IVF + Acupuncture

dadezbombz

Good Afternoon Ladies (and gents?)

This is my first time posting please bear with me. I am a 30 y/o and DH has unexplained infertility due to sperm motility issues.

Where I am at:

2 failed Fresh cycles.

Going on 3RD cycle for IVF- this time, frozen (7 embryos frozen) and w/ a new Dr. (my choice)

I have been working on this frozen cycle now for almost 4 months. My uterus was not becoming thick enough (Dr says above 8MM) in order to do the transfer. He was beginning to believe there was a problem within my uterus (adhesions, or scarring) however that did not make sense to me, because I did not think I would have any scarring, seeing how I have never had a pregnancy, a loss, abortion, or anything else related to instrumentation that would result in scarring. We did a procedure w/ the "ENDOSEE" in order to see my uterus. They were having some trouble getting into my uterus deep enough to see what was wrong.

So----

2 days later, I had a hysteroscopy. That went perfect, and my exact words from dr were " Everything went fine. I did not see any adhesions or problems in the uterus. No scarring. So we will have to try some different meds to thicken the lining up for your thaw.."

I keep going in circles here- because my uterus is simply non compliant. I have tried 2x to thicken my uterus w/ the meds (Estrace) both orally, and vaginally up to 4x a day (2pills oral, 2 vag) and no luck. I kept plateau'ing at 6mm, never higher.

SO- With that being said, I have switched over to a more holistic approach and figured what do I have to loose trying Acupuncture? I have been going 3x a week, and truly think that this will help plus, a switch over to estrogen that is going to be intramuscular- CAN'T WAIT FOR MORE NEEDLES!! WOOHOOO!! (NOT)

Have any ladies w/ non compliant uterus' like myself had any luck w/ Acupuncture? I also have a chart of where he puts all of the needles, and would love to hear other ladies experiences w/ acupuncture- where the needles are placed, and how it might have helped thicken your lining. I am open to all stories, suggestions, and comments.

Thank you

dadezbombz

I forgot to add- my dr says my body is not responding to the Estrace, which is why he thinks my lining is not thickening. Also, my bw has come back normal, w/ some of my levels being on track, then rising up, and going back down it is like one big mystery

laurenlalap

Sorry, I don't have any advice, but I just want to say welcome. I hope you find support from this wonderful board.

tvh1982

Hi!

I go to my acupuncture with every cycle. Now do I not know if I would have perfect lining without her too or not as I haven't tried without. 

I go to my acupuncturist after my cycle start and had my first us. She places one on top of my head (to take the pressure off) and one between my eyes. My belly gets quite a few of them, my knees, my feet and my hands. 
After my second us she places the ones on the feet and hands a little different than the fist time around.

When I have been for my ET or my FET I go back, preferably the same day, but as I am always home late at night due to the travelling that doesn't work. So its between the next two days.
None in my belly then, just all the points to get circulation going and to get me to relax..the last one I really really need.

I can't tell you if it works or not, as I haven't been monitored without acupuncture. I am skin sore, hate needles, yet I fall asleep or doze off when I am there, so she gets me to relax, which is a big pluss for me.  

PS checked the picture..those are the places..except for the back..I don't get those  

AandDM2014

Welcome to the group! During my first FET I had issues with my lining being thin. It only got up to 7.9 before I started PIO to do the transfer. The second FET my lining got up to about 8.4 (which is amazing for me) faster than it got up to 7.9 the first time. The one thing I did differently: For the first transfer I split up my estrace when I started taking more than one. The second time I did them all in the evening. My doc also has me go from 2 to 4 to 6 mg of estrace, does blood work and an ultrasound, the ups it to 8 mg orally and 2 mg twice a day vaginally to get my lining to grow well. I'm surprised that your doc only had you take 4 mg orally. That's hardly any. If I took only 4 mg a day, my lining would also never grow. Hopefully the intramuscular estrogen will be more helpful. Hopefully the acupuncture will help too!

dadezbombz

Ladies ladies ladies thank YOU for replying! I find everybody so helpful- and appreciate you taking the time to reply.

tvh1982, thank you. I am beginning my medication hopefully soon. I need this lining to get THICK

AandDM2014 - I am sorry I should have been more clear. When on the estrace, I was taking it (for the first few days) 2x day orally. Then, he upped it to 3x a day (1vag, 2 oral) then, 4x a day (2 and 2). It was strange that my lining did not thicken enough, as my bloodwork showed that my levels were consistent, as if the estrace was appearing to "do it's job" in my blood, but doing nothing for my utereus. Today, I go back for my post op apt after the hysteroscopy. I find out today what the plan is. He wants me to start an injectable estrogen (IM) WHAT FUN! More needles! ahah! I am lucky I am not scared of them..

I will keep you girls posted. I hope that my lining can just get thick enough for transfer. It is like being right at the finish line but being unable to cross it.

dadezbombz

thank you very much glad to be here and learn from all you ladies

Jsmorrissey

Welcome and sorry you have to be on the IF boards.

I also do acupuncture and all those places, seem to be the places she most often "pins" me.  I go twice a week and will continue to do so until I get a BFP.  Not sure how it works with IVF, as I am not quite there yet.  I do have a friend that did acupuncture during IVF and got her BFP, so I am going with, it works.  I love it, if for nothing more than getting to relax for an hour twice a week.  I also tend to fall asleep or slightly doze off during treatment.   GL!!!

dadezbombz

Jsmorrissey! Thanks so much- I currently go 3x a week (did not start medication, I go to dr today) so, I am going to continue going 3x a week until I go for transfer. I really hope that this helps me uterus. I am literally praying every minute of everyday. I am otherwise healthy, and I have no idea why my uterus won't get where it needs to be. I will update everyone soon- and yes it feels great to relax during it!!!!!!!!!

KirstenCas

I'm new and listening intently. I'm having my 1st round of IVF (is that even the right way to phrase it) April/May. I have used acupuncture in the past for anxiety and pain relief, so I'm anxious to here how its working for fertility. I'm wondering when is a good time to start? I'm scheduled to begin stims, FX, at the end of April with EG and transfer 2nd week in May. I'm wondering if its beneficial to start now. Thoughts?

dadezbombz

@KirstenCas - From what I'm gathering both on this forum and my own research,  I think that starting  while on your stim meds, is perfect.  And,  going the day of transfer.   best of luck,  I am a newbie too 

sarahloveshubby

I tried acupuncture for a clomid + TI cycle and for my IUI + injectables. I just didn't find it helped me much, I didn't even feel relaxed or anything. The lady I went to is pretty reputable, I'm just starting IVF stim meds now and I'm wondering if I should go back to her?