TCM can help with the things around fertility: an irregular cycle, painful periods, cold hands and feet, poor sleep and stress. It cannot open blocked fallopian tubes, fix a very low sperm count, or stand in for IVF when IVF is what you need. Used for the right problems, alongside your gynaecologist, it is worth trying.
See a fertility doctor first if
You are under 35 and have been trying for 12 months without success, or you are 35 or older and have been trying for 6 months. Get the basic tests done first: hormone levels, an ultrasound, a check of the tubes, and a semen analysis for your partner. These timelines follow standard guidance such as ACOG's advice on evaluating infertility.
Very painful periods that keep getting worse also need a scan, because they can point to endometriosis or fibroids. Bring the reports to your first visit with us.
What the research says
The largest trial of acupuncture during IVF, published in JAMA in 2018, followed 848 women in Australia and New Zealand. Live birth rates were 18.3% with real acupuncture and 17.8% with sham acupuncture, which is no meaningful difference. So we do not tell IVF patients that needles will raise their chance of a baby. Some patients still choose acupuncture during IVF to cope with stress, and that is a reasonable choice as long as the expectation is clear.
What we do at the clinic
Our TCM uterine care programme combines warm mud moxa compresses on the abdomen, acupuncture, and a herbal formula adjusted to each stage of the cycle. For people who feel the cold and tire easily, the practitioner may add fire dragon moxibustion along the spine.
This is slow work. Plan on several consecutive cycles before judging whether it is helping. If you want a quick fix before an IVF transfer next month, this is not it.
If you are doing IVF
Tell your fertility doctor about any herbs before you take them, and tell us your IVF schedule. Some herbs are not suitable during stimulation or after transfer, so we do not prescribe without knowing where you are in the cycle. If you might already be pregnant, tell the practitioner before acupuncture, because some points are avoided in pregnancy.
Who you will see
Dr. Jaron Yeong and Dr. Icely Lee both list TCM gynaecology among their specialisations. Both see patients on Monday and Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM, and on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 6 PM. The clinic is on Jalan Genting Kelang in Setapak, KL.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does TCM fertility care take?
Usually several consecutive menstrual cycles. The practitioner adjusts treatment through each cycle and reviews progress with you.
Can I take Chinese herbs during IVF?
Only with your fertility doctor's agreement, and only if the practitioner knows exactly where you are in the IVF cycle.
Does acupuncture improve IVF success?
The largest trial so far found no meaningful difference in live birth rates between real and sham acupuncture. Some patients still use it to manage stress.
