Key Factors for Enhancing Conception and Acupuncture

Neo (2025)

There are key factors that are important for natural conception and implantation. These include regular periods, the presence of quality cervical mucus, the status of the uterine lining, and the optimal timing for sexual intercourse.

1. Regular periods

The subject of regular periods is crucial for natural conception and serves as a key indicator of consistent ovulation.

From a Western medicine perspective, a normal menstrual cycle typically ranges from 21 to 35 days, with an average of 28 days, measured from the first day of one period to the day before the next begins. Cycles falling within this range suggest regular ovulation and balanced sex hormones, both essential for natural conception. Additionally, consistent cycles are vital for accurately identifying the fertile window, thereby optimizing the timing of intercourse to increase the chances of conception.

Irregular periods, however, make it challenging to pinpoint the fertile window. Many clients use Ovulation Prediction Kits (OPKs), which detect a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) in urine 24 to 36 hours before ovulation. While OPKs can be a reliable tool to enhance conception chances when periods are relatively regular, their effectiveness is limited with irregular cycles, as this often indicates a hormonal imbalance. In such cases, relying solely on OPKs may not improve conception prospects.

Therefore, my primary focus in the clinic is to regulate your periods by balancing your hormones.

2. Cervical Mucus:

Wet and slippery, egg-white-like cervical mucus indicates that your body is preparing for ovulation. This is due to a rise in estrogen levels in the days leading up to ovulation. Optimal estrogen levels influence both the thickening of the uterine lining and the timing of ovulation, both of which are critical for conception. Adequate cervical mucus can reflect your hormonal balance and acts as a pathway for sperm to travel to the egg. Sperm transport is another critical factor, as conception can only occur when sperm meets the egg.

Therefore, the quality and presence of cervical mucus are part of my routine checks for fertility assessment.

3. Endometrium Condition

Your uterine lining rebuilds itself each cycle after your period. How you experience your period can often reflect the status of this lining. After fertilization, the egg travels to the uterus and implants in the uterine lining. For successful implantation, the lining needs to be of ideal thickness and have adequate blood flow to deliver essential nutrients, provide protection, and regulate hormones. A thin or unhealthy lining can lead to failed implantation or early pregnancy loss.

Symptoms such as pain, unusually heavy or light bleeding, and the presence of blood clots during your period could indicate issues with your uterine lining. Conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, or other uterine problems can also affect the uterus or blood clotting.

Therefore, assessing a person's menstrual experience can be a valuable indicator of their uterine lining status and the progress of any related treatment.

4. Right time for intercouse

Many Apps are now quite effective at predicting your "fertile window" if your periods are relatively regular. Additionally, some of my clients find Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs) to be very helpful.

It's important to remember that sperm can survive for up to five days inside the woman's body, while the egg is only viable for about 12 to 24 hours after ovulation. Therefore, having intercourse close to ovulation is ideal.

If you are a suitable candidate for using an OPK test, detecting an LH surge is considered the "golden time." Ovulation typically occurs 24 to 36 hours after an LH surge, which allows time for the sperm to survive. However, please be aware that OPK results can be inaccurate if you have conditions like PCOS, perimenopause, menopause, or if you are on certain medications such as hormonal birth control, fertility drugs, hormonal therapy, or if you've had a recent pregnancy or are breastfeeding.

Another good indicator for timing intercourse is the appearance of egg white cervical mucus, as ovulation typically occurs 24 to 48 hours after its onset. 

Acupuncture 

Acupuncture can offer support in several key areas related to fertility health:

1. Hormonal Balance

Acupuncture may help regulate hormones by influencing the nervous system and potentially stimulating the release of neurotransmitters and hormones involved in various bodily functions, including reproduction and stress responses.

2. Restorative Sleep

Disruptions in sleep can negatively impact fertility in both men and women by unbalancing hormones. Aiming for 7 to 8 hours of sleep is vital for regulating these hormones and supporting overall reproductive health.

3. Gut Health

A healthy gut significantly influences hormone balance and maintains overall reproductive health by metabolizing hormones. Conversely, poor gut health can hinder the absorption of essential nutrients needed for healthy eggs and sperm. A proper diet is crucial for promoting a healthy gut and supporting reproductive well-being.

4. Mental Well-being

Stress can trigger the release of hormones like cortisol, which can disrupt the delicate balance of reproductive hormones, affecting ovulation, sperm production, and overall fertility. Exercise and diet are also crucial for maintaining healthy brain metabolism.

5. Liver Function

The liver plays a crucial role in fertility by regulating hormones, metabolizing nutrients, and detoxifying the body. In clinical practice, I've found that supporting optimal liver function is especially important for modern-day fertility support. Interestingly, the understanding of the liver's function in Western Medicine largely overlaps with its role in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

While some people might feel immediate effects, the greatest and most lasting benefits usually build up over time with regular sessions. It's truly a cumulative process.

About the Author

Youngmi Choi

Ripple Acupuncture | Newcastle | New Lambton

As an AHPRA-registered acupuncturist with 15 years of nursing experience, I offer safe, effective, and holistic care. My special interests include pain management, psycho-emotional well-being, digestive balance, and women’s health & fertility. My approach is outcome-focused, and clients receive a clear care plan with personalized lifestyle advice.

If you have any questions about your fertility, please make an online booking, submit an online enquiry or call me on 0402 474 884. 

Follow me on

Reference

1. American Society for Reproductive Medicine (2025). Am I Ovulating?; [reviewed 2025 July 7]. Available from: https://www.reproductivefacts.org/news-and-publications/fact-sheets-and-infographics/am-i-ovulating/#:~:text=Ovulation%20is%20spontaneously%20triggered%20about,meet%20sperm%20to%20become%20fertilized

2. Reed, B.G. & Carr, B.R. (2018). The Normal Menstrual Cycle and the Control of Ovulation. IN: De Groot LJ, Chrousos G, Dungan K, Feingold KR, Grossman A, Hershman JM, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. . South Dartmouth (MA): MD Text.com, Inc.; 2000. 

3. Reproductive Medicine Associates (2025). LH Surge: When to Detect Peak Fertility with an OPK; [reviewed 2025 July 7]. Available from: https://rmanetwork.com/blog/lh-surge-when-detect-peak-fertility-opk/

4. Cleveland Clinic (2025). Cervical Mucus; [reviewed 2025 July 7]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21957-cervical-mucus

5. UNC School of Medicine (2025). Cervical Mucus Monitoring; [reviewed 2025 July 7]. Available from: https://www.med.unc.edu/timetoconceive/study-participant-resources/cervical-mucus-testing-information/

6. Horne, A.W., White, J.O., & Lalani, E. The endometrium and embryo implantation. British medical journal, 2000; 321 (7272): 1301-1302. doi: 10.1136/bmj.321.7272.1301

7. Blanco-Breindel, M.F., Singh, M., & Khan, J. Endometrial Receptivity. StatPearls [Internet]; 2023. 

8. Kliman, H.J. & Frankfurter, D. Clinical approach to recurrent implantation failure: evidence-based evaluation of the endometrium. Fertility and Sterility, 2019; III (4): 618-628. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.02.011

9. Witt, B (2025). Trying to Get Pregnant? Here’s When to Have Sex. The American College of Obstetrician and Gynecologists; [reviewed 2025 July 7]. Available from: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/trying-to-get-pregnant-heres-when-to-have-sex  

10. Sydney Local Health District (2024). Intercourse Timing. Royal Prince Alfred Hospital: Fertility Unit;  [reviewed 2025 July 7]. Available from: https://www.slhd.nsw.gov.au/rpa/fertility/fertility-timing.html 

11. European Commission (2011). Study suggests liver plays key role in fertility; [reviewed 2025 July 7]. Available from: https://cordis.europa.eu/article/id/33080-study-suggests-liver-plays-key-role-in-fertility

12. Mang, Q. et al. The Effect of Infertility on the Liver Structure, Endocrinology, and Gene Network in Japanese Flounder. Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 2021; 11(4): 936. doi: 10.3390/ani11040936

13. Kotoh, K., Nakamuta, M., Fukushima, M., Morizono, S., Enjoji, M., & Nawata, H. Fertile females with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have higher levels of ALT than postmenopausal females: implications for the influence of fertility on NAFLD. Hepatogastroenterology, 2007; 54(73):224-248. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17419265/

14. Cell Press (2025). Liver, dietary proteins key in fertility. Science Daily; [reviewed 2025 July 7]. Available from: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110201122223.htm

15. Ko, J.H. & Kim, S. A Literature Review of Women's Sex Hormone Changes by Acupuncture Treatment: Analysis of Human and Animal Studies. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine, 2018; 9 doi: 10.1155/2018/3752723.3752723

16. Li, C. et al. Prolonged Repeated Acupuncture Stimulation Induces Habituation Effects in Pain-Related Brain Areas: An fMRI Study. Public Library of Science one, 2014; 9(5):e97502. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097502

17.  Monash IVF (2017). Acupuncture and Fertility; [reviewed 2025 July 7]. Available from:https://monashivf.com/blog/acupuncture-and-fertility/

18. Neo (2025). Acupuncture for Fertility: What You Should Know. Guan Physical Therapy & Acupuncture; [reviewed 2025 July 7]. Available from: https://www.drguanptap.com/acupuncture-for-fertility/

19. Cochrane, S., Smith, C.A., Possamai-Inesedy, A., & Bensoussan, A. Prior to Conception: The Role of an Acupuncture Protocol in Improving Women's Reproductive Functioning Assessed by a Pilot Pragmatic Randomised Controlled Trial. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine, 2016; 3587569. doi: 10.1155/2016/3587569

#acupuncture #fertility #newcastle #acupuncturist #pregnancy #acupunctureworks #period #endometriosis