ACUPUNCTURE IN FEMALE & MALE FERTILITY
When the stork takes its time to arrive!
Special Conditions for Members of the Portuguese Fertility Association
Context
The Fertility Landscape Today
According to World Health Organisation data, approximately 15% of couples of reproductive age experience difficulties conceiving. In many cases, no identifiable clinical cause can be found through conventional tests — what medicine terms “idiopathic infertility” or “unexplained infertility”.
It is precisely in these situations that Traditional Chinese Medicine can offer a complementary perspective. Where conventional medicine identifies no pathology, TCM seeks to understand patterns of energetic imbalance — subtle dysregulations in Qi, Blood, Yin or Yang — that may be impeding conception.
Clinical Action
What Can Chinese Medicine Do?
Female Fertility
Female Fertility Support
Hormonal and Ovarian Regulation
Acupuncture can regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis — the neuroendocrine system that coordinates hormonal production, facilitating the production and release of a quality oocyte at each cycle.
Uterine Vascularisation
By increasing blood flow to the uterus, acupuncture contributes to improving endometrial quality and thickness, facilitating implantation and reducing the likelihood of early miscarriage.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Acupuncture regulates the sympathetic nervous system and sex hormone levels, contributing to menstrual cycle regulation and stimulating ovulation in PCOS.
Male Fertility
Male Fertility Support
Male infertility accounts for approximately 40% of cases of conception difficulty. Acupuncture aims to stimulate spermatogenesis. Clinical studies demonstrate it can:
Sperm concentration
Improvements in the quantity of sperm produced (Siterman et al., 2009)
Motility
Increased percentage of sperm with progressive motility (Dieterle et al., 2009)
Morphology
Improvement in sperm structural quality (Pei et al., 2005; Gurfinkel et al., 2003)
Sexual function
Positive effect on psychogenic erectile dysfunction (Engelhardt et al., 2003)
Research
Scientific Evidence
Traditional Chinese Medicine has results documented by several international organisations in the field of fertility:
Hormonal Regulation
Huang (2008): Effect of acupuncture on regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis through beta-endorphin modulation.
Lim (2010): Changes in FSH and LH levels in women treated with acupuncture.
Stener-Victorin (2010): Systematic review of the neuroendocrine effects of acupuncture on fertility.
Reproductive Blood Flow
Stener-Victorin (1996, 2006): Acupuncture increases blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, improving the follicular environment and endometrial quality.
Huang (2008): Confirmation of increased uterine vascularisation via Doppler ultrasound.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Stener-Victorin (2000, 2008, 2009): Series of studies demonstrating the efficacy of acupuncture in regularising the menstrual cycle in women with PCOS.
Zhang (2009): Meta-analysis confirming benefits of acupuncture in PCOS.
Sperm Quality
Dieterle et al. (2009): Significant improvement in sperm motility.
Siterman et al. (2009): Increased sperm count.
Pei et al. (2005), Gurfinkel et al. (2003): Improvement in sperm morphology.
Engelhardt et al. (2003): Positive effects on psychogenic erectile dysfunction.
Assisted Reproduction
Acupuncture in Medically Assisted Reproduction
Acupuncture can be used independently or as a complement to medically assisted reproduction treatments (Artificial Insemination, IVF, ICSI). Several studies have explored the role of acupuncture at different stages of these processes:
01 · Preparation
Support in the months prior to the IVF/ICSI cycle, with the aim of optimising oocyte quality, regulating the menstrual cycle, improving endometrial thickness and reducing process-related anxiety.
02 · Transfer
Some studies suggest that acupuncture sessions immediately before and after embryo transfer may improve implantation rates, by reducing uterine contractions and modulating stress levels.
03 · Post-Transfer
Continued support during the two-week wait until the pregnancy test, focusing on emotional regulation and maintaining hormonal balance.
Pregnancy
Acupuncture During Pregnancy and the Postnatal Period
An analysis conducted by Stanford University concluded that 70% of pregnant women benefit significantly from acupuncture treatments, both physically and emotionally.
Pregnancy is one of the most delicate phases of the female body and, as such, the use of medication is naturally restricted. Chinese Medicine, and acupuncture in particular, offers a 100% natural choice, with proven benefits in relieving common discomforts.
Conditions Supported
Nausea and vomiting (1st trimester) · Oedema and fluid retention · Insomnia and sleep disturbances · Constipation or diarrhoea · Low back pain and pelvic pain · Tension headaches · Heartburn and gastro-oesophageal reflux · Anxiety and emotional fluctuations · Fatigue and general discomfort
Breech Presentation — “Sitting” Baby
The point Zhiyin (BL67), located on the little toe, when warmed through moxibustion, has demonstrated the ability to stimulate foetal movement and encourage rotation to cephalic presentation, facilitating natural birth.
Ideally commenced between 33 and 35 weeks of gestation.
Partnership
Special Conditions for APF Members
Exclusive Benefits
50%
discount on the Diagnostic Consultation
20%
discount on Treatments
Valid upon presentation of a membership card with up-to-date dues.
Method
The Five Clinic Approach
At Five Clinic, every fertility journey is unique and treated as such. The first consultation includes a detailed Chinese Medicine assessment — tongue observation, pulse palpation, and an in-depth conversation about clinical history, menstrual cycle, emotional context and lifestyle.
This diagnosis allows us to understand the underlying energetic pattern and create a personalised therapeutic plan, which may include acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine (where appropriate), Chinese dietary guidance and self-care practices adapted to your constitution.
All our treatments include anxiety management support — because we know that emotional wellbeing is inseparable from reproductive health.
All our specialists hold professional licences certified by ACSS, guaranteeing rigorous training and ethical practice. Our clinic is officially registered with the Health Regulatory Authority (ERS) under number 39558/E166752.
Learn More
→ Acupuncture and Fertility — When the Stork Takes Its Time
Next Step
Book Your Diagnostic Consultation
The first consultation lasts approximately 60 minutes and includes a full Chinese Medicine assessment, diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.
Our Brands
About Us
Specialist clinic in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, located in the heart of Lisbon. Since 2012, we have offered personalised treatments with certified professionals.
ERS Registration
No. 39558/E166752
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Contacts
📍 Address
Avenida Duque de Loulé, 47
3rd Floor, Right
1050-086 Lisbon · Portugal
✉️ Email
[email protected]🌐 Website
www.fiveclinic.pt/enOpening Hours
Monday to Friday:
10:00 — 13:00
14:00 — 19:00
Saturday:
09:00 — 13:00
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National & International Associations
📋 Professional Credentials
Company
FIVE CLINIC by FIVEDIRECTIONS
HEALTH & WELLNESS LDA
VAT No.: 513248889
Clinical Director
Dr. Fernando Fernandes
Chinese Medicine Licence: C-006569
Acupuncture Licence: C-0500378
(Issued by ACSS)
ERS Registration: 39558/E166752 | All practitioners hold ACSS professional licences
