Fertility Acupuncture in London
UK’s Leading Fertility Acupuncture Expert
Conceive with the help from an award-winning, internationally renowned Fertility Acupuncturist, Lecturer and Author, Irina Szmelskyj, MS.
20+
Years of Fertility
Acupuncture
Experience
76%
Ongoing
Pregnancy and Live
Birth Rate*
10+
Years of Teaching
Fertility and IVF
Acupuncture
76% Ongoing Pregnancy and Live Birth Rate*
How We Achieve Exceptional Fertility Acupuncture Success Rates
Over the years, we have fine-tuned our comprehensive, holistic approach to fertility acupuncture treatment. Here is how we achieve extraordinary results for our fertility and IVF patients.
Our clinic blends expert care with an unwavering commitment to your well-being, dedicated to assisting you on your journey to parenthood.
What We Do: We conduct an in-depth analysis of lifestyle factors known to impact fertility, including diet, exercise, stress, alcohol, smoking, exposure to chemicals and pollution, and intercourse patterns.
Why It Matters: If not addressed, these factors can diminish the effectiveness of our acupuncture treatments.
How We Do It: We constantly update our knowledge with the latest research on lifestyle factors affecting fertility, ensuring our advice is essential, relevant, and effective.
What We Do: We meticulously review your previous fertility tests and recommend additional ones if needed. For patients without prior tests, we may suggest specific tests to discuss with your doctor.
Why It Matters: Tailoring your acupuncture treatment based on accurate medical diagnosis significantly enhances its effectiveness.
How We Do It: Our lead acupuncturist, Irina Szmelskyj, brings her extensive research and lecturing experience on reproductive medicine to ensure a comprehensive understanding of fertility-related medical conditions and their treatments.
What We Do: If relevant, we review your pregnancy history to identify any factors that may affect future fertility and pregnancies.
Why It Matters: Understanding your past pregnancies helps us predict and manage potential fertility issues.
How We Do It: We handle this sensitive information with the highest degree of respect, sensitivity, and confidentiality.
What We Do: We analyse your past IVF treatments for potential areas of improvement and provide first-time IVF patients with evidence-based guidance on treatment options and clinic choices.
Why It Matters: Fine-tuning IVF treatments and choosing the right IVF clinic can substantially increase success rates.
How We Do It: With over 20 years of clinical experience, a decade of experience in lecturing about acupuncture and IVF, and as a co-author of a best-selling textbook on the subject, Irina Szmelskyj offers advice that is both evidence-based and practically grounded.
What We Do: We carry out a thorough evaluation of your body to identify any imbalances affecting your fertility.
Why It Matters: Detecting and correcting subtle imbalances is crucial for enhancing fertility through acupuncture.
How We Do It: We take into account every symptom, no matter how small, to develop an accurate acupuncture diagnosis.
What We Do: We design a bespoke acupuncture treatment plan for you, incorporating optimal timings, frequency, lifestyle advice, and medical referrals.
Why It Matters: A personalised treatment plan maximises your chances of a successful fertility outcome.
How We Do It: We use the comprehensive data gathered as part of your intake to create a plan that is unique to your fertility needs.
What We Do: We implement a tailored acupuncture treatment regimen adhering to the highest standards of safety and efficacy. Our holistic approach factors in the best timings and suitable frequency. Where necessary, we coordinate with your medical reproductive treatments to ensure acupuncture is integrated with your overall healthcare.
Why It Matters: Acupuncture can significantly enhance fertility and increase IVF success rates. However, success depends on the skill of the practitioner and the correct delivery of treatment.
How We Do It: Our approach is rooted in evidence-based practices and a deep understanding of reproductive health. Each treatment is meticulously planned and executed with precision, using sterile, single-use needles to ensure your absolute safety. Throughout your treatment, we continually assess progress and make adjustments as needed, always aiming for the optimal therapeutic effect.
What We Do: We provide continuous email support to address any of your concerns or questions.
Why It Matters: Navigating the fertility journey is often stressful; having a source of emotional support can offer immense comfort and may even enhance your treatment response.
How We Do It: We offer empathetic, understanding, and comforting support, ready to guide and listen whenever you need us.
* Based on a clinical audit of Irina Szmelskyj’s Cambridge clinic, 76% of patients who presented to the clinic between Jan 2021 and Jun 2023 and completed at least seven acupuncture sessions experienced ongoing viable pregnancies or live births. However, as with all treatments, success is not guaranteed, and individual results may vary.
The Clinic Founder-
Expert Fertility Acupuncturist
Irina Szmelskyj DipAc, MSc, MBAcC, MBMAS, MAAC
- Over 20 years of clinical experience
- National Award Winner
- 76% ongoing pregnancy and live birth rate
- Internationally renowned fertility acupuncture lecturer
- Co-author of no.1 textbook on Fertility Acupuncture and IVF
- Ad hoc peer reviewer for The Complementary Therapies in Medicine
Awards
- 2004 Recipient of The National Research Excellent Award, London, UK
- 2018 Nominated for The NCA Acupuncture Hero Award, York, UK
- 2021 Recipient of The Micro Business of the Year Silver Award, Huntingdonshire District Council, UK
Main Academic Publications
- Szmelskyj, I., & Aquilina, L. (2014). Acupuncture for IVF and Assisted Reproduction: An Integrated Approach to Treatment and Management (A. O. Szmelskyj, Ed.). Elsevier Ltd. ISBN 978-0702050107
- Szmelskyj, I. (2015). Acupuncture in Assisted Reproduction. In J. Bold & S. Bedford (Eds.), Integrated Approaches To Infertility, IVF And Recurrent Miscarriage. Singing Dragon. ISBN 978-1848191556
- Szmelskyj, I., & Szmelskyj, A. (2017). Acupuncture for infertility in polycystic ovary syndrome. JAMA – Journal of the American Medical Association, 318(15), 1501
Irina Szmelskyj is a co-author of the most comprehensive international best-selling textbook on Fertility Acupuncture and IVF
The book ‘Acupuncture for IVF and Assisted Reproduction’ (ISBN 978-0702050107) reached No1 best-seller ranking in the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, India.
Professional Book Reviews
“A must have for the bookshelf of any acupuncturist who is ever called upon to treat fertility issues – if you have room for one book this surely must be it.” Reviewed by Martin Dean, The Acupuncture Fertility Centre, March 2015
“Practitioners of all levels of experience and TCM students should find it compelling reading and an invaluable companion to their learning.” Reviewed by Stephen Clarke, Journal of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society, May 2015
“Only Irina Szmelskyj and Lianne Aquilina, however, really do justice to the complexities involved in integrating acupuncture with IVF and ART.” Reviewed by David Frederick Mayor, Acupuncture in Medicine, February 2015
“This book is extremely well re-searched and referenced.” Reviewed by Danny Maxwell (London Acupuncture Clinic) on behalf of the Journal of Chinese Medicine, February 2015
“The authors confidently evince the TCM acupuncture approach as an effective adjuvant ART treatment and present a well-researched, clinically relevant text for new and seasoned fertility acupuncturists alike.” Reviewed by Lee Hullender Rubin, The American Acupuncturist, Winter 2015
Topics Covered
- Physiology of reproductive health, menstrual cycle, and anatomy of the reproductive organs
- Infertility tests and investigations
- Fertility support by reducing the impact of lifestyle barriers to fertility
- Management of patients diagnosed with blocked tubes, polycystic ovarian syndrome, anovulation, endometriosis, premature ovarian insufficiency, unexplained infertility, secondary infertility, male fertility
- Acupuncture as an adjunct to medical fertility treatment, including embryo transfer IVF protocols and other assisted conception treatments
- Management of patients diagnosed with blocked tubes, PCOS, anovulation, endometriosis, premature ovarian insufficiency, unexplained infertility, secondary infertility, male infertility
- Support of patients with a history of recurrent miscarriages
- Treatment of patients during early pregnancy after infertility
- Fertility acupuncture ethical considerations
“I cannot recommend Irina highly enough, particularly to any woman who is trying to conceive, is getting ready for IVF or is pregnant.
Not only did Irina’s acupuncture treatments result in a healthy pregnancy after years of heartache miscarrying many times and then not being able to conceive at all, but she supported me well above and beyond the call of duty during those worrying pregnancy months.
Irina is a skilled and highly experienced acupuncturist, has a real empathy for the people she treats and her integrity and passion shine through in bucket loads.”
H.D.
Our Comprehensive Specialist Fertility and Reproductive Health Issues Acupuncture Services
Acupuncture for Natural Conception
- Menstrual Cycle Regulation
- Hormonal Balance
- Uterine Environment
- Stress Relief
- Egg Quality
- Low Ovarian Reserve
- Sexual Function
Acupuncture for IVF and Assisted Conception
- Acupuncture for IVF
- Frozen Embryo Transfer
- IUI and Ovulation Induction
- Poor Response to Stimulation
- Repeated Implantation Failure
- LGBTQ+ Family Planning
Acupuncture Miscarriage Support
- Emotional Recovery
- Physical Recovery
- Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle Post-Miscarriage
- Acupuncture Preparation for Future Pregnancies
- Acupuncture During Future Pregnancies
Acupuncture for Male Fertility
- Sperm Quality and Quantity
- Male Fertility Hormonal Balance
- Stress Relief
Acupuncture for Fertility Preservation
- Egg Freezing
- Sperm Freezing
- Acupuncture for Enhancing Future Fertility
Acupuncture for Gynaecology and Obstetric Health
- Menopausal Symptoms
- Menstrual Health
- Pregnancy, Labour and Postnatal Support
“Excellent is all I can say. I always enjoy seeing Irina and having the acupuncture (well once the needles are in anyway!). Whilst it is hard to know if it is really doing anything, I do feel like this is a contributor for where I am now (happily 12+ weeks pregnant after years of heartache and failures). And I can’t deny the evidence in front of me. I like how knowledgeable and professional she is, and she always goes that extra bit further to make me feel important and deserving of her time. After being initially sceptical on acupuncture, I am definitely now in a position to say that I would recommend it.”
A.D.
Fertility Acupuncture FAQs
How does acupuncture work for fertility?
Acupuncture supports fertility by enhancing blood flow to reproductive organs, balancing hormone levels, reducing stress, and improving overall health, creating a more favourable environment for conception. For more detailed information, please visit our pages on Natural Conception with Acupuncture and IVF Conception with Acupuncture. You may also like to read our article How does acupuncture for fertility work?
Is acupuncture beneficial alongside IVF and other fertility treatments?
Yes, acupuncture can complement IVF and other fertility treatments by increasing blood flow to the uterus, reducing stress, and improving the success rates of these treatments. For specific details on how acupuncture can support IVF, check out our dedicated page Acupuncture for IVF in London.
Can acupuncture help with male fertility issues?
Absolutely. Acupuncture can improve male fertility by increasing sperm count and quality, enhancing blood flow, and reducing stress. We provide a holistic approach to improving fertility for both partners.
How often should I have acupuncture for fertility?
The frequency of acupuncture treatments for fertility enhancement can vary widely depending on the individual’s specific circumstances. Generally, a common approach is to start with a series of sessions, often weekly, over the course of 2-3 menstrual cycles to align with natural fertility cycles or IVF treatment timelines. Adjustments may be made based on progress and response to treatment.
What is the optimal timing for acupuncture sessions within the menstrual cycle to enhance fertility?
Each stage of the menstrual cycle plays a critical role in fertility, with different and equally important events occurring throughout. Acupuncture can be tailored to support these specific phases: during the menstrual phase to promote a healthy flow and reduce pain, in the follicular phase to enhance egg quality and prepare the uterine lining, at ovulation to facilitate the release of the egg, and during the luteal phase to support implantation and early pregnancy. By addressing the unique needs of each phase, acupuncture optimises fertility potential at every step. A personalised treatment plan will consider the timing and approach most suitable for you.
Is there evidence supporting the effectiveness of acupuncture for fertility?
Yes, a growing body of research suggests acupuncture can enhance fertility and increase IVF success rates by improving factors like hormone balance, stress levels, and blood flow to the reproductive organs. For more on the science behind acupuncture and fertility, visit our detailed pages on specific fertility treatments.
Do you use sterile single-use needles?
Absolutely. The safety and well-being of our clients are our top priorities. We use single-use, sterile, disposable needles for every acupuncture session. These needles are manufactured, packaged, and sealed under strict health and safety standards. Each needle is opened from its sterile packaging in front of the patient at the beginning of a session and is immediately disposed of in a medical-grade sharps container after a single use. This process ensures complete sterility and allows patients to see both the opening and disposal of needles, ensuring peace of mind regarding their safety.
Have Another Question?
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Fertility Acupuncture London
“Irina has successfully prepared my body for two IVF babies, pregnancy and birth. She has an amazing knowledge and understanding of women’s health, expertise in acupuncture and such a high level of care. I continue to come for treatment for general well-being and migraines and have recommended Irina to many friends over the years.”
S.V.
Fertility Acupuncture:
London
Our London fertility acupuncture clinic is centrally located, just a 2-minute walk from NCP London Bloomsbury Square parking and within a short walk of Holborn, Tottenham Court Road, and Russell Square London underground stations.
The clinic is also easily accessible for IVF patients from the Marylebone district and Harley Street, where many London IVF and fertility clinics are located.
