Accupuncture

viciouskittie · November 2012

Hey everyone, just wondering if anyone here has done accupuncture for IUI? I've got my first appointment this weekend and not really sure what to expect. So...what should I expect? Did it help you?

- V

mollykelley · November 2012

I had acupuncture for a previous cycle and got a BFP. I was sure that it played a role so I'm doing it again this time my acupuncturist is great and saw me on thanksgiving as that was the day implantation would likely happen. I am going again today and I'm taking chinese herbs to support the treatment.

As far as what to expect? I hate needles but she showed them to me and they are very small. Not like that IUI trigger shot ouch! My hands still sweat like crazy but I just pray and when she puts pins in my wrists or t the top of my head I just say to myself... For the baby... For the baby...

I don't find it as relaxing as many people do. But I feel great when I come out and I think it works!

JoySeattle · November 2012

Research has proven that acupuncture is helpful with IVF and I would assume by extension other aspects of fertility. Most will tell you that you need to do more than one acupuncture session for results. I personally have done acupuncture twice a month for four years and know it has been beneficial in terms of my stress level, hormones and other aspects of my health. For ttc cycles, I go weekly, generally CD1, CD7, day of insem, and 7dpo. The first appointment usually lasts longer as it's a health evaluation in-take.

Here's what an average session looks like for me: initial chat with my acupuncturist, then lie down (generally clothed, but with socks off and sleeves up) on a massage table/bed. The acupuncturist takes my pulse and then inserts very, very thin needles (they look more like tiny wires with little plastic tips, you can google for pictures). The points are generally on my feet/ankles, hands, forehead/top of head, and sometimes belly or back depending on the treatment. They don't hurt. Sometimes it feels a bit "nervey" or tingly. She leaves them in and leaves me to relax/nap (often with an eye pillow and soothing music). She comes back about 30-40 minutes later, takes the needles out, checks my pulse again and then I leave. You should be able to ask questions as you need to for information and to feel comfortable with it all.

viciouskittie · November 2012

Thanks to you both! It's my first ever appointment so I know there will be an initial consult type of discussion in the beginning (and likely some nervousness on my part!). The acupuncturist I'm seeing was a recommendation from a local doula and I've heard good things about her work with fertility treatments so I'm hoping for good things. My first insem will likely be about mid-January so I'm hoping to get a few appointments in beforehand.

Is there anything specific I should wear? I typically wear dresses, leggings and a sweater so I figure that should be pretty acupuncturist friendly, no?

- V

JoySeattle · November 2012

viciouskittie:
I typically wear dresses, leggings and a sweater so I figure that should be pretty acupuncturist friendly, no?

That sounds pretty acupuncturist friendly. Worst case if your leggings can't be pulled up you may have to take them off. The acupuncturist will tell you.

clairmeij · November 2012

I used an amazing acupuncturist, and I believe that acupuncture helped me conceive.

I found it very comfortable and relaxing. There us one spot on your lower abdomen that will be on or under your panty line, so be prepared for that, otherwise, relax and enjoy :

laynesmomma · November 2012

I love acupuncture. I have used it for mood related side effects of clomid, to support fertility, and just for general well being. Usually they put you in a gown so don't worry about clothing choices. The thought of the needles is way worse than reality. Just enjoy n relax! Good luck for baby dust.

JoySeattle · November 2012

I've never worn a gown. If you're concerned about clothing, ask before you go!

viciouskittie · November 2012

Thanks again all! I'm not so concerned about gown vs no gown, I just wanted to make sure I was wearing something functional for the appointment. Her website says to wear comfortable and loose clothing so I'm assuming no gown.
I'm glad to hear that accupuncture helped with side effects of Clomid, I'll likely be doing my first insem in January and we'll be starting off with it right away (well, Serophene).
Maybe when I have a moment today I'll lurk into TTT. I think I've done it once before but now that I'm actually getting into TTC I'll feel a little less like a weirdo, haha.

Thanks again everyone!

- V

hlke · November 2012

viciouskittie:
Thanks again all! I'm not so concerned about gown vs no gown, I just wanted to make sure I was wearing something functional for the appointment. Her website says to wear comfortable and loose clothing so I'm assuming no gown.
I'm glad to hear that accupuncture helped with side effects of Clomid, I'll likely be doing my first insem in January and we'll be starting off with it right away (well, Serophene).
Maybe when I have a moment today I'll lurk into TTT. I think I've done it once before but now that I'm actually getting into TTC I'll feel a little less like a weirdo, haha.

Thanks again everyone!

- V

No worries about us thinking you are a weirdo! I was here for a year before we started TTC.

viciouskittie · November 2012

hlke:

No worries about us thinking you are a weirdo! I was here for a year before we started TTC.

Embarrassed I lurked about a year before I joined...and I joined almost two years ago. This is probably the main reason I always feel just a little stalker-ish. I am also on the FB group and the other board-that-shall-not-be-named. I feel like I know everyone so well and then I remember that I'm basically the kid in the back of the class spying on the cool kids, lol.
When I get home from work this afternoon I will do a TTT though and maybe that will get me out of the back of the class once & for all!

- V

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