Specialized Care for Natural Conception, IVF, and Egg Freezing

An Individualized Approach to Fertility Care

Preparing for pregnancy is an opportunity to look more closely at your overall health. Nutrition, metabolic function, circulation, sleep, and stress resilience can influence reproductive health, and understanding these connections helps us identify where meaningful changes may be made.

For nearly 25 years, I’ve worked with women and couples navigating PMOS (formerly PCOS), endometriosis, diminished ovarian reserve, unexplained infertility, and recurrent pregnancy loss. As a Fellow of the Acupuncture & TCM Board of Reproductive Medicine (FABORM), I bring specialized training in reproductive medicine and extensive experience collaborating with fertility clinics.

Your menstrual history, laboratory results, overall health, and fertility treatment plans guide our work together. Acupuncture treatments are tailored to your cycle and, when applicable, coordinated with ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, or frozen embryo transfer. We may also review thyroid function, blood sugar regulation, nutritional status, and daily habits. For women who want support between appointments, I may recommend needle-free transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) with individualized instructions.

When Should I Start Acupuncture for Fertilty?

Ideally, we would begin several months prior to your trying to conceive or beginning IVF or egg freezing. However, we begin where you are now. If you’ve already been trying to get pregnant or are beginning an egg retrieval cycle, we can help improve circulation to ovaries and uterus, calm anxiety and improve your whole health, which is reflected in your fertile health. Others begin after IVF stimulation has started or while preparing for embryo transfer. Both situations offer opportunities for supportive care.

Acupuncture may help with stress, sleep, and certain symptoms associated with fertility treatment. Research into its effects on reproductive outcomes continues, with findings varying across studies. I coordinate with your reproductive endocrinologist or fertility clinic so that our work complements your medical treatment.

Why Choose a FABORM Fertility Acupuncturist?

FABORM is a specialized credential recognizing advanced study and examination in reproductive health and assisted reproductive technologies. This training helps me tailor acupuncture to your fertility treatment and communicate effectively with your medical team, particularly when you’re navigating complex reproductive concerns.

Your Next Step

Whether you’re preparing to conceive naturally, considering egg freezing, or already undergoing IVF, we’ll review your health history, fertility testing, and goals to develop a plan that fits your needs and treatment timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Fertility Acupuncture

What is fertility acupuncture?

Fertility acupuncture is acupuncture provided as complementary care during fertility planning or treatment. Dr. Susan Fox offers individualized Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment and fertility-focused acupuncture in Mill Valley, California, alongside appropriate medical fertility care

Acupuncture may be considered during IVF when appropriate for your circumstances. Dr. Susan can discuss your medical treatment schedule, safety considerations, and preferences. Your fertility specialist remains responsible for IVF procedures and medical treatment.

No. Depending on your needs, consultation-based guidance, appropriate self-care, and personalized integrative fertility support may be considered without acupuncture. Dr. Susan’s dedicated fertility support services offer broader consultation pathways.

Some patients find acupuncture appointments restful or personally supportive. Research has explored acupuncture for stress-related symptoms, but evidence does not establish that relaxation through acupuncture improves fertility or live-birth rates.

Acupuncture is generally considered relatively low-risk when performed properly by a qualified practitioner using sterile, single-use needles. Side effects and rare complications can occur. Disclose pregnancy status, fertility medications, bleeding concerns, and relevant health conditions before treatment.

Acupuncture may be considered during pregnancy with appropriate pregnancy-specific precautions. Tell Dr. Susan if you are pregnant or might be pregnant, and keep your prenatal healthcare provider informed about complementary treatment.

Possibly, depending on your medical circumstances. Share information about medications, procedures, and fertility-clinic recommendations before treatment. Acupuncture should not interfere with prescribed fertility care.

Dr. Susan offers virtual consultations for appropriate health discussions and guided self-care. Needle-based acupuncture is provided in person.

Dr. Susan Fox offers in-person fertility acupuncture at 655 Redwood Highway, Suite 200, Mill Valley, California, serving patients throughout Marin County and the surrounding San Francisco Bay Area.