Fertility Acupuncture in Singapore: What to Expect and Questions to Ask

Sep 7

4 min read

Updated: Sep 10

Trying to conceive can bring questions about your cycle, your health and how you feel day to day. At Olive3, Physician Koh Soo Hoon takes time to understand these concerns through an individual TCM assessment. This guide explains what a consultation involves, how a care plan is developed and what to share before treatment.

What is fertility acupuncture?

Acupuncture uses very fine needles inserted at selected points on the body. “Fertility acupuncture” usually describes acupuncture provided to someone who is preparing to conceive, undergoing fertility assessment, or receiving treatment such as IUI or IVF.

In TCM, your physician assesses patterns through your symptoms, history, tongue and pulse. Acupuncture points are selected for that assessment. Your TCM physician manages the TCM plan, while your fertility specialist manages fertility investigations, medicines and procedures. Sharing relevant information helps both professionals coordinate safe care.

Why do some patients choose it?

Your consultation is a place to discuss your menstrual history, sleep, digestion, tension and experience of fertility treatment. Depending on the pattern assessed, traditional principles may include soothing Liver Qi (addressing a TCM pattern of constraint), nourishing Blood (the TCM concept of nourishment) or calming Shen (settling the mind). These terms describe the traditional TCM framework used to plan care.

Your plan may include acupuncture, Chinese medicine or lifestyle guidance, selected according to your assessment and suitability. Physician Koh explains the proposed treatment goals and reviews your response, taking any ongoing IVF or IUI treatment into account. Individual responses vary.

What happens at the first consultation?

Your first visit begins with a conversation about your health history, any fertility diagnosis, current symptoms, medicines, supplements, bleeding risk, pregnancy status and IUI or IVF schedule.

Bring recent reports and a complete medication and supplement list. Share your treatment stage and contact details for the professionals involved in your care so that relevant information can be coordinated with your consent.

Your physician explains the TCM assessment, proposed goals, suitability, possible side effects and how progress will be reviewed. There is time to ask questions and decide which options you are comfortable with.

What does a session feel like?

Needles used for acupuncture are much finer than most injection needles. Sensations vary. Some people notice a brief prick, heaviness, tingling or a dull ache; others feel very little. Tell the physician immediately if you feel sharp pain, faintness or anything that worries you.

You may be asked to lie still for part of the appointment. Wear comfortable clothing and have a light meal beforehand unless your medical team has given different instructions. Do not attend if you are acutely unwell without first contacting the clinic.

How often is acupuncture needed?

The timing and frequency of visits are personalised to your assessment, preferences and treatment timetable. Your response is reviewed before deciding whether to continue or adjust the plan.

Discuss the proposed number of sessions, review points and costs before starting. Schedule TCM visits around medication timing, scans, egg retrieval, embryo transfer and follow-up, so that one part of your care does not disrupt another.

Safety and information to share

Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed properly by a qualified practitioner using sterile, single-use needles. Mild soreness, small bruises or temporary light-headedness can occur. Serious complications are uncommon but possible when technique or hygiene is poor.

Tell the physician if you:

• are pregnant or may be pregnant

• take blood-thinning medicine or have a bleeding disorder

• have a pacemaker or another implanted electrical device

• have a metal allergy, infection or skin problem

• have a history of fainting with needles

• recently had a procedure or have been told to restrict activity

In Singapore, TCM physicians are registered with the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board (TCMPB), a statutory board under MOH. You can check a physician’s registration and current practising certificate.

Acupuncture during IVF or IUI

If you are undergoing IVF or IUI, tell your TCM physician and fertility specialist about all treatments, medicines and schedule changes. Agree on a coordinated plan, including procedure-related restrictions and advice for early pregnancy. Do not change prescribed fertility medicines or procedure instructions without consulting the prescriber or treating team.

Do not postpone urgent assessment for a scheduled appointment. Severe or worsening abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, fainting, chest pain, breathing difficulty, fever, persistent vomiting, sudden one-sided pelvic pain, rapidly worsening bloating during stimulation or reduced urination require prompt medical attention.

What about Chinese medicine and supplements?

An acupuncture consultation may include discussion of Chinese medicine, herbs or supplements, but these are separate decisions. Do not start any product during fertility treatment without telling your fertility specialist. “Natural” does not mean risk-free, and products can cause side effects, be unsuitable in pregnancy or interact with medicines.

Your TCM physician and fertility specialist should review possible interactions and agree whether any herbs or supplements need to be avoided or paused during a treatment cycle.

Questions to ask the clinic

Before booking a course of care, ask:

• What is the specific goal of acupuncture in my case?

• What will we review to decide whether this plan remains suitable for me?

• How will you coordinate with my fertility specialist?

• What side effects or reasons not to proceed should I know about?

• Is the schedule flexible if my medical treatment changes?

• What is the full cost, and do I have to buy a package?

• Who will provide treatment, and are they registered in Singapore?

A thoughtful starting point

A consultation gives you an opportunity to discuss your concerns, understand the TCM assessment and consider the available care options. Physician Koh explains the proposed plan, fees and review points so you can decide on your next step.

If you would like to explore TCM care, you can arrange a consultation with Physician Koh at Olive3. Bring any recent reports and your medication list so the discussion can reflect your circumstances.

Male Fertility Support: https://www.olive3tcm.com/tcm-male-fertility-support-singapore

Physician Koh Soo Hoon: https://www.olive3tcm.com/about-physician-koh-soo-hoon

Fees: https://www.olive3tcm.com/prices

Sources

Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, Complementary and alternative therapies: https://www.hfea.gov.uk/treatments/complementary-and-alternative-therapies/

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Acupuncture: Effectiveness and Safety: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture-effectiveness-and-safety

American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Assisted Reproductive Technologies: A Guide for Patients: https://www.reproductivefacts.org/news-and-publications/fact-sheets-and-infographics/assisted-reproductive-technologies-booklet/

This article is general education, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation.

Reviewed and approved by Physician Koh Soo Hoon, September 2026.

TCM terminology reference: WHO international standard terminologies on traditional Chinese medicine. Reference for the traditional TCM terms used in this article.