Acupuncture & IUI

adaisybug · March 2011

I am currently in my first IUI cycle and want to give it the best go we can. At my RE appt last week, she strongly suggested that we try acupuncture when we were doing IVF, but it was optional for IUI. However, I am willing to try it - I figure it cannot hurt!

So, I have a couple of questions:

1. I am already on CD5 - is it too late?

2. When do they suggest you go? (IUI day, 7 dpo???)

Thanks ladies! Looking forward to hearing your advice and stories!

ADub09 · March 2011

I would say go for it. I go once a week and it is great. I actually O'ed on my own and on CD 14 this month!!

tst1998 · March 2011

When I first started IUI's, I was doing acupuncture once a week--around CD1, just after finishing Clomid, around time of monitoring/trigger (for ovulation support) and about a week after IUI for implantation support.

We were on a break cycle last month, so I didn't go, and then I didn't get around to scheduling my acupuncture appointment until d7 this Clomid/IUI cycle, so I am just going the week after my IUI, and will start going weekly after that.

I don't think any time is too late. Anything is probably better than nothing! Try to find someone who specializes in IF if you can. Hopefully your RE can recommend someone.

99luftballoons · March 2011

Definitely not too late. Ideally, my acupuncturist likes to see me as close to the IUI as possible and then a week or so after during "implantation". Since we are dealing with MFI, she also likes to see MH right before the IUI.

But if this is your first time going, I'd try to make an appointment for the next few days (to help regulate your system) and then as close to your IUI as possible and then a week after it. Good luck

sbrowns08 · March 2011

I went once a week for five weeks straight in the middle of IUIs 2 and 3. I think it really helped. I totally recommend going!

punkymama · March 2011

Hey AD,

Have you been hiding lately? It doesn't seem like I've seen you around much lately

I started acupuncture after my 2nd IUI fail and I know it's helped me with producing EWCM and it's definitely relaxing.

I don't think CD 5 is too late to start and they might want to see you the day before your IUI and then during the 2ww, would be my guess.

adaisybug · March 2011

Hey Punky! Thanks for thinking of me. I have been around - mostly lurking and keeping up with you ladies! I am trying to cut back on the internet at work, too! I have been riding the IF rollercoaster, but have found that it is much more enjoyable with all of you all's support!

Thanks for all of your advice on the acupunture. I think I am going to try going sometime this week...the day/around my IUI and 6/7 dpiui to start with. I hope it helps!! Thanks again ladies!

Mich1724 · March 2011

Since I have unexplained IF after TTC for 23 months, my DH and I decided to give acupuncture a go on its own before combining it with IUI.

After my first consult, my acupuncturist relayed to me that acupuncture has an 80% success rate on its own not combined with IUI or IVF but that when it comes to infertility, there is a big "cash cow" to pitch medications and treatments and then once you get to that point, the specialists then recommend combining treatment with acupuncture. My acupuncturist is just very against western medicine, medications, etc.

My acupuncturist wanted to see me twice before I ovulated and then once in the luteal phase as certain "meridian points" are stimulated (mainly the uterus) in the event that there is a fertilized egg making it's way to implant. During my menses I would get an overall "boost", but right before ovulation, I would have a boost as well as ovaries and uterus "stimulated".

Good luck with your sessions!

PecanSam · March 2011

I did acupuncture for the first time this cycle before #2 IUI. I went a few days before the IUI. Surprisingly, my acupuncturist won't work on pregnant women even though she was recommended by my RE. So I only went that one time.

A friend went throughout her first IVF treatment and she is now pregnant with twins. She continues to go throughout her pregnancy she swears to it for her success and why she never had morning sickness.