Acupuncture

Reagan1010

Has anyone done acupuncture along with your IVF or FET? Do you recommend it? I have started looking into it because I figured it wouldn't hurt to try during my next FET, but I have found that in my area, no one does this. I would have to travel about an hour to get to the closest acupuncturist that deals with fertility issues. Is it worth the stress trying to drive over there after the FET? DH would have to drive me due to me taking Xanax before the procedure, so he would miss even more work. I am planning on asking my RE for his opinion also, but he has never mentioned acupuncture before.

ETA: spelling is hard

Frenchteachermama

I am in love with my acupuncturist.  She specializes in women's infertility and has PCOS herself and needed Western medicine to conceive her 4 children.  My DH is a GI doctor so I've struggled with him on seeing her.  He supports me going to see her but doesn't want me taking the herbs she suggests.  After 2 years and finding out about my c-scar defect he's come around and this cycle has allowed me to take everything she wants to give me.  Obviously we don't know if this cycle worked or not but I can officially say I tried everything!

I know a lot of women see their acupuncturist the day of transfer, but mine does not think that is necessary/useful.  She likes to clear her patients of heat (you'll find out all about heat when/if you start seeing one) a week before the transfer and then not see you again until you get a positive pregnancy result.  So if you're interested you could go check them out and see what their feelings are about it.  

I'm not sure it's helped me at all except mentally I feel like I'm trying everything I can!

Davie813

I go to one.  I enjoy it and find it relaxing, but it obviously hasn't gotten me pregnant yet.  In my case, since the primary benefit is stress reduction, having to drive an hour to get there might cancel that out.  But it can't hurt to try!

efhoping2010

I am a huge fan of acupuncture and so is my clinic, I have been going weekly for this most recent cycle and often with my past cycles.

Would your clinic allow your acupuncturist to come into the room after your ET?

fuzzbumble

My clinic recommends acupuncture immediately before and after transfer.  My acupuncturist came at the same time as me, and did it before I rolled in and after I rolled out.  Obviously didn't pan out, but I doubt that was the acupuncture's fault.    There are studies showing the increased uterine blood flow can be beneficial.  

CTinNV

I saw an acupuncturist for my current IVF cycle (my second) and this cycle is going very well. Granted, I also integrated human growth hormone into my protocol, but my RE is a big believer and supporter of acupuncture as a complementary treatment. 

It is definitely worth considering, and I like @efhoping2010 's suggestion to see if the practitioner can come to you. Also, many acupuncturists do work with women dealing with IF but don't label themselves as specialists in this area. Mine falls into this category. She is excellent and has treated many women during IVF and FET cycles, but she doesn't market herself as a specialist in this category.

Good luck!

spfclr

I have been seeing an acupuncturist for the past few months.  I've only done IUI's and non-procedure cycles since I started with her and she is flexible about when I go in - so far she has wanted to see me once before ovulation and once after, but hasn't been adamant about a certain cycle day.  I'm not sure how that might change with IVF.

I (like others mentioned) do it just to know that I've put my 100% into this.

She's nice and it's relaxing and she seems very committed to getting me pregnant, and is also very respectful of my doctor's opinions and wishes (which she is familiar with having so many patients from the clinic).  Although being there is relaxing, it's just another thing that requires child care and juggling to get to which is not relaxing. 

On cycles I haven't been able to do an IUI I've taken the herbs she's suggested. 

We'll see.

ellebelle2384

I haven't done IVF yet but I did acupuncture back in the fall after my D&C since it was recommended by a second opinion RE we went to.  I ended up having a CP while doing acupuncture and after I used up the package I had paid for I stopped going.  Realistically I know my loss had nothing to do with whether or not I was getting acupuncture but since it didn't help then I am hesitant to go back to it.  Although I know there are studies out there showing that it can help with more successful outcomes with retrieval and transfer.  If you are interested in it I would see if they could come to you at the clinic.  I know that's what the practice I was going to would do.

AprilDrew04

I had trouble finding someone for acupuncture that was fertility friendly, so I am opting for a relaxing massage before retrieval and after transfer with my IVF cycle.

Reagan1010

Thanks ladies! I will check with the acupuncturist and see if she is willing to travel to me. I never even thought to ask! You all have also given me some ideas for questions to run by her as well! Thanks again!

Reagan1010

I'm like the rest of you....I just want to make sure we try everything in our power!  We will be transferring our only two frozen blasts next month and if it doesn't work I just want to know in my heart that I had done all I could.  

spfclr

Good luck!!!!!!