

I had to also shift from trying to do everything perfectly to try and trust my body, let go of perfectionism and focus on what felt good and sustainable. That mindset shift was everything.

If you’re navigating fertility treatment, know that you’re not alone. Whether you choose to explore acupuncture or not, finding things that help you feel supported mentally, emotionally, and physically can make a difference.

If you’re considering acupuncture as a complementary therapy during your fertility journey, always consult with your fertility specialist to ensure it aligns with your treatment plan. I am always happy to chat about how acupuncture may support you during this time.

You are stronger than you think, and whatever happens, you are doing an incredible job.