How fertility acupuncture can help
Trying to conceive can take over your calendar and your nervous system. Fertility acupuncture aims to improve the conditions for conception, from cycle regularity and blood flow to the pelvis to sleep and stress, while you continue care with your reproductive endocrinologist (RE) or OB-GYN.
Who we help
- People trying naturally who want to regulate their cycle or ovulation
- Patients preparing for or going through IUI, IVF or egg freezing
- PCOS, endometriosis, thin uterine lining and diminished ovarian reserve, alongside medical care
- Recurrent pregnancy loss, together with your physician
- Male factor fertility: sperm count, motility and morphology (see men's health)
- Same-sex couples and single parents by choice
What the research says
Studies on acupuncture and IVF outcomes are mixed. Some trials and reviews report higher pregnancy rates, while others, including large trials, find no difference in live births. The more consistent findings are lower anxiety, better quality of life during treatment and more regular cycles. We share this openly so you can decide with full information, and we never promise a pregnancy.
A typical fertility plan
- Preparation (about 3 months before trying or a cycle): weekly acupuncture and, when appropriate, a custom herbal formula. Eggs and sperm take roughly 90 days to mature.
- During IVF stimulation: weekly sessions adjusted for bloating and comfort. Herbs are usually paused unless your doctor agrees.
- Retrieval: a session one or two days afterward to ease cramping and support recovery.
- Transfer day: treatment before and after embryo transfer, scheduled around your clinic's timing.
- Pregnancy: support for nausea, fatigue, back pain, sleep, breech presentation and labor preparation.
Close to Manhattan fertility clinics
Our office on West 45th Street is a short trip from most Midtown and Upper East Side fertility clinics, which makes transfer-day timing easier. With your permission, Dr. Iskhakov aligns sessions with your protocol and keeps herbal recommendations in line with your doctor's guidance. Read more on timing acupuncture around IVF.
Cost and insurance
Treatment starts at $195 (IVF transfer-day session). Follow-up acupuncture is $140 for about 60 minutes, with cupping or electroacupuncture included when needed, and packages lower the per-visit cost. We are an out-of-network provider: you pay at each visit and receive a superbill to submit to your insurer, and many PPO plans reimburse part of the fee. HSA and FSA cards are accepted. See every fee on pricing & insurance.
When to see a doctor first
Tell us if you are pregnant or might be, since some points are avoided in pregnancy. Contact your doctor right away for bleeding, severe pain or signs of ovarian hyperstimulation during IVF.
Getting to our Midtown office
We are at 25 W 45th St in Midtown, near Bryant Park and Grand Central, with evening and Saturday appointments that work around monitoring visits.
Fifth Element Acupuncture, 25 W 45th St, Suite 507, New York, NY 10036 · (347) 596-0931 · Directions
B, D, F, M to 42 St–Bryant Park · 7 to 5 Av · 4, 5, 6, S and Metro-North at Grand Central (6-min walk) · Times Sq–42 St (8-min walk)
How to book
Answer a few short questions online and we will call within one business day to confirm a time, or call (347) 596-0931. New patients start with a 90-minute first visit. Evening and Saturday appointments are available, and care is offered in English and Russian.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine complement, and do not replace, care from your physician. Results vary from person to person. Please continue any treatment your doctor has prescribed and tell us about medications you take. Photos are illustrative.
