Planning to do IVF? Starting acupuncture early could give your body an extra boost.

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At our Walnut Creek Fertility clinic and IVF lab, we believe in the power of integrative care to support patients on their fertility journey. With The Collab Way—our whole-body approach to fertility—patients have access to a trusted network of reproductive wellness experts. One of these partners is Leslie Oldershaw, L.Ac., founder of The Oldershaw Clinic, a leading Bay Area acupuncture practice specializing in fertility, pregnancy, and women’s health for 30 years. Leslie and her team collaborate closely with Collab Fertility to help patients optimize their IVF outcomes — and their overall well-being.

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In this Q&A, Leslie shares her insights on how acupuncture can support IVF success, the ideal timing for treatment, and more.

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When should you do acupuncture during IVF?

Leslie Oldershaw:
We recommend starting acupuncture at least three to four months before beginning an IVF stimulation cycle. This timing is important because the eggs that will be retrieved are already in the process of maturing months in advance — a process called folliculogenesis. Acupuncture during this window can support egg quality.

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Additionally, if patients have nutritional deficiencies (like low vitamin D or iron), it can take several months to correct those levels, which can also impact fertility outcomes. In California, acupuncturists are licensed as primary care providers, so we can run lab work and recommend supplements as needed to prepare the body for IVF and pregnancy.

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How often do you need acupuncture when doing IVF?

Leslie Oldershaw:
Ideally, we see patients once a week during the months leading up to in vitro fertilization (IVF). If someone comes to us with a shorter timeline — say their cycle starts in four to six weeks — we may recommend twice-weekly sessions to maximize support in a condensed timeframe.

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Once patients begin their IVF stimulation cycle, we typically encourage twice-weekly visits to help their bodies adapt to the hormonal changes, promote relaxation, and enhance blood flow to the reproductive organs. That said, we are always mindful of patients’ schedules. We don’t want acupuncture to add extra stress — we want to reduce stress!

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Acupuncture fertility success stories

Leslie Oldershaw:
Some of the most rewarding stories are patients who have been through one or more IVF cycles with limited success — few eggs retrieved, few embryos, or unsuccessful pregnancies. Then they come to us, work consistently with acupuncture and lifestyle changes, and in their next IVF cycle, they see improved outcomes — more eggs, stronger embryos, and live births, even at ages where you might expect declining success rates.

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It’s incredibly validating to see patients’ overall health and reproductive outcomes improve so significantly with this integrative approach.

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Does acupuncture help with fertility issues?

Leslie Oldershaw:
Absolutely. Acupuncture improves blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, which supports egg development and creates a more receptive uterine environment for implantation.

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It also reduces stress, improves sleep, lowers inflammation, and balances the immune system — all critical factors for fertility. Many of our referrals from IVF doctors are specifically to help patients manage stress, but the additional physiological benefits are just as impactful.

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Does acupuncture help with frozen embryo transfer?

Leslie Oldershaw:
Yes! In a frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle, we focus heavily on improving uterine blood flow and creating an ideal environment for implantation.

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Because the ovaries aren't being stimulated during an FET, acupuncture’s role shifts even more toward enhancing uterine lining quality, reducing inflammation, balancing immune function, and supporting emotional well-being.

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In today’s IVF world, most transfers are frozen rather than fresh, and acupuncture continues to be a valuable support tool throughout the process.

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Success rate of acupuncture with IVF treatment

Leslie Oldershaw:
So far, the research on acupuncture and IVF outcomes is limited. The few studies that have been completed show promising results.  In one meta-analysis,  patients who have 12 or more acupuncture sessions prior to their IVF cycle may see a 10 -15% increase in live birth rates compared to those who do not integrate acupuncture.

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It’s important to note that it’s not just the acupuncture itself, but the combination of acupuncture, nutritional support, lifestyle modifications, and stress management that sets the stage for improved fertility outcomes.

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Can you share some thoughts on partnering with Collab?

We feel really lucky to have Dr. Segal and Collab Fertility as partners. We know when our patients go there, they will be cared for with compassion and expertise. Having a woman-founded, woman-led clinic like Collab is so important. It creates a more human, heart-centered approach to fertility care, and you feel that from the moment you walk in.

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Collaborative care at its best

At Collab Fertility, we are proud to work alongside Leslie Oldershaw and her incredible team to offer our patients integrative, supportive care. Leslie shares:

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"Patients often tell us how much they value the collaborative environment that Collab Fertility fosters — that their acupuncturists and fertility doctors communicate, share lab results, and coordinate care. Feeling supported, held, and cared for during fertility treatment makes a world of difference."

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If you're considering acupuncture to support your IVF journey, we’re here to connect you with trusted partners like The Oldershaw Clinic, who can help you thrive at every step.

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About Leslie Oldershaw L.Ac, FABORM (Licensed Acupuncturist and Fellow, Acupuncture Board of Reproductive Medicine)

Leslie Oldershaw is a licensed acupuncturist, nutritionist, and the founder of The Oldershaw Clinic, a respected wellness center located in the San Francisco Bay Area where Eastern and Western medicine are blended to offer holistic care designed specifically for women’s health and fertility.

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Leslie’s journey into holistic medicine began over 40 years ago, graduating pre-med from UC Berkeley in 1987, followed by a master’s degree from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco in 1993. Her expertise includes advanced training in women’s health, fertility, and reproductive medicine, and she is a fellow of the Acupuncture Board of Reproductive Medicine.

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In 1995, Leslie opened The Oldershaw Clinic to create a nurturing and supportive environment where women could explore integrative approaches for their health concerns. Today, she leads a compassionate team of clinicians who work closely with women, helping them achieve balance and healing as they navigate their fertility journey. The Oldershaw Clinic offers a deeply personalized approach, tailoring each treatment to the unique needs of every individual.

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