Accupuncture and IVF

Cyndie · #1 (**permalink**) 04-29-2008, 07:23 PM

This is what a friend tells me. She got a BFP with her first FET and is due any minute now.

I would also suggest you doing acupuncture..the sooner the better. Studies show that women that do ACP with their IVF meds respond better, have higher number and higher quality eggs and a better cervical lining. Plus it's really good for the stress brought on b IVF. They recommend doing it 3 months before your transfer.

Does anyone have advice or experience with this?

Thanks

JSquare · #2 (**permalink**) 04-30-2008, 05:59 AM

I started acupuncture with this cycle. I didn't do it my first 2 IVF cycles but this time my RE's office recommended it. My acupuncturist knows all about IVF and FET and has treated IF women before with good results. My family doctor does acupuncture too, but he didn't study acupuncture for IF issues and didn't want to treat me for it, so I think you need one who specifically does IF acupuncture. She's also put me on herbs. I go every week for about 70 minutes. I'm doing an FET this time and the goal for me is to strengthen and warm up my uterus and make it a more "welcoming place." Also to produce more Progesterone. I don't know what it does but it totally relaxes me! When I leave her office I'm so relaxed I'm almost falling asleep and have to drive home very carefully. If nothing else, getting me relaxed is worth it! One thing, check with your insurance company if money is a factor. Our insurance doesn't cover it and the treatments are $70 each and the herbs are approx. $30/month. I was skeptical at first but I look forward to it each week now!

gin2402 · #3 (**permalink**) 04-30-2008, 02:40 PM

I did it this time and did get a BFP... I don't know how much it had to do with it, but my theory is it can't hurt.

BellyBellyBelly · #4 (**permalink**) 04-30-2008, 02:44 PM

I did it for several months before my successful cycle. I also did it just before and just after transfer. My doctor has the acupuncturist come into the transfer room. My response to the meds was always good but nothing ever stuck. I don't know if it made a difference because I did a lot of things differently the last cycle but I do think it helped my mood a bit while cycling.

hopeful gal · #5 (**permalink**) 04-30-2008, 04:05 PM

I did not do it with my first cycle, but will be doing it my next cycle for sure. I know it is really suppose to boost success rates so I think it is a great idea and will do anything this time

Good luck!!

Janay

want2beamommy13 · #6 (**permalink**) 04-30-2008, 04:13 PM

If this cycle doesnt work out, I'm definitely looking into it myself.

mollyjp · #7 (**permalink**) 04-30-2008, 06:16 PM

I did Accu. with my IVF cycle and it was a success....I got lucky and got a BFP on my first cycle so I can't say whether or not it made a difference, but it certainly didn't hurt!

Star622 · #8 (**permalink**) 04-30-2008, 07:21 PM

I finally gave it a try after putting it off for 4 years. I planned on doing it for my 5th ivf cycle. I started in September not sure if I'd get beat the cut-off at the clinic for the holiday. I went once a week and conceived naturally in early October.

I think it helped, but there were several things that just lined up and brought everything together to make it perfect for my little miracle.

reneerenee · #9 (**permalink**) 05-01-2008, 04:49 AM

There are studies to show it does up your chances for success. Besides being very positive for your reproductive system, for many women it is very relaxing. I have an appt at 10:30 this am and I can't wait! It is the most peaceful half hour of my week. I LOVE IT. A lot of people are put off by the needles. They are so thin that it isn't like a needle going in but more a tap on your skin. I would highly recommend it.

A Squared · #10 (**permalink**) 05-01-2008, 05:09 AM

I did acupuncture and it worked. My acupuncturist says it takes a minimum of 12 sessions to be very effective.

bebedoc · #11 (**permalink**) 05-01-2008, 07:28 AM

I did 5 cycles of IVF. My only successful cycles were those in which I did acupuncture for 5 weeks prior to ET. I don't know if it's coincidence or not, but I'll never do another IVF cycle without it. I was so relaxed and my stress level throughout the entire cycle was almost nil. My acupuncturist was also specialized in IF. I highly recommend it to anyone going through IVF.

Cyndie · #12 (**permalink**) 05-01-2008, 05:30 PM

Thank you for all the replies and personal experiences. I interviewed my first of 3 RE's today and have a consultation with an acupuncturist who specializes in IF/IVF tomorrow.

Like I just said, I have only had one consult (combined with reading this board) and am already starting to realize what a long, drawn out process this can be. Glad I found this spot on the web!

colinsmom · #13 (**permalink**) 05-02-2008, 09:54 AM

I totally recommend it. If anything it will increase blood flow to the eggs and uterus and decrease stress....a lot!