- Bricket Wood, St Albans
Looking for IVF acupuncture in St Albans? I support women and couples from the months before IVF right through to the end of their cycle, from my calm garden clinic in Bricket Wood.
IVF is one of the most physically and emotionally demanding things a person can go through. The injections, the waiting, the hope and the heartbreak — all while trying to keep living your normal life.
Acupuncture can’t promise an outcome, and I’ll always be honest with you about that. What it can offer is calm, regular support through every stage of your cycle, an hour to switch off, and someone in your corner who understands this process from the inside.
An egg takes around 3 months to mature before it’s released, so the months before IVF are a wonderful opportunity to get your body into the best possible health for treatment while your eggs develop. Sperm takes a similar time, so this is a chance for both partners to prepare.
I recommend starting weekly acupuncture around 3 months before your cycle begins, alongside a plan to make sure your body, and your results, are ready.
Making sure nothing has been missed
Before you start IVF, I’ll look carefully at your history and any results you already have. I’ll suggest tests to discuss with your GP or clinic, so you know your ovaries and uterus are in their best possible health. These can include:
If anything needs further investigation, I can refer you to trusted fertility consultants.
If your cycle is starting sooner, that’s fine too. It’s never too late to begin, and I’ll support you from wherever you are.
Acupuncture improves blood flow to the ovaries, supports hormone regulation, and creates the best possible environment for egg development. Starting three months before your cycle covers the full egg maturation window.
I’ve been through my own fertility journey, so I truly understand the hope, the waiting and the worry that come with IVF.
I’m specifically trained in IVF support protocols through my Advanced Diploma in Fertility Acupuncture and additional training with Paul Johnson at the City College of Acupuncture.
As an affiliate clinic of The Fertility Suite, I’m part of a collaborative network of specialist fertility practitioners — meaning complex cases benefit from shared expertise, not just my own. I meet every week with a group of experienced fertility acupuncturists to talk through complex cases. So if your IVF journey has been complicated, you’ll have several experienced practitioners behind your treatment plan. I’m always happy to work alongside your IVF clinic too.
I can also help you navigate the clinical side of IVF: understanding your results, identifying which questions to ask at your clinic, and identifying additional tests that might improve your chances before the next cycle.
For patients going through IVF, I recommend the following as a starting guide (adjusted to your individual situation):
IVF rarely runs to a neat timetable. Scan dates move, egg collection can be confirmed at short notice, and transfer day may land on a day I’m usually closed. That’s why I keep flexible appointments for IVF patients outside my normal hours, so your sessions can fit around your treatment rather than the other way round.
I understand how much there is to hold at once: the waiting, the hoping, and the constant juggling of appointments. My aim is to give you a calm space to rest and feel supported along the way.
I work alongside your fertility clinic and consultant, never instead of them. If you’re about to start a cycle, or already in one, get in touch and we’ll plan your sessions together around your key dates.
Acupuncture from a qualified, insured practitioner is generally very safe. I'm trained in fertility acupuncture and adapt each treatment to the stage of your cycle. Do let your clinic know you're having acupuncture.
There is a growing body of research on acupuncture and IVF outcomes, particularly around embryo transfer. Studies have looked at effects on uterine blood flow, implantation rates, and stress markers during the IVF process. Research links are on the Fertility Resources page.
Focus on the basics, for both partners: good sleep, managing stress, a balanced diet, cutting back on alcohol and caffeine, and stopping smoking. It's also worth making sure all the right tests have been done. I can help you put a realistic plan together.
Ideally around 3 months before your cycle begins, as this covers the time it takes an egg to mature. If your cycle is sooner, it's still worth starting, and I'll support you from wherever you are.
Yes, and it’s one of the most helpful times to have it. During stimulation, acupuncture helps encourage blood flow to the ovaries, supporting your follicles as they develop. It also helps you feel calmer and less anxious, which matters when your days are full of injections, scans and waiting. Many women find it eases the side effects of IVF medication too, such as bloating, headaches, tiredness and mood swings. I usually suggest one session a week during stimulation, or two a week if previous cycles had low egg numbers or a thin lining. I’ll plan your sessions around your clinic’s timetable.
A failed cycle is heartbreaking — and it’s also a signal to review everything before trying again. I’ll look carefully at your history and test results to identify what may have been missed, and work to prepare your body as thoroughly as possible for the next attempt.
Many women like a gentle treatment after egg collection to rest and recover.
Post-retrieval acupuncture is particularly recommended for women at risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). It supports recovery from the retrieval procedure and helps regulate the body’s response. However, If you have any symptoms of OHSS, such as severe bloating, pain or breathlessness, contact your clinic straight away.
Yes. I work in a complementary capacity alongside your clinic. I’m happy to help you understand your results and navigate your care, and can flag questions worth raising with your consultant.
Yes. Many women like a treatment on or close to transfer day to help them feel calm. I'll fit your appointment around your clinic's timings.