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Has anyone tried acupuncture?

ritacitaritacita member
in Trouble TTC
Have any of you tried acupuncture? I'm told it can work well for infertility and even boost your odds with IVF (we are on an IUI cycle). We have unexplained infertility, so I'm pretty much up for trying anything and just curious if any if you have stories (good or bad) before I throw more cash at the problem ;) (not covered by insurance). Any chance it could lessen the side effects of fertility meds? That alone would be worth it!
ME 28, DH 28
09/2007 Married
11/2007 TTC
03/2010 SA dx = low morphology
03/2014 RE dx Unexplained Infertility DH numbers are all up and look wonderful.
08/2014 IUI#1 Clomid +Gonal-F+Ovidrel = BFN
09/2014 IUI #2 Clomid+Gonal-F+Ovidrel = BFN
10/2014 WFT apt. moving to IVF in Feb. 2015 FX!
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Re: Has anyone tried acupuncture?

  • kristyn831kristyn831 member
    The acupuncture definitely helped with my mood and anxiety. We are dealing with MFI so me getting acupuncture wouldn't help with fertility.  I do like that it calms me.  I also have some friends who dealt with female factor IF and they say acupuncture helped.


    image




    Me: 33, DH: 35
    Married 10/13, TTC since 7/13
    Dx: MFI
    IUI #1 7/14: BFN
    IUI #2 8/14: BFN
    IVF #1 11/14: 20R17M15F
    Transferred 1 three day embryo! 7 frosties!
    BFP!  EDD 7/27/15



                                                                      image

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  • ky29ky29 member
    There's an acupuncturist that works with my REs office. I tried it out for 3 natural cycles and our final IUI cycle. It did help with anxiety. And now I'm going back for my ivf cycle.

    image
    TTC since March 2012
    DX: MFI (4% motility)
    Cycle 13: Natural cycle w/ HSG test = BFP
    Identical twins! 
    Lost my angel boys at 10.5 weeks
    Cycle 14-16: Natural Cycles = BFN
    Cycle 17: Follistim + Trigger + IUI = BFN
    Cycle 18: Natural Cycle = BFN
    Cycle 19: Follistim + Trigger +IUI#2
    Polyp found: SIS 11/11 - hysteroscopy 11/14
    Cycle 20: Follistim + IUI#2 = BFFN
    Cycle 21: Follistim (adj. dosage) + IUI#3 TI  = BFN
    IUI cancelled due to weather
    Cycle 22: Follistim + IUI#3.1 = BFN
    Cycle 23: treatment break, IVF consult
    Cycle 24 - 26: natural cycle w/ acupuncture + Chinese herbs = BFN
    Cycle 27: Follistim + IUI#4 = BFFN
    Natural Cycles until IVF
    Cycle 30: IVF#1 - Starting with Menopur + Follistim + Ganirelix
    17 retrieved, 12 fertilized, 5dt w/ 2 blasts, 5 frosties
    Betas:  #1-156(9dp5dt), #2-1200(13dp5) #3-6112(17dp5)
    Ultrasound #1 10/6: 1 bean!
    TEAM BLUE!
    My Chart
    ~~ALL WELCOME~~

    BabyFruit Ticker
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  • RachaeleighRachaeleigh member
    I received acupuncture treatments for several months, during our first two IUI cycles and then during some non treatment cycles
    It significantly decreased my anxiety and improved my mood. I've been thinking that I need to go back...

    4 Losses (2003, 2008, Apr 2012, & Oct 2012)
    All RPL and IF testing with multiple REs = normal

    5 IUIs = BFN

    All AL are welcome
    Image and video hosting by TinyPic

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  • je333206je333206 member
    I've only done two sessions, but I had more follicles- who knows if that was the femara or the acupuncture. It did help with the anxiety and made me happier and much more relaxed, I think it's worth a shot, it can't hurt!
    Me: 26, PCOS, Clear HSG
    DH: 29, Perfectly Normal SA
    Married Since 10/6/2012
    TTC Since 6/2013

    2/2014: Visited OB-GYN, Low Progesterone
    3/2014: 50 mg Clomid, Ovulated, BFN
    4/2014: 50 mg Clomid, Ovulated, BFN
    5/2014: 50 mg Clomid, Ovulated, BFN
    6/2014: 50 mg Clomid, Ovulated, BFN

    7/2014: First RE visit, Diagnosed with PCOS, Started on 5 mg Femara + Ovidrel + TI, 1 22mm Follicle, BFN
    8/2014: 5 mg Femara + Ovidrel + TI, 2 Mature Follicles, BFN
    9/2014: 5 mg Femara + Ovidrel + IUI #1, 3 Mature Follicles, BFN
    10/2014: 5 mg Femara + Ovidrel + IUI #2, 1 Mature Follicle, BFN
    11/2014: 5 mg Femara + 75 mg Follistim + Ovidrel + IUI #3, 3 Mature Follicles, BFN
    12/2014: Starting IVF in January

    1/2015: IVF with ICSI, Currently Stimming

    *****Everyone is Welcome*****

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  • MyFirstRaspberryMyFirstRaspberry member
    I've done fertility acupuncture on and off for over a year now. As PPs have mentioned acupuncture helps with relaxation. From a fertility stand point, acupuncture can help increase blood flow to your uterus and assist with getting your body to function properly (think ovulation). I O'ed earlier on natural cycles with acupuncture (I have SUPER long irregular cycles). That said, if you already O normally then beyond stress relief, I don't know for sure what acupuncture will do for fertility.

    I am about to start my first medicated IUI cycle and I am planning to do weekly acupuncture appts to compliment my treatment. My acupuncturist will review my temp charts and/or ask me where in my cycle I am. Then change up my acupuncture treatment to meet the needs of my cycle.

    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

    TTC #1 since June 2012
    Current Status:  IVF with ICSI and PGS
    Genetic, RPL, SA and Fertility testing = Normal/Good        HSG = All Clear
    BFP #1 12.30.2012  ||  Blighted Ovum 02.05.2013  ||  D&C 02.11.2013
    BFP #2 09.10.2013  ||  c/p 09.12.2013
    BFP #3 12.1.2013  ||  mm/c  01.15.14  ||  D&C 01.21.14  chromosome abnormality
    May 2014:  Residual HCG and retained tissue found
    05.13.2014:  Hysteroscopy D&C to find and remove retained tissue
    June 2014:  Tissue sample results indicate a partial molar pregnancy
    May - Aug 2014:   TTA for monitoring and testing
    08.21.2014:  Hysteroscopy to remove minor scar tissue - the result of 3 D&Cs
    Sept/Oct: IUI #1  Femara + Bravelle + Ovidrel = BFN
    Oct/Nov: IUI #2  Femara + Ovidrel = BFN
    Nov/Dec: IUI #3  Femara + Bravelle + Ovidrel = BFN

    My Ovulation Chart  || *~*~All AL Welcome~*~* ||  DIY Blog

    imagehttp://i59.tinypic.com/v5ztqr.jpg  image

    image image 

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  • lisa89760lisa89760 member
    I haven't done it but I have a needle phobia so sticking needles in me to relax me just doesn't seem like it will work lol I know people who love it though
    Me (29), DH (32)
    Aug 2011  - Married
    Jan 2013   - Started TTC
    Jan 2014   - OB started some testing 
                         - HSG - Normal
                         - Ultrasound - Normal
                         - SA - Normal, but tested positive for Ureaplasma
                         - Both of us on antibiotics to treat ureaplasma
                         - Blood work - progesterone: 15.9, TSH: 0.89, FT4: 1.2, Prolactin: 33.4 
    Feb 2014   - Endometrial Biopsy - Normal
    Mar 2014   - Prolactin: 22.9, referred to RE
    Apr 2014   - First RE appointment, put on medication for high prolactin levels 
                      - Clomid (50 mg) 1 follicle, Trigger shot - BFN
                      - Second SA - All Normal, borderline morph (5%) 
    May 2014   - Clomid (100mg) 2 follicles, Trigger shot - BFN
                      - blood work: Estradiol: 32.7, FSH: 5.3, Prolactin: 14.1
    June 2014  - IUI #1, Clomid (150 mg), 3 follicles, Trigger shot - BFN 
    July 2014   - IUI #2, Clomid (150 mg), 4 follicles, Trigger shot - BFN
    Aug 2014   - IUI #3, Femara 2.5, 3 follicles, Trigger shot (first time done by DH!!) - BFN
                      - Hysteroscopy - Normal
    Sept 2014 - IUI #4 Femara 2.5, 1 follicle, possibility of another one, Trigger shot - BFN
                       -Progesterone test 4 DPIUI - 7.8...started crinone.
    Oct 2014 - IUI #5 Follistim 150 3 possibly 4 follicles - Trigger Shot - BFN
    Oct/Nov 2014 - Follistim 150 with TI & Trigger shot - ???

    **October Siggy Challenge**

    I don't even know what he is supposed to be!
    image


    **EVERYONE WELCOME!! :)**

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  • loveinkw13loveinkw13 member
    I do! We have an unexplained IF DX just like you, too. I love it. Granted, I haven't seen any success from it, but it helps with my anxiety and stress as PP's said. 
    BabyFruit Ticker
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  • emmuffyemmuffy member
    I tried it for one cycle and found it helped me relax (at a time when I really needed help with that) but made no difference fertility-wise

    Official diagnosis: Unexplained IF. I am 32. I have low ovarian reserve (low AMH), and poor egg quality. I've also been diagnosed with mild glandular developmental arrest (lining problems, detected with EFT).

    We are using open ID donor sperm. IUIs #1-7=BFN. IVF September 2014 antagonist protocol, 8R,5M,3F, 5 day transfer of 1 morula = BFN. IVF#2 planned for January 2015 (antagonist protocol + HGH).

    Image and video hosting by TinyPic image

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  • HollowvicHollowvic member
    ****Pregnancy mentioned**** I've never done acupuncture , but I've considered it. They offer it at my RE, but I'm in the process of switching and I'm not sure if my new RE offers it. Anyhoo, I do know someone who swears she got pg bc of it, she said it helped her stress tremendously, she did it after 9 months of trying and got pg that month, not sure if it's a coincidence or not, but it's worth a try.


    TTC #1

    Me: AMA, DH: MFI

    Official DX - MFI due to Hemochromatosis

    IVF #1 Nov. 2014 - ER 11/10 (10R 6M 6F) - ET 11/13 

    3DT of 3 embies - no frosties - CP = BFFN!!!!

    ****All Welcome****

    imageimage



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  • SarahP1986SarahP1986 member
    I've been wondering about this too. I would love to try a more natural approach to ttc. Good to know this has its perks.
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  • jenmcD11jenmcD11 member
    Pros:
    - Very relaxing
    - Great to talk to someone about fertility issues (my acupuncturist specialized in fertility and was very warm and caring)
    - Nice to feel like I was doing something proactive to increase fertility.

    Cons:
    - Expensive
    - Still not pregnant. No evidence that it made any difference at all.



    image
    Married and started TTC in July 2013
    "Diagnosed" with unexplained infertility
    Oct 2014 IUI #1: 100mg clomid/HCG trigger/2 mature follicles/18mil post wash sperm count: BFP!!!

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  • ritacitaritacita member
    Thanks for all the input! I might have to give it a try next month :)
    ME 28, DH 28
    09/2007 Married
    11/2007 TTC
    03/2010 SA dx = low morphology
    03/2014 RE dx Unexplained Infertility DH numbers are all up and look wonderful.
    08/2014 IUI#1 Clomid +Gonal-F+Ovidrel = BFN
    09/2014 IUI #2 Clomid+Gonal-F+Ovidrel = BFN
    10/2014 WFT apt. moving to IVF in Feb. 2015 FX!
    Report Reply
  • mindaamindaa member
    I'm all about natural medicine so I went 2x/month for 6 months. Not KU. Didn't really help me relax. 

    I do agree with jenmcD11 that it was worth going if nothing else because research supports it as being positive for fertility, and it was nice to be proactive and give it a try. And agree that the practitioners are very holistically minded so they really do take time to get to know you and give you a chance to talk about what is going on. It was almost like a therapy session was included - a 2 for 1 deal :) 
    Me-37, DH-38
    Married in 2006, TTC #1 since Jan 2012

    Baby Boy born June 1, 2015

    He settles her in her home as a happy mother of children, praise the Lord! (Psalms 113:9)
    And the peace of God, which surpasses all understand, will guard your heart and mind in Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:7)

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  • Tiko99Tiko99 member
    I went for acupuncture during my last two medicated cycles. The acupuncture helped immensely with my uterine lining. My lining was thin from 3 rounds of clomid and the acupuncture got it up to 8.75 from 5.5 the day before. Well....I'm going to say it was the acupuncture, maybe it was just my body doing something right for once :) 

    A few years back I went in for acupuncture for severe anxiety and mentioned I was having dreams about tsunamis about 4-5 nights per week. After about 5 months of intesne treatment my anxiety was "cured" and I completely stopped having tsunami dreams. I believe in acupuncture 100% you just have to give it time 

    Me: 33, DH: 32

    TTC: 2 years
    Fertility blood tests all normal
    Tilted uterus
    3 day ultrasound 17 follicles
    HSG: 11/13/13- tubes open
    DH SA: SUPER sperm (145 million, 84% motility, 22% morphology)
    All infection disease and immunity blood tests NORMAL
    FIRST IUI May 2014: 100 mg Clomid days 5-9, third ultrasound CD 13 revealed four follicles 27, 24 and 20 and 13mm. Trigger shot May 28 with IUI May 29 and 30 (fingers crossed) - BFN started spotting 11DPO :(

    IUI #2 B2B 6/23 and 6/24, three mature eggs and 130 million sperm! FX this is the month!  BFN 7/8

    3rd cycle benched due to cysts - TI with OPK tests -  BFN

    3rd mediated cycle: Clomid+Trigger+TI  (three follies left side, one on right as usual....what the hell right ovary get it together and produce some damn follicles!) 7DPO progesterone level 43 with NO suppositories YAY for a natural strong ovulation. Beta canceled started spotting 13DPO - Third time is not a CHARM! 14 day cycle WTF! Everything looks normal - RE wants to start injectables next cycle so this cycle I'm benched

    Officially benched until March....but still plan on trying the baking soda douche due to my excessive and thick CM

    JANUARY SIGGY CHALLENGE...This is so me!

    image


    Love this man....he was so before his time in his thoughts and ideas about the world....been obsessed about him lately bringing it back to the early 90s.

    image

    Never thought I would like long hair....

    image

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  • ritacitaritacita member
    edited September 2014
    Tiko99 said:

    A few years back I went in for acupuncture for severe anxiety and mentioned I was having dreams about tsunamis about 4-5 nights per week. After about 5 months of intesne treatment my anxiety was "cured" and I completely stopped having tsunami dreams. I believe in acupuncture 100% you just have to give it time 

    Good to know! I also have suffered from anxiety in the not very distant past... And honestly I'm sure it's still there somewhere waiting to freak me out. Plus I have some really fun digestive issues and I hear it's good for that too. So even if acupuncture doesn't help me get KU it's probably worth going just to do something good for my body!
    ME 28, DH 28
    09/2007 Married
    11/2007 TTC
    03/2010 SA dx = low morphology
    03/2014 RE dx Unexplained Infertility DH numbers are all up and look wonderful.
    08/2014 IUI#1 Clomid +Gonal-F+Ovidrel = BFN
    09/2014 IUI #2 Clomid+Gonal-F+Ovidrel = BFN
    10/2014 WFT apt. moving to IVF in Feb. 2015 FX!
    Report Reply
  • MyFirstRaspberryMyFirstRaspberry member
    @ritacita I thought of you today when my RE office sent out this article on acupuncture. Happy reading!

    https://www.shadygrovefertility.com/What-To-Expect-Acupuncture

    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

    TTC #1 since June 2012
    Current Status:  IVF with ICSI and PGS
    Genetic, RPL, SA and Fertility testing = Normal/Good        HSG = All Clear
    BFP #1 12.30.2012  ||  Blighted Ovum 02.05.2013  ||  D&C 02.11.2013
    BFP #2 09.10.2013  ||  c/p 09.12.2013
    BFP #3 12.1.2013  ||  mm/c  01.15.14  ||  D&C 01.21.14  chromosome abnormality
    May 2014:  Residual HCG and retained tissue found
    05.13.2014:  Hysteroscopy D&C to find and remove retained tissue
    June 2014:  Tissue sample results indicate a partial molar pregnancy
    May - Aug 2014:   TTA for monitoring and testing
    08.21.2014:  Hysteroscopy to remove minor scar tissue - the result of 3 D&Cs
    Sept/Oct: IUI #1  Femara + Bravelle + Ovidrel = BFN
    Oct/Nov: IUI #2  Femara + Ovidrel = BFN
    Nov/Dec: IUI #3  Femara + Bravelle + Ovidrel = BFN

    My Ovulation Chart  || *~*~All AL Welcome~*~* ||  DIY Blog

    imagehttp://i59.tinypic.com/v5ztqr.jpg  image

    image image 

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  • ritacitaritacita member
    MyFirstRaspberry said:

    @ritacita I thought of you today when my RE office sent out this article on acupuncture. Happy reading!

    https://www.shadygrovefertility.com/What-To-Expect-Acupuncture

    Great article, thank you so much!

    ME 28, DH 28
    09/2007 Married
    11/2007 TTC
    03/2010 SA dx = low morphology
    03/2014 RE dx Unexplained Infertility DH numbers are all up and look wonderful.
    08/2014 IUI#1 Clomid +Gonal-F+Ovidrel = BFN
    09/2014 IUI #2 Clomid+Gonal-F+Ovidrel = BFN
    10/2014 WFT apt. moving to IVF in Feb. 2015 FX!
    Report Reply
  • Knottie90425591Knottie90425591 member
    @Je11yBean85‌ a bit late. But did you find that acupuncture helped?
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  • misstunesmisstunes member
    @ritacita‌ I'm so glad you posted this question because I have been researching fertility acupuncture in my area.  Everyone's responses were so helpful.  I think after our RE appointment I'm definitely going to look into this more since everything about this whole process is making me an anxious, crybaby mess!  Best of luck to you!
    Me & DH: 30
    Me: Special Education Teacher
    TTC for #1 since February 2013
    Me: normal HSG, normal TSH
    DH: Hypothyroidism, 1 abnormal and 1 "ok" SA, abnormal blood work
    Urologist scheduled 3rd SA and more blood work for Dec. canceled dec. 16 appt
    Got our BFP dec. 12th.

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