Acupunture Anyone?

Toni79 · March 2011

Has anyone tried acupunture for fertility? Just curious what your experiences were?

I'm meeting with two acupunturists this week for pre-consolts. I'm not 100% certain yet if I'm going to do it, but I thought I'd meet with a few to learn more and see what its all about.

Any suggestions on what questions to ask? They both were refered to me by my RE, so they obvioulsly do acupuncture for fertility. But not sure what other questions I should ask.

Thanks!

girltraveling · March 2011

I just completed embryo transfer with my partner's eggs and have been doing acupuncture for fertility. Don't know the results yet but this is what my acupuncture experience has been thus far:

First let me say that our Fertility Clinic has an adjoining acupuncture practice that works within their offices which adds serious convenience (especially on transfer and retrieval days). During our first consult he asked a long list of personal questions (but you're probably used to that by now). He made several dietary recommendations (these will vary individually but mine were to eat dates, royal jelly, and less wheat/more barley). I have already been making dietary changes so this was not difficult.

They should find out your timeline and adjust your scheduled services accordingly. Mine consisted of abdominal massage during my last period, two acupuncture sessions prior to egg retrieval, and acupuncture immediately before and after embryo transfer. The acupuncture left me feeling energized and relaxed at the same time. The needles didn't hurt and honestly I enjoyed the down time to relax. I'm pretty sure it was particularly helpful to keep me open and relaxed prior to transfer. The goal was to increase blood flow and he checked my pulse as he made adjustments.

The abdominal massage was for the uterus both to make sure it is sitting in the correct spot and to loosen up abdominal muscles to ensure the uterus is getting enough blood flow. It is not a "blood preferential" organ, meaning when blood is in short supply (ie exercise or stress) it will go to other places first. Abdominal massage was interesting to say the least. But after it was done I could feel a warmth and energy in my belly that was not there before.

Good luck making this decision! I am going to continue post-transfer and will let you know any results. It can't hurt, anyways.

My Bump blog

girltraveling · March 2011

I totally forgot your question Smile

Questions I would ask:

-ask for a timeline and what services they will provide. (ours provided nutritional advice, abdominal massage, and take home heat sticks for post transfer)

-ask if they will come to your clinic during egg retrieval or embryo transfer (it is really much easier)

-ask if they will also treat your partner - depending on your situation it may be applicable. My clinic had specialists for both male and female infertility

-ask about the length of time of each treatment and what the goals are - they should be able to explain what the purpose of each treatment is.

-ask about availability - ours gave us his cell phone and email in case of questions or appointment changes

-anything else you would normally ask a health care provider.

good luck!

My Bump blog

sarah0925 · March 2011

I've been getting acupuncture for fertility for the past year or so. It hasn't helped me get pregnant yet, but it's relaxing and I like it so I've continued going. The book the Infertility Cure talks a lot about the benefits of acupuncture for fertility. The treatments are supposed to help increase blood flow and help release energy blockages.

Mayan2011 · March 2011

I just started acupuncture and LOVE it. I will continue it up to 7 weeks post-ET. Here is a link to some papers that my clinic has posted on their website. It might trigger some questions for you - https://acubalance.ca/Research_Articles-IVF-ART. Good luck.

BostonGayGal · March 2011

I started fertility acupuncture last August and it has been AMAZING. I was originally kicked out of a midwife insemination practice because my hormones were so out of whack -- I gave my acupuncturist the results and she got to work stimulating my adrenal glands - by the time my RE appointment came around about a month later my hormones were completely NORMAL!

Additionally, my migraines are gone, the little red bumps on the back of my arms are gone, and I sleep so much better!

As much as I hate having tttc, I wouldn't trade it for having discovered acupuncture because living migraine-free has been the most dramatic quality of life improvement I could ever have imagined.

My acupuncturist doesn't do much in terms of supplements, she thinks the gains are outweighed by the additional stress. Also, remember not to try to measure how effective it is by whether you feel relaxed afterwards. You probably will feel relaxed, but that is a benefit, NOT an indication of whether it is working.

PecanSam · March 2011

I just tried acupuncture for the first time this cycle. This acupuncturist was recommended by my RE. Even though she does this for infertility, she won't do a treatment if you are pregnant or there is a chance you are. A friend goes to a different acupuncturist and swears by it since her 1st IVF worked. She continues to go and swears that is why she does not have one bit of morning sickness.

abvernon · March 2011

I have been doing it 1x a week for a month now and I love it. I think it helped regulate AF (less cramping, less blood clots, etc.). No PG yet but still helps with the stress. DH plans on doing it soon too.

Nagem927 · March 2011

I too am considering acupuncture... We have MFI so I'm not really sure what the stats are on acu & MFI. Anyone know?

Toni79 · March 2011

Wow! Thanks everyone for all your feedback! I have a couple of pre-consoltations set up for this week, so I'll let you know how it goes!

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