How Acupuncture Can Help Increase Your Fertility Over 35

Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have—around 1 to 2 million. By the time she reaches her first period, that number typically drops to about 300,000–400,000. From there, it continues to decline steadily over the reproductive years. So how do you increase your fertility over 35?

We’ve all heard the message that fertility “drops off a cliff” at 35. While it’s true that ovarian reserve does begin to decline before 40, the reality is more nuanced. Every woman is different—some are born with more eggs, and for others, the rate of decline is slower. And while no new eggs are produced after birth, we can positively influence the development of the eggs we still have.

Understanding the Journey: Folliculogenesis

The journey an egg takes before it’s ready to ovulate is called folliculogenesis. It begins with the recruitment of a dormant, immature follicle (called a primordial follicle) and progresses through several stages until it becomes a mature, ovulation-ready egg.

This process takes about 120 days—roughly four months. During this time, the follicle (a fluid-filled sac that supports the egg) grows under the influence of hormones, especially in the later stages. Oestrogen supports the final growth of the dominant follicle, which we can see on scans as it nears ovulation—or, in IVF cycles, egg collection.

So, What Does Fertility Acupuncture Have to Do with It?

If you’re aiming to improve egg quality, you need to support the entire 3–4 month journey of follicular development. Acupuncture works beautifully alongside this natural process and can positively influence every stage.

Here’s how acupuncture supports fertility:

Improves Blood Flow

• To the ovaries – encouraging better nourishment of developing follicles and potentially supporting egg quality.
• To the uterus – promoting a thick, healthy endometrium (lining) to support implantation.

Regulates Menstrual Cycles

• At the start of the cycle, acupuncture helps ensure a full and complete shedding of the uterine lining.
• It supports a smooth transition through all phases of the cycle, laying the foundation for regular ovulation.

Balances Hormones

• Acupuncture supports the HPO axis (hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis), which governs hormonal rhythms.
• It helps regulate levels of FSH, LH, oestrogen, and progesterone—essential for those with conditions like PCOS.

‍Reduces Stress

• Acupuncture lowers cortisol levels, calming the nervous system.
• In Chinese medicine, we call this “calming the Shen”—supporting emotional well-being as well as physical balance.

Enhances Fertility Treatments

• Research shows that acupuncture may improve outcomes for IVF and other ART procedures when used alongside medical treatment.
• It can also reduce side effects from fertility medications and help prepare the body for implantation.

Supports Underlying Conditions

Acupuncture can help manage gynaecological and hormonal conditions that often affect fertility, including:

• Endometriosis
• Fibroids
• PCOS
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Thyroid imbalances
• A Cumulative Process

Because folliculogenesis takes about 3–4 months, acupuncture is most effective when used consistently throughout this period. Each session builds on the last, gently encouraging the body to return to a more balanced and receptive state.

Many of my clients describe acupuncture not just as a fertility treatment, but as a deeply grounding, calming part of their week—helping them feel more in control and more connected to their cycle.  Not only that, all of my clients get out of hour support, herbal prescriptions and tailored dietary advice consistent with their own individual diagnosis.

Ready to Begin?

Whether you’re trying to conceive naturally, preparing for IVF, or just want to improve your reproductive health, acupuncture offers personalised, holistic support.

If you’d like to explore how this approach might support your journey, I’d love to hear from you.

Book a free 15min Discovery call with me here
You can also follow me on Instagram for more insights, tips, and client stories @sallytheacupuncturist