? about acupuncture

Anna&Rich

Backround info 1st: Was on BCP for 9 years, got off in Sept. and next few cycles were normal (around 28-30 days each).  Had 39 day cycle at end of Dec./beginning of Jan., so decided to start going to an acupuncturist at end of Jan. in hopes to make my cycles shorter and help w/fertility.  (Also started TTC in Jan.)  1st cycle was 34 days, the next 31, then this cycle was 47 days.  Although I haven't been to acupuncture in a couple weeks, the last time I did go I was on cycle day 30.

I'm just wondering if I should try another acupuncturist b/c I was under the impression that if done right that my cycle should not have been nearly this long.  I could be completely wrong, but I tried to look up some info on it online and didn't really find anything helpful, so I was hoping someone here might know.  What are your thoughts?  Thank you!

4realyo

What is the acupuncturist background? How often are you going? Are you receiving herbs/supplements in addition to the treatments?

From my research, I found that that are a lot of acupuncturists that are certified but dont really know what they're doing (ie its an add-on service at a chiropractor, etc).

My experience was that I did a lot of research and asked for recommendations in my area. I found an acupuncturist that specialized in treating fertility & was trained in China (she was also a MD in China as well). I started treatments in Jan (middle of a cycle), went weekly, and she also started me on a whole bunch of herbs. My cycles prior were very long/irregular - but typically over 42+ days. I got my bfp feb 20th, which was my first full cycle getting acupuncture - I also ovulated on cd16 that cycle which was very early for me. In addition to the weekly treatments, she had me come in on the day I ovulated for an extra treatment.

mystic_J

Hi, I will tell you about my experience: On BCP for 10 years, first cycle post BCP was 54 days, O Day CD 44. The next cycle, I decided to go to acupuncture b/c I heard it can help shorten cycle length. So, second cycle: 39 days, O Day CD 27. I feel the combination of the herbs they gave me along with the treatments themselves contributed to the shortened cycle.

Now, this cycle, I just got my first fertile readingon my OVWatch today, which has me set for ovulation (hopefully) either CD 20 or 21. This would now put me sooo much closer to a "normal" cycle length than I feel I could have achieved by myself in this time frame.

Frankly, I feel the results speak for themselves. But, I think your problem is that you are not going regularly. I went faithfully twice a week for the past 2 months, and my acupuncturist recommends going at least once a week.

I would give this acupuncturist another try at a more frequent pace. Also, are you taking herbs in conjunction with your treatments? I believe the herbs have more of an impact than the treatment.

Anna&Rich

Thanks for the responses.  My acupuncturist seems to have a good backround, but does not specialize in fertility, although he's said to have many success stories.  He has not mentioned herbs. I was going 1x a week, except for when I had my period b/c he doesn't think it's necessary to treat then.  His website actually recommends 2-3 treatments a month until you get pregnant and states some info he's learned from treating infertility and working w/infertility specialists.

I chose him b/c he was 1 of only a couple who my insurance covers and is in my area.  Once I met w/him I liked him and decided to keep going.  I had increased energy right away and as I said, my cycles started getting shorter and more normal.  It's just that this cycle was such a complete change, I wasn't sure if I should be considering another acupuncturist.

Money is an issue, b/c otherwise I would go to someone else in my area that was recommended for like every other issue (the person recommending her doesn't know I'm TTC).  My insurance doesn't cover this person, so I figured I couldn't afford to go.  But I was told that everyone who has gone to this woman gets immediate help and I know she advises using herbs.  I just don't know.  I don't want to dismiss my guy too soon, but at the same time, I want to get pregnant asap.  So maybe I'll check out this other woman....

4realyo

I would maybe ask your current acupuncturist about herbs & if he doesnt sell them, maybe he can atleast recommend some to you? I think the herbs are a big part of traditional chinese medicine. goodluck.