Understanding the IVF Journey

A Quick Overview of IVF

Acupuncture and IVF Timing: In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an incredible yet complex fertility treatment that combines medical innovation with hopeful hearts. It involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, retrieving those eggs, fertilizing them in a lab, and then transferring one or more embryos into the uterus. Each step is precise, timed, and often emotionally intense.

Common Emotional and Physical Challenges During IVF

While IVF brings hope, it can also bring hormone fluctuations, stress, physical discomfort, and emotional ups and downs. That’s where acupuncture comes in—providing both physical support and emotional grounding.

Ready to Enhance Your IVF Journey?
Schedule Your Personalized Acupuncture Consultation Today.
Discover how Aphrodite Fertility can support you at every stage.
Text us at 858.333.7688

Why Acupuncture Matters in Fertility Treatment

How Acupuncture Supports Reproductive Health

Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points in the body to increase blood flow, regulate hormones, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation. For IVF patients, this can mean better ovarian function, improved egg quality, and a more receptive uterine lining.

What the Research Says About Acupuncture and IVF Success Rates

Several studies suggest that acupuncture can improve IVF success (ScienceDirect.com), especially when done before and after embryo transfer. It can also decrease stress levels and help regulate the body’s natural rhythms, which is key in such a tightly controlled process.

Meet Aphrodite Fertility — San Diego’s IVF Acupuncture Experts

Who They Are

Aphrodite Fertility, based in sunny San Diego, CA, specializes in fertility acupuncturists. Their expert team—Emily Marson, Ghoncheh Ayazi, and Chloé Banales—brings a mix of scientific knowledge and holistic wisdom to each personalized treatment plan.

Their Approach to Holistic Fertility Care

Every patient’s journey is different. That’s why Aphrodite Fertility creates custom acupuncture schedules based on where you are in your cycle or IVF timeline. They blend Western and Eastern medicine to offer a deeply supportive experience.

Conditions Treated Alongside IVF

Achieve holistic reproductive wellness. In addition to fertility and IVF support, we offer expert care for fertility, including IUI and IVF acupuncture, transfer support, recurrent miscarriage, and specialized treatments for PCOS, endometriosis, and DOR. 

We also provide pregnancy and postpartum support, labor induction acupuncture, hormone regulation, stress and anxiety management, and virtual fertility coaching. Additionally, we offer supplement and herb protocols, at-home tools, and host events and collaborations. 

Discover how our tailored services can support your journey to optimal health.

Visit our services page for more details.

IVF Timeline and Acupuncture: What to Expect at Every Stage

Pre-IVF Preparation (Weeks or Months Before IVF)

Acupuncture ideally starts at least 1–3 months before your IVF cycle.

Hormone Balancing and Cycle Regulation

Acupuncture helps bring your cycle into balance, supporting ovulation and luteal phase function. This groundwork lays a solid foundation for successful stimulation and egg retrieval.

Optimizing Egg and Sperm Quality

Healthy eggs and sperm take time to develop. Acupuncture increases circulation to the reproductive organs, reduces toxins, and may improve overall quality.

Ovarian Stimulation Phase

Enhancing Blood Flow to the Ovaries

During this stage, acupuncture can boost blood flow to the ovaries, which may help the follicles develop more evenly and respond better to stimulation meds.

Reducing Side Effects of Medications

Experiencing bloating or mood swings? Acupuncture supports your body in processing medications more efficiently and helps minimize discomfort.

Egg Retrieval Phase

Supporting Recovery and Comfort Post-Retrieval

After the retrieval procedure, you may feel crampy or bloated. Acupuncture helps reduce inflammation, ease pain, and promote a quicker recovery.

Managing Stress and Promoting Calm

This stage can feel like a whirlwind. Acupuncture sessions act as a moment to pause, breathe, and recalibrate.

Embryo Transfer Phase

Acupuncture Before and After the Transfer

Research shows acupuncture immediately before and after transfer can increase implantation rates. These sessions help relax the uterus and encourage optimal blood flow.

Improving Uterine Lining and Implantation Rates

Acupuncture helps ensure your endometrium is thick, healthy, and ready to welcome a developing embryo.

The Two-Week Wait

Emotional Balance and Stress Reduction

This is the toughest part for many patients—waiting. Acupuncture supports your nervous system, keeping anxiety at bay while promoting peace of mind.

Supporting Implantation with Gentle Treatments

Gentle treatments continue during this time to promote circulation, reduce uterine contractions, and help your body stay in a calm, receptive state.

Take the Next Step Towards a Balanced IVF Experience.
Contact Aphrodite Fertility Now for Expert Acupuncture Support.
Let’s create a tailored plan for you.
Text us at 858.333.7688 or fill out our contact form!

Tailored Treatments and Holistic Support at Aphrodite Fertility

Custom Herbal and Supplement Guidance

In addition to acupuncture, the team may recommend herbs and supplements aligned with your IVF cycle. All suggestions are rooted in science and tailored for safety.

Emotional Support and Community Care

Aphrodite Fertility isn’t just about needles. It’s a space where your story is heard, your emotions are validated, and your path is honored.

Post-IVF and Prenatal Care

They continue supporting you beyond transfer—through positive pregnancy tests, the first trimester, and into postpartum care.

Acupuncture as Your IVF Companion

The IVF process is a beautiful blend of science and hope. Adding acupuncture to your IVF plan can make the experience more balanced, supported, and even more successful. With Aphrodite Fertility in San Diego, you’re not just another patient—you’re part of a healing community that believes in your journey and is with you every step of the way.

How to Get Started with Aphrodite Fertility

Initial Consultation and Personalized Plan

Your journey starts with a thoughtful consultation, where the team gets to know you and customizes your acupuncture plan to align with your IVF cycle.

Working in Collaboration with Your Fertility Clinic

They often work directly with top fertility clinics in San Diego, syncing treatments to ensure your acupuncture sessions complement your IVF protocols perfectly.

Schedule your personalized consultation with Aphrodite Fertility today!

Text us at 858.333.7688 or fill out the contact form on our website.

We’re here to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way. (We respond Monday through Saturday, 9 AM to 4 PM.)