By Emily Marson, L.Ac. | Aphrodite Fertility Acupuncture, San Diego

Your first fertility acupuncture appointment at Aphrodite lasts 90 minutes: a thorough fertility consultation followed by a gentle first treatment. We review your full health and cycle history, any labs or diagnoses, and your goals, then you’ll receive your first acupuncture treatment and leave with a clear, personalized plan. Follow-up visits are 60 minutes.

If you’ve never done acupuncture before, the most common thing we hear afterward is, “That was so much more relaxing than I expected.” Here’s exactly what to expect, start to finish.

The fertility consultation (the first ~30 to 45 minutes)

We start by getting the full picture. This is the part that sets us apart from a quick needle session, we want to understand the whole system, not just one lab value. We’ll talk through:

• Your menstrual cycle: length, regularity, flow, pain, PMS, spotting
• Your fertility history and how long you’ve been trying
• Any diagnoses (PCOS/PMOS, endometriosis, low AMH, thyroid, unexplained infertility) and recent labs
• Whether you’re trying naturally or working with a fertility clinic on IUI or IVF
• Digestion, sleep, energy, stress, and lifestyle
• Your goals, your timeline, and what you’ve already tried

Many patients tell us they learn more about what might be going on in this first conversation than they have anywhere else.

The treatment (does it hurt?)

No, it doesn’t hurt. We use ultra-thin, single-use sterile needles, placed mostly below the elbows and knees and on the abdomen. Most patients feel nothing at all. Once the needles are in, you’ll rest comfortably for about 20 to 30 minutes, and a lot of patients fall asleep on the table.

What to wear

Wear something comfortable and loose. Because we primarily work below the elbows and knees and on the abdomen, loose clothing that can be rolled up is ideal.

Your personalized plan

Before you leave, we’ll outline a recommended treatment frequency (usually weekly for about four cycles), any nutrition or supplement guidance specific to your situation, and how we’ll track progress. If you’re coordinating with a San Diego fertility clinic for IVF or IUI, we’ll map your acupuncture around that timeline.

How to prepare for your first visit

• Eat something beforehand, don’t come on a completely empty stomach.
• Bring any recent lab results or a summary of your diagnosis if you have them.
• Arrive a few minutes early to settle in.
• Come with your questions, this visit is as much about answers as it is about needles.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the first fertility acupuncture appointment?
Ninety minutes. It includes a full fertility consultation plus your first acupuncture treatment. Follow-up appointments are 60 minutes.

Does fertility acupuncture hurt?
No. We use ultra-thin, single-use sterile needles, mostly below the elbows and knees and on the abdomen. Most patients feel only a tiny pinch or nothing at all.

What should I wear to my first appointment?
Comfortable, loose clothing that can be rolled up past the elbows and knees.

What should I bring?
Any recent labs or a summary of your diagnosis, and your questions. Eating a light meal beforehand is a good idea.

How much does the first appointment cost?
A new-patient fertility appointment is $250 and includes the full 90-minute consultation and first treatment; follow-ups are $118. We don’t bill insurance directly but provide superbills and accept HSA and FSA cards.

Ready to find your answers?

If you’ve been searching for someone to help you make sense of your fertility, this first visit is where clarity begins. We work with the most complex fertility cases in San Diego.

Book at aphroditefertility.com  |  Or text us: 858.333.7688
Read our fertility acupuncture FAQs or meet the team.

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About the author, Emily Marson, L.Ac.
Emily is the founder of Aphrodite Fertility Acupuncture in San Diego, California. She specializes in complex reproductive cases, combining advanced fertility acupuncture with mitochondrial health protocols, precision nutrition, and a deep knowledge of both Eastern and Western reproductive medicine. Located at 2970 5th Ave, Suite 320, San Diego, CA 92103.