Marc Sklar
Marc Sklar (born March 19), also known as The Fertility Expert, is an American natural fertility specialist, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, and online fertility educator. He is the founding principal of the Reproductive Wellness Clinic in San Diego, California, and the creator of the HOPE Fertility Program, an online fertility-coaching program serving patients worldwide. Sklar is noted for his integrative approach to fertility, combining Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, functional medicine, and mind–body techniques.[1][2] He has served as president of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine (ABORM).[3]
Early life and education
Marc Sklar was born on March 19 in the United States; his year of birth is not publicly disclosed.[2] He later settled in San Diego, California, where his clinical practice is based.[1]
Sklar earned a bachelor's degree in comparative religion from the University of Florida.[4] He subsequently completed a Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego and later obtained a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM) from the same institution.[1]
He received training in mind–body medicine at Harvard Medical School's Mind/Body Medical Institute under Dr. Herbert Benson and Peg Baim, becoming certified in mind–body medicine.[5] Sklar also undertook specialized training in fertility and women's health with fertility specialists Donna Keefe and Dr. Randine Lewis.[2]
Career
Reproductive Wellness Clinic
In 2004, Sklar founded the Reproductive Wellness Clinic in San Diego, California, a functional medicine and acupuncture clinic focusing on fertility and women's health.[1][6] The clinic uses an integrative model that combines acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, functional medicine, nutrition, fertility massage, and lifestyle counseling. According to clinic descriptions, Sklar and a multidisciplinary team of acupuncturists, naturopathic doctors, nutritionists, massage therapists, and chiropractors see more than 100 patients per week for fertility-related care.[1]
Sklar's clinical work focuses on natural fertility treatment, unexplained infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, male factor infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, advanced maternal age, and integrative support for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI).[5][7]
HOPE Fertility Program
In 2018, Sklar launched the HOPE Fertility Program, an online fertility-coaching program for individuals and couples seeking natural or integrative approaches to conception.[8] The program is described by its materials as a structured, multi-step model that combines functional medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, nutrition, lifestyle modification, and mind–body medicine to address underlying factors that may affect fertility.[8][9]
The HOPE Program begins with a one-on-one initial assessment that includes a personalized fertility plan to get to the root cause, including detailed review of medical history, menstrual and reproductive patterns, previous fertility testing and treatments, lifestyle habits, sleep, stress levels, and environmental exposures.[8] Based on this assessment, Sklar and his team order or review laboratory testing, which may include extended hormone panels, thyroid function and antibody testing, markers of inflammation and metabolic health, and, where relevant, male fertility testing.[5]
According to program descriptions, the findings from history and laboratory evaluation are used to create an individualized fertility plan. Typical plan components include dietary recommendations, targeted supplementation, exercise and movement guidelines, strategies to reduce exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and other environmental toxins, and behavioral changes intended to improve sleep and stress resilience.[8][10] Mind–body techniques such as relaxation exercises, meditation and mindfulness practices are also incorporated, drawing on Sklar's training in mind–body medicine.[5]
The program is delivered virtually and includes regular follow-up consultations to review progress, adjust treatment plans and discuss new test results. Educational materials and online video content are used to explain fertility testing, diagnostic categories and lifestyle interventions to participants.[8][9] Program materials state that it has worked with thousands of patients internationally and is accessed by application, with a particular focus on couples with unexplained infertility, PCOS, recurrent pregnancy loss, those over age 35 and any fertility condition. [8]
Sklar has frequently stated in interviews that he considers "unexplained infertility" to be an unsatisfactory diagnosis when only limited testing has been done and has argued for a "test, not guess" approach to reproductive health.[7] He has also expressed the view that a majority of patients with PCOS can achieve pregnancy through lifestyle modification, targeted treatment and integrative care before proceeding to IVF, although he supports the use of assisted reproductive technologies when indicated.[7][5]
Global virtual practice
Beyond his in-person work in San Diego, Sklar runs a virtual fertility practice through his website, offering online consultations and coaching to patients internationally.[2] His programs are marketed particularly toward couples with unexplained infertility, PCOS, recurrent pregnancy loss, and those over age 35 seeking to improve their chances of natural conception or to prepare for assisted reproductive technologies.[9][10]
Fertility TV and online presence
In 2013, Sklar launched the YouTube channel Fertility TV, which provides weekly educational videos on natural fertility and reproductive health.[11] Episodes are typically released on Tuesdays and cover topics such as PCOS, egg quality, sperm health, fertility testing, IVF alternatives, and lifestyle factors affecting fertility.[2]
As of 2024–2025, Fertility TV has been reported to have more than 251,000 subscribers, with thousands of monthly views and regular audience engagement.[11][5] The channel features case studies, patient testimonials, and practical advice aimed at viewers seeking to improve fertility outcomes through natural and integrative approaches.[7]
Sklar is also active on other platforms, including Instagram under the handle @the_fertility_expert, where he shares educational content related to fertility and women's health.[2]
Media and publications
Books
- The Secret of Conception: Teaching the Womb (2014), co-authored with Sage de Beixedon Breslin, discusses emotional, spiritual, and psychological aspects of conception and includes an accompanying workbook and meditative practices.[12]
Podcasts and interviews
Sklar has been interviewed on multiple health and fertility podcasts, including:
- The Root Cause Medicine Podcast with Dr. Carrie Jones, discussing natural approaches to fertility and reproductive health;[5]
- Fertility Friday Podcast, in episodes addressing unexplained infertility and natural fertility support;[7]
- FertileMind podcast, focusing on personalized fertility plans and the HOPE Program;[9]
- Health Gig podcast, on the themes of fertility, hope, and holistic health;[13]
- programs hosted by Nicole Jardim and Parijat Deshpande, discussing non-traditional treatment options and fertility myths.[14][15]
Expert contributions
Sklar has contributed fertility-related content as a guest expert for platforms such as Circle + Bloom and Rejoova, and has been featured by other fertility and women's health organizations.[10][16]
Professional affiliations
Sklar holds several professional titles and certifications, including:
- Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM);[1]
- Licensed acupuncturist (LAc);[1]
- Fellow of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine (FABORM);[3]
- President of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine;[3]
- Diplomate in Oriental Medicine and Diplomate in Acupuncture with the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM);[1]
- Board-certified herbalist and Oriental medicine practitioner;[1]
- Medical advisor for Symphony Natural Health (formerly Natural Health International).[17]
Personal life
Sklar lives in San Diego, California, with his wife and two sons.[2] His interest in fertility medicine has been linked to the experience of his brother and sister-in-law, who faced infertility and later conceived two sets of twins after working with him, a story he has referenced in interviews and educational materials.[5][13]
See also
- Infertility
- Traditional Chinese medicine
- Integrative medicine
- Acupuncture
- Reproductive endocrinology and infertility
- Mind–body interventions
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 "Marc Sklar – Reproductive Wellness Women's Health Specialist". Reproductive Wellness. Retrieved 2024.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 "About Dr. Marc Sklar – The Fertility Expert". MarcSklar.com. Retrieved 2024.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine – Board Members". ABORM. Retrieved 2024.
- ↑ "The Role of Chinese Medicine in Women's Health | Dr Marc Sklar". Fempower Health Podcast. Retrieved 2024.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 "A Deep Dive On Fertility & Reproductive Health with Dr. Marc Sklar". Root Cause Medicine Podcast (Rupa Health). Retrieved 2024.
- ↑ "Reproductive Wellness Inc – San Diego". Yelp. Retrieved 2024.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 "FFP 480 | The Truth About Unexplained Infertility | Dr. Marc Sklar, LAc". Fertility Friday Podcast. Retrieved 2024.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 "HOPE Fertility Program – Natural Fertility Coaching". MarcSklar.com. Retrieved 2024.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 "Navigating Infertility with Dr. Marc Sklar". FertileMind Podcast. Retrieved 2024.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 "The 12 Places to Start When Trying to Improve Your Fertility". Circle + Bloom. Retrieved 2024.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Dr. Marc Sklar - FertilityTV’s YouTube Stats and Analytics". HypeAuditor. Retrieved 2024.
- ↑ Marc Sklar; Sage de Beixedon Breslin (2014). The Secret of Conception: Teaching the Womb. Amazon listing. Retrieved 2024.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 "Fertility, Hope, and Holistic Health: Dr. Marc Sklar’s Approach". Health Gig (BB&R Wellness Consulting). Retrieved 2024.
- ↑ "Why Unexplained Infertility is an Unacceptable Diagnosis with Dr. Marc Sklar". Nicole Jardim Podcast. Retrieved 2024.
- ↑ "Fertility Myths Debunked & Non-Traditional Treatment Options". Parijat Deshpande Podcast. Retrieved 2024.
- ↑ "Meet Our Experts – Dr. Marc Sklar". Rejoova. Retrieved 2024.
- ↑ "Medical Advisory Board". Symphony Natural Health. Retrieved 2024.
External links
- Official website – MarcSklar.com
- Reproductive Wellness Clinic
- Fertility TV on YouTube
- The Fertility Expert on Instagram
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