In reality, many of us spend much of our lives trying not to get pregnant. We’re often taught that conception is easy, something that will happen effortlessly when the time is right. So when that time comes, the journey usually begins with hope and excitement.
What’s rarely talked about is how precise conception can be. Even in the most straightforward circumstances, timing matters more than we’re led to believe. Conception is a complex and amazing feat of biology, and if it doesn’t happen easily, you are far from alone.
When conception takes longer than expected, it can feel like falling into a maze of information, tests and conflicting advice. At the same time, everything fertility-related can seem suddenly louder – ads, films, pregnancy announcements – leaving you feeling alone, navigating unfamiliar emotions and unsure which way to turn or what steps to take next.
Acupuncture offers steady, compassionate support and guidance throughout this process. It can be helpful not only when you’re actively trying to conceive, but also as preparation – supporting your body and nervous system ahead of time. Ideally, treatment begins around three months before trying to conceive, but there is no wrong moment to start. I will always meet you exactly where you are.
What you might be experiencing
You’re in the right place if you are experiencing:
- Difficulty conceiving without a known cause (“unexplained infertility”)
- You’ve been told everything “looks fine” on paper but you’re still not getting pregnant
- Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
- Conditions like Endometriosis or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Hormonal imbalances, including high FSH or low AMH
- Emotional stress, anxiety or overwhelm related to fertility challenges
- Support needs during IVF, IUI or other assisted conception treatments
- Secondary infertility (difficulty conceiving after having one or more children)
- Early miscarriage and concerns about maintaining pregnancy
- Baby loss at any stage of pregnancy including Terminations for Medical Reasons
- Complex fertility issues such as microbiome imbalances or immunological factors
How Acupuncture May Help
Acupuncture supports your body’s natural healing and helps it function at its best. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, fertility issues often come from imbalances in the flow Qi and Blood, especially within the Spleen, Liver and Kidney channels. Treatment gently works to restore this balance, improve blood flow to the reproductive organs, ease stress, and optimise the function of the key bodily systems that underpin hormonal regulation.
You can read more about this on my blog.
What a Treatment Plan Looks Like
- Your first appointment will include a detailed health consultation to understand your unique health history and personal goals and expectations.
- Follow-ups typically take place weekly or every two weeks, following the phases of your menstrual cycle where appropriate.
- With additional training in natural conception and fertility, I understand the Western medicine perspective and can guide you towards relevant tests or specialist referrals. I’m here to help you make sense of results and support you in navigating the next steps.
- While I don’t have all the answers, I have a trusted network of fertility experts I can consult on your behalf – so you’re never on your own.
- Ongoing support includes lifestyle advice and guidance with cycle tracking, designed to help you feel empowered and informed throughout your journey. For those undergoing IVF, treatments are carefully timed to complement key moments such as egg retrieval and embryo transfer.
- Most people begin acupuncture around three months before trying to conceive, but I’m here to work with you at any stage of your journey.
Who This Approach Tends to Help
Acupuncture for fertility can benefit:
- Those trying to conceive naturally, with or without a diagnosed issue
- People undergoing IVF, IUI or other assisted fertility treatments
- Women experiencing hormonal imbalances, PCOS, Endometriosis or irregular cycles
- Couples managing the emotional stresses of fertility challenges
- Those seeking gentle, natural support alongside conventional medicine
From My Perspective
I know from experience that trying to conceive can be an extremely stressful and lonely time. Suddenly everything fertility-related around you can seem louder – movies, adverts, friends getting pregnant. Supporting fertility is therefore something I am passionate about and I have witnessed how gentle, consistent care can bring not just physical benefits but emotional resilience too which is often forgotten about in the Western medicine side of things. Every person’s fertility journey is unique, and my aim is to provide a space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered. Together, we work towards creating the best possible conditions for conception and overall wellbeing.
Practical Details
I offer treatments in Belgravia and Blackheath, both calm, discreet clinics easily accessible by public transport.
- Sessions typically last around 60 minutes
- Opening hours are flexible to suit your schedule
- Costs and booking details are available here
- I am a member of the British Acupuncture Council and the Acupuncture Fertility Network (AFN)
- All consultations and treatments are confidential and delivered with care
- Health insurance invoices available – please see FAQs for details
Book Your Appointment
You can book your first consultation or follow-up session online via the links below:
Book at Belgravia Clinic
Book at Blackheath Clinic
Testimonial
My wife and I have been going to Saskia for over a year now, and I really can’t put into words how important she has been on our fertility journey. 5 stars are not enough! As anyone who has been through this challenging process knows, there really is a lack of clear and consistent information out there, and a feeling of being unable to make a positive difference to your outcomes, so having someone so knowledgable and lovely to talk to and ask advice has been invaluable.
She has also opened my eyes to a number of lifestyle changes that have helped to reduce my stress levels and overall wellbeing. I will admit to being slightly sceptical of acupuncture at the start, but over the last year have become an acupuncture advocate! Telling anyone who will listen how helpful it can be 🙂
Both my wife and I greatly look forward to our sessions, and always come away feeling energised with a more positive outlook and a series of actions that we can take.
I would recommend Saskia to everyone!
FAQs
How often should I come for acupuncture?
Typically, treatments are scheduled weekly or every two weeks – this is so we can work with you at every stage of your cycle, depending on your individual needs and fertility plan. During IVF cycles, sessions are carefully timed to align with key stages such as egg retrieval and embryo transfer, to provide the best possible support.
Is acupuncture safe alongside IVF medications and procedures?
Yes, acupuncture is safe to use alongside IVF drugs and medical protocols. I work closely with you and your fertility team to time treatments appropriately, helping to manage side effects and support your body throughout.
Can acupuncture increase my chances of IVF success?
Research suggests acupuncture can improve blood flow to the uterus, reduce stress, and support embryo implantation – all factors that may improve IVF outcomes. While I could never naturally provide any guarantees, many patients find it a valuable addition to their treatment.
Do I need to prepare anything before acupuncture sessions for fertility?
No special preparation is needed. Wearing comfortable clothing and keeping well hydrated is helpful. I’ll coordinate treatment timing with your IVF schedule for the best support.
Is acupuncture safe during early pregnancy or after IVF?
Yes, acupuncture is safe and can help support early pregnancy health, reduce anxiety, and manage common pregnancy symptoms.