A woman resting peacefully under a soft blanket on a treatment table in a calm, warm acupuncture room

Fertility Acupuncture in San Francisco

Gentle, unhurried care while you try to conceive, whether naturally or alongside IUI or IVF. Suzanne Lange, DACM, L.Ac, has more than 20 years of clinical experience and advanced training in fertility and women's health.

Rated 5.0 on GoogleLicensed acupuncturists

What our patients say

5.0 on Google from 92 reviews

I was introduced to Andrew by a friend who dubbed him as nothing short of magical. After experiencing his expertise firsthand, I couldn't agree more. Andrew's mastery of the human body and its intricacies truly feels like a kind of magic. I've been to other specialists for my chronic upper back and neck pain, but Andrew is different. He focuses on treating the actual problem, not just masking the symptoms. For the first time, I walked out of an acupuncture session and went back to exercising without feeling any pain. It was a game-changer. I feel as if I've been given a brand new back. Honestly, I never thought a life without back pain was possible until now. While I was also working with Andew some other health issues came up that couldn’t be diagnosed by western medicine. His thoughtful and holistic approach immediately made me feel understood and valued. Throughout our sessions, he would patiently explain the various points he was working on or the sensations I was experiencing, shedding light on what was going on internally within my body. Thanks to him, I now have a deeper appreciation for how imbalances in one area can send ripples throughout the entire system. He was able to find the root cause, guiding me slowly but surely on the path to recovery. I feel blessed to have met Andrew, he really has changed my life and I’m grateful for that.

Veronica J.Feb 2024 · Google review

I would strongly (strongly!) recommend Acupuncture for Athletics for both athletes and non-athletes alike. Not only does Andrew help with injury recovery, pain management, and stress relief, but he creates a relaxing and positive environment that enhances the work that he does and leads you to feel better both physically and mentally after each visit. And beyond acupuncture and massage, Andrew goes the extra mile to provide guidance on how to address specific pain-points and injuries, or to simply ensure that you are feeling and performing your best. Again, I can't recommend Acupuncture for Athletics enough!

Patrick H.Apr 2023 · Google review

Andrew is a cornerstone of my care team. He successfully unwinds my ills before they can become chronic problems.

Caroline D.Feb 2023 · Google review

Andrew is amazing! Very caring and concerned about your health and well being. He genuinely is a very kind person.

Jeannie S.Patient testimonial

I loved coming to Andrew. He was a lifesaver in helping me through some back issues when I was pregnant with my first child. A lovely, warm place and Andrew is amazing!!!!

Colleen M.Patient testimonial

Andrew’s massage and acupuncture techniques have seen me successfully through back-to-back marathons seven weeks apart, plus two active pregnancies and a record-breaking racing season in between. He is a veritable genius in his field — a true healer.

Allison HowardImpala Racing Team · Patient testimonial

Gosh, I'm so happy I found Andrew! Thanks to him, I avoided going down a surgery route for my injury! In June 2022, my left knee started acting up (my best guess is overcompensation for gluteal tendonitis I was treating) but I pushed through to backpack 264 miles on the John Muir Trail. When I finished my trek, my left knee was pretty unhappy and I couldn't even get in and out of my car without feeling like a jigsaw puzzle. I tirelessly saw dozens of providers over the next year - chiropractors, physical therapists, orthopedists, massage therapists, etc. All had their own theories - soleus muscle, calf strain, chronic exertional compartment syndrome, etc. The complexity in my case was that my pain was not in my knee itself - it was on the left side in between my knee cap and calf. Despite my knee MRI showing meniscus tears, inflammation, tendonosis, etc. the doctors insisted we treat the symptoms, not the MRIs. So, I got a calf MRI, hip MRI, and an EMG, all of which were negative. Then, one doctor recommended oral Prednisone, and he told me I should see results better than Advil for pain management. It did nothing. It wasn't until I was finally referred to one doctor who noticed something in my knee MRI and caught that there is excess fluid in my proximal tibiofibular joint (PBTJ), and that area tracks with where I feel my pain. To test his suspicion diagnostically, he recommended an ultrasound-guided cortisone injection in my PBTJ to see if that reduced my pain. The pain did decrease (which was good), but it wasn't gone. The doctors informed me issues concerning the PBTJ are rare, and that they needed to refer me to one of the only specialists in the country for this. That specialist happened to be in Minnesota, and when I checked his website, he was only seeing patients for surgery. I did not want surgery. I felt completely defeated, unsure where to go next. In May, I was recommended by someone who also had a challenging journey with injuries (and was able to return to running and hiking) to try acupuncture. I was surprised, since I had not considered Eastern Medicine before for a sports injury. The person specifically recommended I search for an acupuncturist who specializes in athletes, and that led me to find "Acupuncture for Athletics." :) My first appointment with Andrew was May 30, and he patiently listened to my whole ordeal and reviewed all of the documentation I brought (MRIs, doctor's notes, etc). He assured me he treats the root cause, which I appreciated because I did not want to do a band-aid fix only for this to return again, and that he has hope I can feel better. We started off with cupping along my left leg to encourage the inflammation to dissipate, and then we did needles in my leg. Oof, I remember one session when Andrew placed a needle near my PBTJ - I screamed SO loudly lol. But once all of the needles were in, it slowly felt like a meditative experience, and I was able to relax into it. Over my 7 sessions with Andrew, I began to notice the needles felt less painful. In the beginning, I remember feeling the pain just in walking over to Andrew's office. By the 6th session, I realized I wasn't thinking about my pain anymore. I did one more session to be sure, and I was in disbelief that I actually felt pain-free! We decided to go a month testing how the pain fared without regular sessions, and so far so good! The pain flares here and there, but in a MUCH less capacity than before. Throughout this whole process, Andrew was kind, patient, and determined. He was committed to solving the underlying issue, and he was flexible and accommodating to me - whether I wanted to address my left knee or start tackling similar pain that was creeping up on my right knee. Had it not been for Andrew, I would have likely chased surgery because I was running out of ideas. I appreciate you, Andrew! If you're nearing your wits' end with a chronic injury, please go see Andrew and give it a good ~5 sessions if you can. Wishing everyone out there good luck on their chronic pain journeys! You got this!

Safa F.Aug 2023 · Google review

Andrew applies his knowledge of the body and expert techniques to address affected muscles both for maintenance during training and related to injury. His combination of acupuncture and massage helps to open up areas and find the place to target. I have seen Andrew in the past for recovery post concussion and most recently for routine maintenance while training at a high level for my next marathon. I highly recommend Andrew and am lucky to have him as a part of my support team to stay healthy! - Katie Hynes, competitive runner -

Katie C.Apr 2023 · Google review

As an avid runner who is always training for an endurance race my body has a tendency to break down. Andrew is a legit magician. He’s able to get to the root off the problem quickly and I often don’t miss a beat with regards to my training. Marathon prep would not be possible otherwise.

Stacey F.Mar 2023 · Google review

I had a golfers elbow and my coach referred me to Andrew. He has been an amazing acupuncturist and worked on my right elbow, shoulder and arm for a couple of weeks. I have felt so much better just after the first session and going back really helps the blood flow so much better and my right arm, elbow and shoulder feels less tense and more relaxed. Definitely recommend this place, especially for athletes!

Pearly W.Mar 2023 · Google review

Andrew is the best. I’m a professional ballerina and his treatments helped me come back from a broken foot. When you see Andrew - you’re comforted by his knowledge, expertise, & strategy based treatment. Plus the clinic is so relaxing and warm. I have complete trust that he will help my aches and pains and keep me dancing for a long time.

Katherine B.Mar 2023 · Google review

There’s no one I trust more than Andrew to support my kids in their healing process if they’ve had a sports-related injury. As elite athletes, it’s so important that their knees, ankles and shoulders are well taken care of, and Andrew is our go-to for treatment of pain or injury and also guidance for best practices outside the treatment room to further help healing along. My daughter recently rolled her ankle and was ready for a painfully prolonged healing process when we took her into to see Andrew for a couple treatments before a tournament weekend. With his help, her recovery was amazing, allowing her to feel confident on her ankle. Thanks to Andrew, she was healthy enough to play without pain or exacerbating the injury. We are very grateful to have Andrew on speed dial when these types of injuries occur!

Nicole B.Feb 2023 · Google review

Care from someone who listens

Trying to conceive can take over your calendar, your body and your headspace. Our fertility care is led by Suzanne Lange, who holds a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and has spent much of her career in women's health, fertility, pregnancy and postpartum care.

Suzanne began as a massage therapist, and her treatments still blend gentle bodywork with acupuncture. She also trained in Japanese-style acupuncture, which uses very fine needles and a light touch. Her sessions are quiet and unhurried, a calm hour in what can be a very full stretch of life.

We welcome everyone building a family: couples of any gender, single parents by choice, and people using donor eggs, donor sperm or a gestational carrier. You can read more about Suzanne on our team page.

Suzanne Lange, DACM, L.Ac, CMT, acupuncturist at Acupuncture for Athletics in San Francisco
Suzanne Lange DACM, L.Ac, CMT

Who we see for fertility support

People come to us at every stage, from just starting to think about a family to the middle of an IVF cycle.

If any of these sound like you, a first visit is a good place to talk through where you are and what you hope for.

  • Trying naturally for a while, with no clear answers yet
  • Irregular, painful or unpredictable cycles
  • A diagnosis such as PCOS or endometriosis, alongside your doctor's care
  • Preparing for IUI, IVF, egg freezing or a frozen embryo transfer
  • Feeling stressed, anxious or worn down by the process
  • Trying again after a loss, when you want gentle support

How fertility acupuncture supports you

In Chinese medicine, fertility is seen as part of your whole health: your cycle, sleep, digestion, energy and stress all matter. Suzanne looks at the full picture and chooses points to support a regular cycle, ease period pain and help your nervous system settle.

It's gentle, it's low risk when done by a licensed practitioner, and most people find it calming at a stressful time. It works best as one part of your care, alongside your fertility workup and any medical treatment.

A few promises from us

  • We'll never promise a pregnancy
  • We work alongside your doctor or fertility clinic
  • We'll tell you plainly what to expect
  • If we think you need a medical workup, we'll say so

Natural conception, IUI and IVF

Your plan follows your path. We time sessions around your cycle or your clinic's calendar, and we change course whenever your plans change.

All wellness care

Trying naturally

We usually match visits to the phases of your cycle, with extra attention to period pain, mid-cycle changes and the two-week wait.

Many people track their cycle with an app or ovulation tests. Bring whatever you use, and we'll plan around it.

Alongside IUI

We often see you in the weeks before insemination and close to the procedure itself.

Your clinic sets the medical timeline. We fit acupuncture around it and never ask you to change medication or appointments.

Alongside IVF

Care often starts in the months before a cycle, continues through stimulation and retrieval, and centers on the days around embryo transfer.

Some people like a session shortly before and after transfer. Tell us your transfer date as soon as you know it, and we'll do our best to fit you in.

Male fertility

Sperm health matters just as much as egg health, and partners are welcome to book their own visits. We focus on overall health, stress and sleep, and encourage a semen analysis with a urologist or your fertility clinic.

What the research says

Research on acupuncture during IVF has grown a great deal, and some of the most encouraging findings are about how people feel as well as how treatment goes.

A 2025 analysis of 42 trials found higher clinical pregnancy rates, along with less pain and anxiety, in women who had acupuncture during IVF.

Feeling calmer matters too. In a large trial in Australia and New Zealand, women who had acupuncture reported less anxiety after embryo transfer. If stress or worry is weighing on you, our page on acupuncture for anxiety and sleep explains more.

In short

  • A 2025 review found higher clinical pregnancy rates with acupuncture during IVF
  • It may ease pain and anxiety during treatment
  • It's low risk with a licensed acupuncturist
  • It works alongside your medical fertility care, never instead of it
  • Results vary from person to person

Your first visit and your plan

Plan on about an hour for your first visit. How many sessions you'll want varies, and Suzanne will suggest a plan after your first conversation.

  1. Talk

    We go through your cycle history, any tests or treatment so far, your sleep, digestion and stress, and what matters most to you right now.

  2. Treat

    You rest on the table under a soft blanket, with only the areas we need uncovered. The needles are very fine, and many people drift off.

  3. Afterwards

    Most people feel calm and a little sleepy. You can go straight back to work or home. Drink some water and go easy that evening if you can.

  4. Plan ahead

    We map sessions to your cycle or your clinic's dates, then adjust as things change. You never have to commit to a package.

Safety and your fertility team

Acupuncture with sterile, single-use needles is generally very safe. The most common side effects are a small bruise or brief soreness where a needle went in. Please tell us about every medication, injection and supplement you're taking, and let your fertility clinic know you're having acupuncture.

If you're thinking about Chinese herbs, talk to your fertility doctor first. Many IVF clinics ask patients to pause herbs during a cycle, and our page on Chinese herbal medicine covers safety in more detail.

Once you have a positive test, we simply adjust the points we use. Our prenatal acupuncture care can carry you through pregnancy and beyond.

Call your doctor or clinic now if you have

  • Severe bloating, belly pain or shortness of breath after egg retrieval
  • Sharp pain on one side of your belly with a positive test or missed period
  • Heavy bleeding, or bleeding with dizziness or fainting
  • A fever, or rapid weight gain during stimulation

Pricing and booking

Fertility acupuncture happens within a standard visit. There's no separate fertility package to buy. If you'd like to know what a session involves in general, read about acupuncture at our clinic.

We don't bill insurance, but we provide a superbill you can submit for possible out-of-network reimbursement. We accept HSA and FSA cards and all credit cards. Gift certificates are available, too, if a friend wants to support you.

Appointments

60-min initial acupuncture & assessment
$225
45-min acupuncture follow-up
$195
60-min acupuncture/massage combo
$225
75-min acupuncture/massage combo
$265
90-min acupuncture/massage combo
$300

24-hour cancellation policy applies.

Fertility acupuncture FAQ

Can acupuncture help me get pregnant?

We can't promise a pregnancy, and no one honestly can. A 2025 review of 42 IVF trials found higher clinical pregnancy rates with acupuncture, along with less pain and anxiety, and many people come to us for support with their cycle, stress and sleep while they try. Results vary from person to person, and Suzanne will suggest a plan after your first visit. We always work alongside your doctor or fertility clinic.

When should I start fertility acupuncture?

Many practitioners suggest starting around three months before trying or before an IVF cycle, because eggs and sperm take roughly that long to develop. It's never too late to begin, though. Even a few sessions around an IUI or embryo transfer can help you feel calmer.

How often will I come in?

It varies with your situation. Many people come weekly while trying or during an IVF cycle, with extra visits around key dates such as an insemination or transfer. Suzanne will suggest a plan after your first visit, and you never have to buy a package.

Should I have acupuncture on embryo transfer day?

Some people like a session shortly before and after transfer, and others prefer to stay close to home. It's a personal choice rather than a must. If you'd like it, tell us your transfer date as soon as you know and we'll try to fit you in.

Is acupuncture safe during IVF?

Acupuncture with sterile, single-use needles is generally very safe, and it's widely used alongside fertility medications. Tell us everything you're taking and where you are in your cycle, and let your clinic know you're having acupuncture. We adjust points and pressure around egg retrieval and transfer.

Can men have acupuncture for fertility?

Yes. Partners are welcome to book their own visits, because sperm health matters as much as egg health. We focus on overall health, stress and sleep, and recommend a semen analysis through a urologist or fertility clinic.

Do you work with LGBTQ+ families and solo parents?

Absolutely. We support everyone building a family, including same-sex couples, trans and nonbinary patients, single parents by choice, and people using donor eggs, donor sperm or a gestational carrier. Tell us what feels right for you and we'll follow your lead on language.

What happens if I get pregnant?

Congratulations! Let us know right away. Some acupuncture points are avoided in pregnancy, so we change your treatment. Many people continue with prenatal acupuncture for nausea, back pain, sleep and stress, and we'll ask you to keep your OB or midwife informed.

Does insurance cover fertility acupuncture?

We don't bill insurance directly. We give you a superbill to submit to your insurer for possible out-of-network reimbursement, and we accept HSA and FSA cards and all credit cards. Check with your plan about acupuncture coverage before you start.

Is there a fertility acupuncturist near Pacific Heights?

Yes. Suzanne Lange, DACM, L.Ac, sees fertility patients at our clinic at 2920 Webster Street in Cow Hollow, a short walk from Pacific Heights. She has more than 20 years of clinical experience and advanced training in fertility and women's health, and she supports people trying naturally or alongside IUI or IVF.

Do fertility patients come from across San Francisco?

They do. We see people from Pacific Heights, Presidio Heights, Russian Hill, the Mission, SoMa and the Inner Sunset near UCSF, as well as Marin, Oakland and Berkeley. Most of our patients live or work within a mile or two, which makes regular visits easier to fit into your week. When you're ready, you can book a first visit with Suzanne.

Ready to talk it through?

Book a visit with Suzanne at our Cow Hollow clinic, or call us with any questions first.

Visit us in Cow Hollow

2920 Webster Street, between Union and Filbert. A short walk from the Marina, Pacific Heights and the Presidio.

Directions & parking

Address

Acupuncture for Athletics
2920 Webster Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
Gate code: in your booking confirmation email

Hours

Every day
7:30am – 9:00pm