National Award-Winning Specialist Fertility Acupuncturist
Acupuncture for Fertility Preservation in London
20+
Years of Fertility
Acupuncture
Experience
76%
Ongoing
Pregnancy and Live
Birth Rate*
10+
Years of Teaching
Fertility and IVF
Acupuncture
Acupuncture For Fertility Preservation
Take a positive step towards enhancing your reproductive wellness.
Acupuncture for Egg Freezing Support
Optimise your journey with egg freezing through specialised acupuncture treatments. Our approach enhances ovarian health and egg quality, preparing your body for the retrieval process. We focus on hormonal balance and stress reduction, aiming to improve the outcomes of your egg freezing procedure.
Acupuncture for Sperm Freezing Preparation
Enhance your sperm freezing process with targeted acupuncture. By creating an optimal environment for sperm production, we complement your fertility preservation plan.
Acupuncture for Natural Fertility Preservation
Invest in your future reproductive health with acupuncture. Our services are tailored to support natural fertility, focusing on hormonal regulation, stress management, and overall reproductive wellness. Ideal for those looking to maintain their fertility potential for the future.
Acupuncture for Fertility Preservationin Transgender Individuals
Providing dedicated acupuncture services for transgender individuals seeking to preserve their fertility. Whether it’s before, during, or after transition, we offer tailored treatments that support hormonal balance, stress reduction, and overall reproductive health.
Acupuncture for Fertility Preservation in Cancer Patients
Specialised acupuncture support for cancer patients seeking to preserve fertility before undergoing cancer treatment. Our approach is designed to enhance reproductive health in preparation for assisted reproductive treatment such as egg and sperm freezing. We focus on providing supportive care that addresses the unique challenges faced by cancer patients, aiming to optimise conditions for fertility preservation treatment.
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
“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 Preservation FAQs
Can acupuncture improve egg quality and quantity for egg freezing procedure?
Egg freezing is a relatively new procedure, so research specifically examining acupuncture’s effects on egg freezing is limited. However, studies on acupuncture for natural fertility and IVF have shown these benefits:
- Improved Blood Flow: Acupuncture may increase blood flow to the ovaries, enhancing oxygen and nutrient delivery for healthier egg development.
- Hormone Regulation: Acupuncture may help balance reproductive hormones involved in follicular growth and egg development.
- Enhanced IVF Response: Acupuncture could improve ovarian response to IVF stimulation, increasing egg numbers.
- Reduced Stress: Acupuncture promotes relaxation and reduces stress hormones that can disrupt egg production
- Inflammation & Metabolic Support: Acupuncture may help address inflammation and metabolic factors, creating a healthier environment for egg quality.
While results vary, incorporating acupuncture into a holistic fertility preservation plan could support better outcomes for egg freezing and future conception.
Can acupuncture be used alongside fertility medications to support egg freezing?
Yes, acupuncture can be a valuable complement to fertility medications used during egg freezing. While medication stimulates egg production, acupuncture can support this process by enhancing blood flow to the ovaries, balancing hormones, and reducing stress – factors that may improve your body’s response to medication. Additionally, acupuncture can help minimise common medication side effects like bloating and mood swings.
How soon should I start acupuncture if I'm planning to freeze my eggs?
For optimal benefits, starting acupuncture treatments at least 2-3 months before your planned egg freezing procedure is generally recommended. This timeframe aligns with both the egg development cycle and research suggesting that consistent acupuncture treatments over several months yield better results. Here’s why:
- Egg Development Cycle: Eggs take over a year to develop, but the last 2-3 months are critical. During this time, eggs are more susceptible to both positive and negative influences within the body. So, starting acupuncture during this critical time allows us to improve the health and quality of developing eggs.
- Research Support: Studies demonstrate that acupuncture may have a cumulative effect, offering greater benefits when received consistently over time.
- Stress Reduction: Egg freezing treatment can be stressful. Starting acupuncture early helps you establish a relaxation routine, optimising your emotional well-being during egg freezing.
However, acupuncture can still be beneficial even if you have less time before your egg freezing procedure. We will create a personalised plan to maximise the support you receive within your specific timeline.
How soon should I start acupuncture if I'm planning to freeze my sperm?
As sperm take around 70-90 days to fully mature, it’s recommended to start acupuncture 3 months before your planned sperm freezing. This allows time for acupuncture to support healthy sperm production. Here’s why:
- Sperm Development: Regular acupuncture may improve blood flow to the testicles, potentially aiding in the development of new sperm cells.
- Sperm Quality: Some studies suggest acupuncture may positively influence sperm count, motility, and shape.
- Overall Health: Acupuncture can promote relaxation and reduce stress, factors that can indirectly benefit sperm health.
Even if you have less time before freezing, acupuncture may still offer support. We will create a personalised plan to maximise the benefits you receive within your timeline.
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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Acupuncture for Fertility Preservation in 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.
Conceivable Fertility Acupuncture: London Location
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.