The Basics:

Is fertility acupuncture safe?

Yes! Acupuncture is a safe and gentle way to support your fertility health, whether you’re trying naturally or via IVF. In fact, lots of fertility clinics recommend it. Two independent surveys published in the British Medical Journal found the risk of a serious adverse reaction is less than 1 in 10,000 - far lower than most medical treatments.

At Prep & Poke, I only use high-quality, ultra-fine, sterile, single-use needles (because, obviously). which I immediately dispose of in a sharps box. I’m fully insured and a member of the  British Acupuncture Council following strict codes of safety and conduct.

Do the needles hurt?

Nope - they’re thinner than a strand of hair. You might feel a dull ache, warmth, or tingling, but it shouldn’t hurt. If anything feels off, I’ll adjust right away.

Are there any side effects of fertility acupuncture?

Occasionally someone will feel dizzy, others might feel a bit floaty, sleepy or get a small bruise near a needle point. These are super mild and short-lived. For more information about side effects check out The British Acupuncture Council website.

Can i have acupuncture during my period?

Yes! Period sessions can actually be extra helpful. Your treatment will just be tweaked depending on where you are in your cycle - and yes, my studio is stocked for all your period needs.

What should i wear to my session?

Anything comfy that lets me reach your legs, arms, and abdomen. Think loose trousers or anything that rolls up easily. If I can’t reach a point, you might be asked to remove your bottoms but don’t worry, plenty of blankets are provided for cover-up. No fancy outfit needed - though bonus points for elastic waistbands.

Results, Timelines & What to Expect:

How many sessions will i need to see results?

After your initial consultation, I usually recommend one session a week for around 12 weeks. Fertility and menstrual health can be complex - this time allows us to properly investigate, test where needed, treat, and build momentum for the best possible results.

Most clients start noticing changes within that timeframe - things like better periods, more regular cycles, deeper sleep, or simply feeling calmer and more in control.

While pregnancy is the ultimate goal, what we can really work towards is a stronger, more balanced foundation for fertility - the kind your body can build on naturally.

After 12 weeks, we’ll review your progress and decide the next steps together. Some people continue weekly for a little longer, others switch to fortnightly or monthly top-ups - it really depends on your body, your goals and where you’re at.

But you’ll never be tied into endless sessions; the aim is to give you clarity, confidence, and fertility tools and knowledge you can use for life.

Can you guarantee pregnancy after 12 weeks?

True to Prep & Poke’s ‘no beating around the bush’ promise, the short answer is: NO. I wish! But no.

While I do see many pregnancies in clinic, fertility has far too many variables for guarantees like that - and honestly, if anyone’s promising you a pregnancy, run for the hills.

What I can promise, though, is that you’ll come away more educated, informed, in control and confident about your fertility health and options - with a clear plan to keep optimising it long after our time together. In fact, the skills and knowledge you gain over the next 12 weeks are things you can draw on for the rest of your life.

Is fertility acupuncture worth it?

Well, it would be odd if I said no, right?

I’m a huge advocate for preparing for pregnancy - it’s in the name after all! But why?

You wouldn’t run a marathon without training, would you? You’d only be setting yourself up for a difficult time. Whether you’re planning ahead, trying naturally, or considering fertility treatment like IVF, investing in your fertility health beforehand can be the difference between winning the race and not finishing it.

At the very least, you’ll feel healthier, more informed and confident that you’ve optimised your chances of success.

And if you’re paying for fertility treatment yourself, you’ll want to be in the best possible place for it - because let’s be honest, IVF is bloody expensive. Much more than 12 weeks of acupuncture!

I’ve even helped some people avoid fertility treatment entirely and supported others in achieving pregnancy after several unsuccessful rounds.

Lifestyle, Testing & the 360 Approach:

Will I need to pay for further testing?

Sometimes, depending on your situation. Testing helps us understand what’s really going on. I’ll guide you on what to ask your GP (free first!) or recommend reputable at-home or private options if needed like Medichecks. All testing is optional - I’ll make suggestions, never demands.

Are there lifestyle changes to complement acupuncture?

Almost always! I take a 360° approach - from nutrition and stress to sleep and exercise. You’ll get realistic, easy to implement advice (no juice cleanses or weird supplements). And if you need more in-depth advice from a nutritionist, I can refer to our fertility nutritionist, Kirsty Harrison.

Will i need to change my diet or habits completely?

Hopefully not. It really depends on where you’re at in your journey and how much you want to work on - but generally, small tweaks = big wins.

I’ll help you make smart, sustainable changes that fit into your actual life - not some Pinterest version of it.

TTC, IVF & TIMING:

At what stage of my fertility journey should I start acupuncture?

The best time to start was three months ago. The second best time? Right now!

But seriously - it’s never too early or too late to start.

Ideally, starting around three months before trying naturally or beginning IVF is best - because that’s how long it takes to influence egg (and sperm) quality and the uterine environment. Some people even start up to a year ahead, just to get prepared and fast-track their way to pregnancy.

If you’re already mid-cycle or heading into IVF soon, acupuncture can still help - it’ll calm your nervous system, support blood flow and keep you feeling grounded.

Can i come for acupuncture at IVF transfer only?

Yes, you can but ideally, it wouldn’t be your first ever acupuncture session.

If you’ve never had acupuncture before, a treatment ahead of transfer can help calm your nervous system and support blood flow. Then having acupuncture the day before and after transfer is usually more realistic (and effective) than squeezing it in on the same day.

That said, the real benefits come from preparing your body in the weeks and months leading up to transfer but if you’re short on time for whatever reason, I can still tailor these one-off sessions around your transfer to help put your body into rest and digest mode.

Can acupuncture improve egg or sperm quality?

Let’s get one thing straight - neither acupuncture nor anything else can change egg quality itself. That’s mostly down to genetics and age.

What acupuncture can do is improve the environment eggs develop in by supporting circulation, hormone balance and stress response - all of which help them grow in better conditions. As always, starting around three months before trying is best.

Sperm quality, can also absolutely benefit from acupuncture - especially if there’s already a known issue. Sperm also responds very quickly to positive changes in lifestyle and diet which is why all heterosexual couples receive a male partner questionnaire and tailored advice in their consultation write-up. To find out more about sperm health, check out Test Him.  (Eggs and sperm both take time to mature - teamwork makes the dream work.)

Payment, Packages & Policies:

Do i have to buy a package?

Not at all. You can pay as you poke, or grab a package if you’re ready to commit and want a few perks in your final month.

Packages are best for consistency, accountability and securing your preferred appointment slots - I only work with a limited number of clients at a time to make sure everyone gets proper support. But there’s no pressure, it’s whatever works best for you.

What if i need to cancel or miss a session?

Life happens but please give me as much notice as you can.

All cancellations require at least 48 hours’ notice; anything shorter is fully chargeable or deducted from your package.

If you’re on a package, your 12 sessions are designed to be used within 14 weeks to keep momentum and get the best results. You’ve got a two-week grace period built in for holidays, illness, or unexpected life stuff - after that, any unused sessions expire.

I know things don’t always go to plan, so if something big comes up, just reach out and we’ll find a way to keep you on track.

What if my baby arrives before i’ve used all my sessions?

Any leftover sessions from pregnancy packages can roll over for postnatal care within 10 weeks of birth. So nothing goes to waste - we just switch focus from bump to recovery.

Is fertility acupuncture covered by health insurance? 

Yes! Lots of private health insurers cover acupuncture. The British Acupuncture Council keeps an up-to date list of providers and their levels of cover.

Age, life stage & Inclusivity:

Is there an age limit for fertility acupuncture? 

There’s no strict age limit - fertility support can benefit women at any stage of their journey. Prep & Poke is all about proactive fertility support, helping women get clued up, confident and optimised earlier, rather than waiting until things feel super urgent.

I work with women across different ages and stages, but those between 23 and 38 tend to see the highest success rates. That said, whether you’re planning ahead or already in the thick of it, you’re in the right place - there’s always something we can do to support your body and fertility health.