Fertility Acupuncture in East Dulwich

If you're trying to conceive, you'll know that it isn't always straightforward. For some people it happens quickly, while for others it can take much longer than expected. You may be trying to conceive naturally, preparing for or undergoing IVF, experiencing unexplained infertility, recovering from pregnancy loss or navigating fertility challenges.

It's natural to have questions, to feel overwhelmed at times and to wonder whether there's anything more you could be doing. Every person's experience is different, which is why I take the time to get to know you and understand what's brought you here.

Whether you're just starting to think about having a baby or have been trying for some time, I'm here to support you every step of the way.

How Can Fertility Acupuncture Help?

When you're trying to conceive, it's easy for life to become focused on one thing – getting pregnant. But fertility doesn't exist in isolation. Your menstrual cycle, sleep, digestion, stress levels, energy and emotional wellbeing are all important parts of the picture.

Your acupuncture treatment may focus on regulating your menstrual cycle, improving blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, supporting the development of a healthy lining of the womb or helping you manage the emotional and physical demands of trying to conceive.

For people with irregular cycles, PCOS or endometriosis, sessions are adapted to ease your symptoms and support your menstrual health.

Research suggests acupuncture may help improve uterine blood flow, which plays an important role in preparing the lining of the womb for implantation. Studies also suggest acupuncture has a calming effect on the nervous system, helping many people feel more relaxed during what can often be an intense and demanding time.

Trying to conceive can be emotionally exhausting and quietly take over your life. Many women tell me they find themselves constantly thinking about ovulation, appointments, scans, test results and what other challenges lie ahead.

They also tell me that their appointments become more than just an acupuncture treatment – an opportunity to switch off from the noise and demands of the outside world. From the moment you walk into the treatment room, my aim is to create a calm, welcoming space where you can feel listened to, relax and focus on yourself.

What Happens During Your First Appointment?

Your first acupuncture appointment lasts around 90 minutes, giving us plenty of time to talk in detail about your health and fertility. We'll discuss your menstrual cycle, medical history, any fertility investigations or diagnoses, previous pregnancies, lifestyle, sleep, digestion, stress levels and emotional wellbeing. If you've had blood tests or fertility investigations, we'll go through those too. Where appropriate, I may also offer dietary and lifestyle advice, advise whether any further investigations might be helpful or recommend specialist referrals if needed.

As part of your consultation, I'll also carry out a Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment, including looking at your tongue and feeling your pulse. I'll explain everything as we go and answer any questions you may have.

Your acupuncture treatment takes place during the same appointment. You'll lie comfortably on the treatment couch while very fine, sterile needles are gently inserted into carefully selected acupuncture points. The needles are usually left in place for around 25–30 minutes while you relax. Many people find this deeply calming and it's not unusual to fall asleep.

Follow-up sessions usually last around 50–60 minutes. At each appointment, we'll review how things have been since I last saw you and I'll adapt your treatment to reflect changes to your menstrual cycle, fertility treatment or how you're feeling that day.

You can find details of initial consultation fees and follow up appointment costs on my Prices page.

How Often Should You Come?

The frequency of your treatment will depend on your individual circumstances and where you are in your fertility journey.

If you're trying to conceive naturally, I usually recommend weekly acupuncture to begin with, ideally for at least three menstrual cycles where possible. Egg development takes place over several months, so it's helpful to think of acupuncture as something that builds over time rather than a one-off treatment. Regular appointments also allow me to adapt your treatment throughout your menstrual cycle, supporting you through each phase.

If you're planning IVF, it's worth getting in touch around three months before your cycle begins. If you can start early, it gives us time to understand your health, regulate your menstrual cycle where appropriate and support you before your IVF treatment begins.

However, please don't feel it's too late if you've already started trying to conceive or are further along in your IVF treatment. Acupuncture can be incorporated at any stage of the process and I’ll arrange your appointments to fit in with your fertility plans.

Fertility Acupuncture and IVF

If you're planning IVF, acupuncture can be incorporated throughout your treatment, with appointments planned around your fertility clinic’s protocol.

During ovarian stimulation, acupuncture can support you while you're taking fertility medication and help you manage the physical and emotional demands of IVF treatment. A session before egg collection provides an opportunity to relax and prepare, while treatment afterwards can support your recovery before embryo transfer.

The medication used during IVF can sometimes cause side effects such as bloating, headaches, mood changes and fatigue. My clients often tell me they find acupuncture helps them feel more relaxed and better able to cope during IVF, making the process feel a little more manageable.

Many people also choose to have acupuncture before and after embryo transfer. These appointments are carefully timed around your transfer and are designed to help you feel as relaxed and supported as possible at an important stage of your IVF treatment.

The two-week wait between embryo transfer and taking a pregnancy test can be one of the most emotionally challenging parts of fertility treatment. Continuing with acupuncture during this time gives you an opportunity to slow down and take some time for yourself during what can feel like a very long two weeks.

If your pregnancy test is positive, treatment can continue throughout your first trimester and beyond, with each session adapted to support you safely as your pregnancy progresses.

Why Choose Vanessa Rubio Acupuncture?

Choosing someone to support you with your fertility can feel like a big decision. It's important that you feel comfortable, listened to and confident in the care you're receiving.

I have a special interest in fertility acupuncture and regularly undertake additional training in Women's Health and Fertility. Whether you're trying to conceive naturally, preparing for or undergoing IVF, experiencing unexplained infertility, recovering from pregnancy loss or navigating fertility challenges, I'll take the time to understand your situation, answer your questions and support you throughout the process.

I'm a fully qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncturist, a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) and the Acupuncture Fertility Network (AFN). I'm committed to ongoing professional development, ensuring my practice continues to reflect current best practice and the latest evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • If you're trying to conceive naturally, I usually recommend starting at least three months before you'd ideally like to become pregnant, where possible. This is because the final stages of egg development take around three to four months and acupuncture generally works best with consistency. Weekly appointments also allow us to support your menstrual cycle through its different phases—menstrual, follicular, ovulatory and luteal—and build on your progress over time.

    Starting acupuncture around three months before trying to conceive also gives us time to review any blood or hormone test results, arrange further investigations if appropriate and address any dietary or lifestyle factors that may be having an impact on your fertility.

    If you're planning IVF, it's also beneficial to begin treatment around three months before your cycle starts if you can. However, please don't feel it's too late if your treatment has already begun. Acupuncture can be incorporated at any stage of your fertility journey and I'll adapt your treatment to where you are in the process.

  • The number of sessions you'll need will vary depending on your individual circumstances, whether you're trying to conceive naturally or having IVF and where you are in the process.

    If you're trying to conceive naturally, I usually recommend weekly treatment for at least three months. If you're having IVF, the number and timing of your acupuncture appointments will depend on when you start acupuncture, which stage of your IVF treatment you're at and your fertility clinic's protocol.

    We'll discuss this in detail during your first appointment and agree an approach together, reviewing it regularly as your circumstances change.


  • This is probably one of the questions I'm asked most often. The needles used in acupuncture are extremely fine, much thinner than those used for blood tests or injections. Acupuncturists use sterile, single-use, disposable needles, which are safely discarded after each treatment. Most people are surprised by how comfortable the treatment is.

    You may be aware of the needles as they're inserted, followed by feelings of warmth, heaviness, tingling or a dull ache at some acupuncture points. These feelings are completely normal and are usually short-lived. Many people find the treatment so relaxing that they drift off to sleep during their session.

  • Acupuncture isn't a guarantee of pregnancy and no treatment can promise that. However, research suggests it may help support fertility in a number of ways, including regulating the menstrual cycle, improving blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, supporting the development of a healthy endometrial lining and helping to reduce stress. It can also be used alongside IVF and throughout early pregnancy.

    Every fertility journey is different, which is why I take the time to understand your individual circumstances. My aim is to support your reproductive health, help you feel more in control of the process and work alongside any care you're already receiving.

  • Yes, you can. Acupuncture is commonly used alongside IVF and can be safely incorporated into your treatment, with appointments planned around your fertility clinic's protocol.

    Treatment may be recommended during the stimulation phase, around the time of your trigger injection, after egg collection, before and after embryo transfer, during the two-week wait and into early pregnancy if your pregnancy test is positive.

    Whether you've been planning your IVF treatment for months or your cycle has already started, acupuncture can be incorporated at any stage. Your appointments will be planned around your IVF treatment and work alongside the care you're already receiving.

  • Yes, absolutely. It takes two people to make a baby, yet so much of the focus is often placed on women. Male factors contribute to around half of all fertility difficulties, either on their own or alongside female factors.

    That's why I always encourage my female clients to ensure their partner has had appropriate fertility investigations, such as a semen analysis, DNA fragmentation testing or further assessment by a male fertility specialist. Understanding the full picture means both partners can receive the right support.

    Although I mainly see women for fertility acupuncture, I also welcome male partners for treatment. If you're trying to conceive as a couple, I'm happy to discuss whether acupuncture could be the right approach for you both.

  • Yes, of course. If your test is positive, acupuncture sessions can continue safely throughout your pregnancy. Many women choose to continue acupuncture during early pregnancy, as this can be an overwhelming and anxious time.

    Acupuncture can provide valuable support during the first trimester by encouraging relaxation, helping you feel calmer and giving you time to slow down and focus on yourself. It may also help with common early pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and fatigue.

Ready to Book a Fertility Acupuncture Appointment?

If you'd like to find out whether fertility acupuncture is right for you, I'd love to hear from you.

Whether you're hoping to conceive naturally, preparing for IVF, experiencing unexplained infertility, recovering from pregnancy loss or navigating fertility challenges, you're welcome to get in touch with any questions or book your first appointment online.

If you'd prefer to talk things through before booking, you can also arrange a free 15-minute discovery call.