Talk to me About Acupuncture

Crystal120410

Alright ladies I am now slightly considering acupuncture. Honestly, I dont really buy it. I dont see how sticking little needles SQ is supposed to help anything but I will admit I know nothing about it. So give me the low down. How does it work, when do you do it, how much is it, is it painful, has it actually worked before, is there documentation on it, ect. Thanks ladies!

shell3879

I'm curious about this too! Thanks for asking!

Gr8te

I hate it, but my center required it for me and they have some of the highest success rates in the world. I had a PI of 3.1 on one side of my ute, so they made me do 8 uterine blood flow treatments to get it under 2.9. I didn't do acu before and after transfer because for my age and Dx it's only helpful if you find it relaxing. If you want the protocol they required, it's available online.

https://yourivfacupuncture.com/what-is-the-process/research/

solisilou

This is one of the most recent scientific articles on acupuncture and IF:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23337556

If you want to read the complete article just PM me. I think the article is not available for free.

There is no single study proving that acupuncture is effective in IVF, but there are some that indicate a reduction in stress and anxiety. I guess even if that doesn't cure IF, it might help you cope with it.

ETA: the article is actually online for free

tptbabe

We haven't done IVF yet, but plan on combining the two.

I started acpuncture before we started TTC (we knew I had a LPD and poor ovulation). It regulated my cycles and increased my LP. Along with the herbs/supplements, I felt immensly better and actually looked forward to my appointments! I am still terrified of needles, but they're different somehow. My first session, I was very anxious and flinched before she put every needle in, but the majority of them don't hurt at all (if you can even feel them going in).

How it works: The body has certain chi/flow points throughout your body, and the needles are supposed to bring energy into those points and unblock or redirect the flow to rebalance your energies/chi/flow/whatever you want to call it. They're tiny needles (so thin that they bend some) and they tap them in gently and turn them, or sometimes apply gentle electricity. The feeling ranges from nothing, to tingling, to burning, depending on the placement and what your energies are at that point.

Has it worked before: If it didn't, I don't think that so many people would be doing it? It did work for my cycles, so I'm a big fan!

How much is it: My sessions are $60/45min session. I'm also covered up to $230/calendar year for naturopathic doctors through my insurance, so it's worth checking that out?

Is it painful: For the most part, no. There are a few points that do hurt though, like the ears and the tops of your feet between your toes. Everything else was not even noticable, or a little tingly. You can refuse any points that you don't feel comfortable with though, so if you don't like it, just say no!

Is there documentation on it: Honestly, I didn't read up on it at all. My friend is a ND and convinced me to try it, since she knew about our issues. Maybe somebody else can help you out there?

PinkinProvence

I did it when I first found out my low AMH.  It was expensive.  I liked it, I found it relaxing - it kinds of puts you in the same mood as a massage.

WIth DOR, there is really nothing acupuncture can do because you cannot increase your eggs.  But I definitely didn't feel like it would hurt and I needed to do something to feel like I had some control of the situation.

After my 8 session package was up, I didn't renew.  It was just too expensive to keep doing.  If I had something other than DOR, I think I might have kept on going.

DoublePortion

I can't speak definitively as to how much it has helped me fertility-wise, but it has immensely helped reduce my stress. I almost cancelled my first appt because I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown that night. I was in such bad shape that the acupuncturist offered me a discounted rate if I'd just let him treat me. lol To me it's not painful at all. Every once-in-awhile one of the needles will have a little bite to it, but a lot of the time I don't even feel them go in since they are tiny. My AMH went from .38 to .97 after about 6 months of acupuncture. I don't know if it's related, but I don't know what else would have made it go up. Good luck in whatever you decide!

noelcallum

I have been doing it since October. Honestly It hasn't made a blind bit of difference to anything. I did it through 3 IUIs and 2 break cycles (ending second one now and tested - this morning).

I have heard good things about it during IVF and to be honest I am willing to try anything that will increase my chances. I am going by the philosophy of no regrets. I don't want to get a BFN on my Ivf and think "what if I had done acu?" etc.

It doesn't hurt but I don't enjoy it at all. I'm not the kind of person who can stay still with no book/tv and I find it really boring. I kind of feel like Charlotte from SATC if you remember that episode.

 Mine costs $85 per session and I have no coverage. During treatments I go twice a week so it is definitely $$$$.

liz4paws

I'm sure I'm in the minority here, but I personally wasn't a fan. I found it more stressful than helpful to try to make the appointments, fork out the cash, etc. I wish I could find the study (which I'll look for and post if I do find it) but there was an actual study that showed it helped poor responders achieve pregnancy which is the one and only reason I even gave it a shot. In the end, my cycle was cancelled due to terrible response so it didn't work for me. I

That being said, many women love it and swear by it but I personally found it to feel pretty silly and hokey and I was rolling my eyes practically at every appointment with the stuff the accupuncturist said.  For the record, I went to one that specialized in fertility treatments.I'm hard to convince for most non-westernized medicine stuff though so consider the source here.

If I need a way to relax, I've decided that I enjoy a sweedish massage much more and it costs about the same. Good luck with whatever you decide.

JSM0801

I just wanted to add that if you decide to do it, I would highly recommend going to an acupuncturist that specializes in fertility treatments. It is very different than just regular acupuncture. Mine incorporates e stim, moxa and heating lamps during my treatments. My acupuncturist is incredibly knowledgeable with a very solid education and background in acupuncture/chinese medicine/fertility and has been through ivf 4 times. She also is very involved in the process and calls me to check in on how my appointments are going and to get my updates on my lining and blood levels. I think this makes a huge difference vs. getting acupuncture from a non-fertility acupuncturist. I have no fertility issues but decided that I wanted to try acupuncture this round, because why not? I want to look back and know that I did everything I possibly could to enhance my chances of success. I can't say whether or not acupuncture is the cure, but it certainly can't hurt. It seems especially beneficial for someone who needs help to build a good lining, since the focus is on blood flow to the uterus. It is also very relaxing and a good stress reliever. It is pricey, but if you are willing to exhaust all your options, I think it is worth a shot! They do offer packages too. Oh, and I go 2x a week every week and 3x during stims.  GL with whatever you decide!

Julie21613

noelcallum:

I have heard good things about it during IVF and to be honest I am willing to try anything that will increase my chances. I am going by the philosophy of no regrets. I don't want to get a BFN on my Ivf and think "what if I had done acu?" etc.

This is why I started acupuncture....  But I do find it relaxing... and it does help with my stress for a couple of days after.  I went 2x a week during my cycle plus pre/post transfer.  I am still going once a week as its the one time during the week that I let myself go and completely relax.  Did it help with my "poor response" obviously not as they only got 1 egg this time around... but it seems to have been the golden egg.  Good luck with your decision!

J&D2007

I was actually 'prescribed' acupuncture a few weeks ago by my RE. I've had 2 failed Ivfs and she started my on acupuncture and supplements for 3 months.  I am like you in that I have huge reservations about it doing anything at all, I believe in western medicine completely and find everything else hokey...  so  i went last week for my first appointment and could hardly help giggling through it as we discussed my chi and energy pathways... After a few needles, I just laid there for 40 minutes in the dark and tried to calm my over active brain.  Then I called my sister and laughed about it.. If I only knew my blocked chi was my problem I could have saved $40,000 in treatments...Anyway, I find it hard to admit that for 4 days after I felt strangely calm (I am never calm, my RE calls me 'intense', hence the acupuncture recommendation).. I go back tomorrow and will report back. I am actually looking forward to seeing if it does anything this time.  I don't have any clue if it does anything for fertility, but maybe, just maybe, it does for anxiety and stress...  

oO Angie Oo

My mother is Asian so she is pro acupuncture and herbal medicines. She is like me where we don't get out menstrual cycles although she wasn't as bad as I am. She swears by all of that and said it helped her have my two brothers and me. 

I remember someone posting in here last year about doing acupuncture and it helped them get their BFP and SO many women attacked her. I was shocked! I understand that acupuncture may not solve the IF that people deal with but I was really surprised at the anger towards this woman.  

We just did our first IUI and didn't do acupuncture with but I think the next round we will. I've heard that acupuncture helps blood flow to the uterus and can help with the implantation. 

 I guess I have a more open mind about that kind of thing being that I was raised around herbal medicines and what not- but if it can help calm relieve anxiety that in itself could have a positive effect after IUI or IVF.  *shrugs shoulders*

im willing to give anything a try.  

oO Angie Oo

I googled a few things and found this article from 2005 in the LA Times. Kinda interesting. 

 https://articles.latimes.com/2005/jul/04/health/he-acupunc4

J&D2007

Oh, and it s recommended 2x a week for 3 months leading up to ivf, and 2x per week during ivf. Price for initial was $90, then $65 a week after that. 

jakraft837

liz4paws:

I'm sure I'm in the minority here, but I personally wasn't a fan. I found it more stressful than helpful to try to make the appointments, fork out the cash, etc. I wish I could find the study (which I'll look for and post if I do find it) but there was an actual study that showed it helped poor responders achieve pregnancy which is the one and only reason I even gave it a shot. In the end, my cycle was cancelled due to terrible response so it didn't work for me. I

That being said, many women love it and swear by it but I personally found it to feel pretty silly and hokey and I was rolling my eyes practically at every appointment with the stuff the accupuncturist said.  For the record, I went to one that specialized in fertility treatments.I'm hard to convince for most non-westernized medicine stuff though so consider the source here.

If I need a way to relax, I've decided that I enjoy a sweedish massage much more and it costs about the same. Good luck with whatever you decide.

This!!! (See above highlighted)

I am not currently doing it, but I was. It obivously didn't get me KU, but I did notice that i did not feel as stressed. However, when winter hit here in Chicago, getting to the appts was just too much (I was going to close to home).

I'm looking into either Circle and Bloom or some other meditation/relaxation CD. That way i can do it at home and not worry about having another appointment i have to get to in addition to all my IVF appts.

GL with whatever you deiced to do.

liz4paws

jakraft837:

liz4paws:

I'm sure I'm in the minority here, but I personally wasn't a fan. I found it more stressful than helpful to try to make the appointments, fork out the cash, etc. I wish I could find the study (which I'll look for and post if I do find it) but there was an actual study that showed it helped poor responders achieve pregnancy which is the one and only reason I even gave it a shot. In the end, my cycle was cancelled due to terrible response so it didn't work for me. I

That being said, many women love it and swear by it but I personally found it to feel pretty silly and hokey and I was rolling my eyes practically at every appointment with the stuff the accupuncturist said.  For the record, I went to one that specialized in fertility treatments.I'm hard to convince for most non-westernized medicine stuff though so consider the source here.

If I need a way to relax, I've decided that I enjoy a sweedish massage much more and it costs about the same. Good luck with whatever you decide.

This!!! (See above highlighted)

I am not currently doing it, but I was. It obivously didn't get me KU, but I did notice that i did not feel as stressed. However, when winter hit here in Chicago, getting to the appts was just too much (I was going to close to home).

I'm looking into either Circle and Bloom or some other meditation/relaxation CD. That way i can do it at home and not worry about having another appointment i have to get to in addition to all my IVF appts.

GL with whatever you deiced to do.

I love C+B!

I found out that you can get the download for only $39 each with no coupon needed if you do it through DesignRX (a free instant walgreens prescription discount program):

1) Go to https://www.designrx.net/ and sign up to be a member. It's totally free, I did it myself with no issue.

2) Confirm your email address.

3) Once confirmed, you receive another email that has links to their site, and one to their forums. Click on the one for forums.

4) on the left hand side, there is an advertisement for Circle + Bloom. Click on it and you can buy the downloads for only 39 bucks instead of 59 on the C+B site or 69 for the cd!

I think this ends up getting you more than a 20% discount which is what I see most of the coupons posted give you.

joules12

Another Circle & Bloom fan here!  I find their guided meditations so relaxing that I often fall asleep during them.

I've cycled with and without acupuncture.  I found it very relaxing and would continue it for that and general overall health reasons if $ wasn't a factor.  I went to an acu who specializes in infertility.  I started sessions a few months prior to cycling -- went 1/week leading up to stims and then 2x/week, along with treatments immediately before and after ET (he came to clinic), and one treatment at a certain point during the 2ww.

While I really enjoyed my sessions, I'm not sure if they made much difference:
IVF cycle #1 = cancelled due to poor response to max dose stims, cycle #2 = only 1 embryo fertilized (BFP that ended in a missed m/c), cycle #3 = only 1 embryo fertilized (BFN) -- I was under the care of an acu leading up to and throughout all 3 of these cycles.  This cycle, I didn't do acu at all and had more embryos fert than ever before and got a BFP with my best ever beta levels (I did have slightly modified protocol).

jakraft837

liz4paws:

jakraft837:

liz4paws:

I'm sure I'm in the minority here, but I personally wasn't a fan. I found it more stressful than helpful to try to make the appointments, fork out the cash, etc. I wish I could find the study (which I'll look for and post if I do find it) but there was an actual study that showed it helped poor responders achieve pregnancy which is the one and only reason I even gave it a shot. In the end, my cycle was cancelled due to terrible response so it didn't work for me. I

That being said, many women love it and swear by it but I personally found it to feel pretty silly and hokey and I was rolling my eyes practically at every appointment with the stuff the accupuncturist said.  For the record, I went to one that specialized in fertility treatments.I'm hard to convince for most non-westernized medicine stuff though so consider the source here.

If I need a way to relax, I've decided that I enjoy a sweedish massage much more and it costs about the same. Good luck with whatever you decide.

This!!! (See above highlighted)

I am not currently doing it, but I was. It obivously didn't get me KU, but I did notice that i did not feel as stressed. However, when winter hit here in Chicago, getting to the appts was just too much (I was going to close to home).

I'm looking into either Circle and Bloom or some other meditation/relaxation CD. That way i can do it at home and not worry about having another appointment i have to get to in addition to all my IVF appts.

GL with whatever you deiced to do.

I love C+B!

I found out that you can get the download for only $39 each with no coupon needed if you do it through DesignRX (a free instant walgreens prescription discount program):

1) Go to https://www.designrx.net/ and sign up to be a member. It's totally free, I did it myself with no issue.

2) Confirm your email address.

3) Once confirmed, you receive another email that has links to their site, and one to their forums. Click on the one for forums.

4) on the left hand side, there is an advertisement for Circle + Bloom. Click on it and you can buy the downloads for only 39 bucks instead of 59 on the C+B site or 69 for the cd!

I think this ends up getting you more than a 20% discount which is what I see most of the coupons posted give you.

YOU ROCK!    You totally just made my day!  I have not committed to getting them cuz the $59 seemed like a lot.  Something about $39 doesn't seem like much so I will do it now!

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!

liz4paws

jakraft837:

liz4paws:

jakraft837:

liz4paws:

I'm sure I'm in the minority here, but I personally wasn't a fan. I found it more stressful than helpful to try to make the appointments, fork out the cash, etc. I wish I could find the study (which I'll look for and post if I do find it) but there was an actual study that showed it helped poor responders achieve pregnancy which is the one and only reason I even gave it a shot. In the end, my cycle was cancelled due to terrible response so it didn't work for me. I

That being said, many women love it and swear by it but I personally found it to feel pretty silly and hokey and I was rolling my eyes practically at every appointment with the stuff the accupuncturist said.  For the record, I went to one that specialized in fertility treatments.I'm hard to convince for most non-westernized medicine stuff though so consider the source here.

If I need a way to relax, I've decided that I enjoy a sweedish massage much more and it costs about the same. Good luck with whatever you decide.

This!!! (See above highlighted)

I am not currently doing it, but I was. It obivously didn't get me KU, but I did notice that i did not feel as stressed. However, when winter hit here in Chicago, getting to the appts was just too much (I was going to close to home).

I'm looking into either Circle and Bloom or some other meditation/relaxation CD. That way i can do it at home and not worry about having another appointment i have to get to in addition to all my IVF appts.

GL with whatever you deiced to do.

I love C+B!

I found out that you can get the download for only $39 each with no coupon needed if you do it through DesignRX (a free instant walgreens prescription discount program):

1) Go to https://www.designrx.net/ and sign up to be a member. It's totally free, I did it myself with no issue.

2) Confirm your email address.

3) Once confirmed, you receive another email that has links to their site, and one to their forums. Click on the one for forums.

4) on the left hand side, there is an advertisement for Circle + Bloom. Click on it and you can buy the downloads for only 39 bucks instead of 59 on the C+B site or 69 for the cd!

I think this ends up getting you more than a 20% discount which is what I see most of the coupons posted give you.

YOU ROCK!    You totally just made my day!  I have not committed to getting them cuz the $59 seemed like a lot.  Something about $39 doesn't seem like much so I will do it now!

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!

That's how I felt. $39 was much more do-able! Enjoy! They put me to sleep like a baby every night that I listen to them before bed.

kflynn81

I went to my Chiro for the acupuncture and she had me come in 2x a week starting the week of stims and continuing until beta. Mine was on the low end since she's sort of become a friend of mine but it was $60/session. It wasn't painful persay...I'd equate the feeling of the needle to an electric shock. Once it was in it was ok. I'm obviously not pregnant so it didn't work in that regard, but I do believe it helped me destress and take the days with a more calming approach. I'd do it again if only for that!

freeman2121

After IVF #1 failed with no freeze babies, I decided to do it for IVF #2. I found it very relaxing. While IVF #2 still failed, we did have 3 freeze babies. All of the embies progressed up to ET & freeze at the same pace too

jadwedd

Ticker Warning

I tried it for my first iui.  I had electro accupunture, where it looks like they are hooking you up to a car battery.  It was not pleasant or relaxing.  And the receptionist kept making gestures about how big I am. And they were more a rehab facility than a relaxation place.  So I went for a few weeks hoping it would work, but I didn't like it.  So I stopped.  It did seem like it made my eggs get bigger faster than the second iui.  I figure if it has been around for thousands of years there has to be something to it.  I am really pulling for you.  If there is anything at all that I can do to help you please let me know.