Why More People Are Thinking About Fertility Earlier Than Ever
I read an Axios article recently that immediately made me think, yes — I’m seeing this too.
The article discussed how fertility clinics in the DC area are seeing more and more people undergoing fertility testing and treatment well before they actually want to be pregnant. Egg freezing, ovarian reserve testing, sperm analysis — all happening years earlier than we would have expected even a decade ago.
And this absolutely tracks with what I’m seeing in my own practice.
Conversations about fertility simply don’t carry the same stigma they once did. Many people are watching friends, siblings, and coworkers struggle to conceive, sometimes for years. Others are navigating demanding careers, uncertain timelines, or relationships that aren’t quite aligned yet — and they want options.
For several of my patients, freezing eggs has felt like a way to create breathing room. Not a guarantee, but a sense of agency. A way to say, I’m not ready yet, but I’m paying attention.
Why This Shift Is Happening Now
There are a few forces driving this trend, and together they’ve created a perfect storm.
First, information is more accessible. People understand — at least at a basic level — that fertility declines with age, even if the exact timeline is different for everyone. That knowledge alone changes behavior.
Second, we’re seeing fertility struggles up close. Infertility is no longer something that happens “to someone else.” It’s happening to friends, colleagues, and family members. That lived exposure changes how people plan.
Third, and importantly, more companies are offering fertility benefits. Egg freezing, IVF, fertility testing — services that were once financially out of reach are now covered, at least partially, by many employers. When those benefits exist, people are understandably inclined to use them now rather than gamble on needing them later.
Fertility Isn’t Just a “Future Problem”
One of the biggest misconceptions about fertility is that it’s only relevant when you’re actively trying to conceive.
In reality, fertility is a reflection of overall health — metabolic health, hormonal balance, mitochondrial function, inflammation levels, and stress physiology. These things don’t suddenly appear when you decide to get pregnant. They’re shaped over years.
That’s part of why I actually welcome this earlier engagement with fertility. Not because everyone needs intervention, but because it encourages people to ask better questions sooner.
Where Acupuncture Fits In
Acupuncture can be a powerful support throughout the entire fertility journey — whether someone is freezing eggs, trying to conceive naturally, or undergoing assisted reproductive technologies like IVF.
There’s solid research showing that acupuncture during IVF improves outcomes. One meta-analysis found that receiving acupuncture during IVF cycles increased live birth rates to 38%, compared to 28% in those who did not receive acupuncture. Other studies have shown that people who incorporate acupuncture throughout their IVF cycles are twice as likely to get pregnant and have a baby compared to those who don’t.
You can read more about that research here:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25911598/
From a Chinese Medicine perspective, acupuncture supports fertility by:
Improving blood flow to the uterus and ovaries
Regulating the nervous system
Supporting hormonal communication
Reducing stress and inflammation
These effects matter whether you’re actively trying or planning ahead.
If You’re Freezing Eggs, Don’t Skip the Support Phase
If you’re considering egg freezing, I strongly encourage you to consult with a Chinese Medicine practitioner as a complementary part of the process.
Egg quality matters just as much — if not more — than egg quantity. Supporting the body before stimulation and retrieval can help optimize the environment in which those eggs develop.
This isn’t about replacing conventional fertility care. It’s about enhancing it.
Light Therapy and Mitochondrial Health: A Game Changer
In my office, I also use LED and near-infrared light therapy with fertility patients, and this is an area of research that continues to excite me.
Groundbreaking studies from Denmark and Japan have shown that light therapy improves mitochondrial health in both eggs and sperm.
Why does this matter?
Because mitochondria are the energy producers of the cell. Egg quality is, in large part, mitochondrial quality.
In eggs, light therapy has been shown to:
Improve cellular energy production
Increase the ability of cells to proliferate, migrate, and adhere
Reduce inflammation
Support overall cellular resilience
This research is still evolving, but it’s incredibly promising:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3944482/
When we talk about “egg quality,” we’re really talking about how well these cells can function, divide, and support early embryonic development. Supporting mitochondria is foundational.
Targeted Support for Different Fertility Scenarios
Because fertility challenges are not one-size-fits-all, I’ve put together different supplement protocols depending on individual needs.
If You’ve Been Told You Have:
Poor egg quality
PCOS
Low ovarian reserve
This protocol may be useful:
https://us.fullscript.com/plans/scarletoakacupuncture-fertility-ovarian-support-pcos
If You’re Trying to Conceive or Already Pregnant (Without Ovarian Issues)
This protocol may be more appropriate:
https://us.fullscript.com/plans/scarletoakacupuncture-basic-pregnancy-support
As always, anyone who signs up through my Fullscript dispensary receives 15% off.
And as with all supplements, these are best used thoughtfully and, ideally, with practitioner guidance.
Fertility Is Emotional — And That Matters Too
One thing that often gets overlooked in fertility conversations is the emotional load.
Even when people are being proactive — freezing eggs, doing testing early — there can be a lot of unspoken anxiety underneath. Questions about timing, partnership, health, finances, and identity all tend to surface here.
Supporting fertility isn’t just about ovaries and sperm. It’s about the nervous system, stress resilience, and feeling supported rather than rushed or pressured.
This is another area where acupuncture and integrative care can be incredibly valuable.
Accessing Care, Wherever You Are
I see patients in my Washington, DC office, but I also consult virtually and can help people find qualified practitioners near them.
Fertility care doesn’t have to be siloed or local-only. Thoughtful coordination can make a big difference, especially when people are navigating complex decisions.
And if you know someone who is quietly thinking about their fertility — whether they’re ready now or not — please feel free to share this with them.
These are conversations worth normalizing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fertility Planning and Support
Why are more people freezing eggs earlier?
People are freezing eggs earlier due to increased awareness of fertility timelines, personal experiences with infertility in their social circles, and expanded insurance coverage for fertility services. Freezing eggs earlier can offer more options later, though outcomes vary by individual.
Does egg freezing guarantee a future pregnancy?
No. Egg freezing is not a guarantee, but it can increase the range of options available later. Egg quality, age at freezing, and overall health all influence outcomes.
How does acupuncture help with fertility?
Acupuncture supports fertility by improving blood flow, regulating the nervous system, reducing inflammation, and supporting hormonal balance. Research shows improved IVF outcomes when acupuncture is used alongside conventional treatment.
Is acupuncture only helpful during IVF?
No. Acupuncture can be helpful before IVF, during egg freezing, while trying to conceive naturally, and throughout pregnancy. It supports the body’s underlying systems regardless of the specific fertility path.
What is mitochondrial health, and why does it matter for fertility?
Mitochondria are the energy-producing parts of cells. Egg and sperm quality depend heavily on mitochondrial function. Supporting mitochondrial health can improve cellular resilience and reproductive potential.
Can light therapy really improve egg quality?
Research suggests that LED and near-infrared light therapy can improve mitochondrial function, reduce inflammation, and support cellular health in eggs and sperm. While still emerging, this research is promising.
Should I start fertility support if I’m not trying to get pregnant yet?
That depends on your goals, timeline, and health history. Many people benefit from early assessment and supportive care even if pregnancy is years away.
Can I work with you if I don’t live in DC?
Yes. I offer virtual consultations and can help coordinate care or connect you with practitioners in your area.
