Thinking about acupuncture

lovelifewife · August 2015

hi all, I've seen the RE finally after 2 years, and feel there's a plan in place starting w progesterone, giving clomid a break, then IUI w letrozole next cycle. But my question is when the best time to try acupuncture? Does it matter where I'm at in my cycle? Any info appreciated!

pmakrillos · August 2015

Hi, I thought I read within the guides tab here (so much helpful details there ), that acupuncture was suggested before implantation on the IVF process, perhaps this may apply to IUI as well, your doctor w definitely have thoughts on this.

KidShrink · August 2015

I went for my first acupuncture consultation at the beginning of this cycle, and my acupuncturist recommended we start treatments that day as it was a good time to start. I've been going about twice a week (depends on when the IUI is happening, he'd always count where I was at and wanted info on follie and lining measurements). There's not as much research saying it helps with IUI, but there certainly is some (the main one being the Tel Aviv study where the success rate for IUI only was about 30% (that's pretty high IMO), and about 65% for those doing acupuncture and herbs. It would help balance hormones and thicken the endometrium.

I feel that if you can afford it without making your life more stressful, why not do it? It can't hurt, and can only help. I can say cautiously that I may have a BFP on this first IUI cycle (beta is on Monday), but it's not clear what the reason for that is (recent surgery, added injectibles, IUI, acupuncture, exercise?). Best of luck to you!

pmakrillos · August 2015

Thanks @KidShrink , Pls keep us posted on your results, we will all be praying for the best.

Colleen0516 · August 2015

I go to acupuncture as well! I love it, and i have seen great results.
I started at the beginning of my cycle. I go 2-3 times a week for the 2weeks before IUI and then once a week after. There are certain points that they will concentrate on before IUI and then there are other points they will focus on after IUI.

I would definitely try it! It's worth it!

khochanadel · August 2015

I've been seeing my acupuncturist regularly since we started TTC and have my FET sessions scheduled. Again, the evidence of it having any measurable impact is sparse at best, but it'll make you feel good, so sometimes that's all that matters.

And it's orders of magnitude cheaper than other infertility treatments. Best of luck with your IUI.

plumeria05 · August 2015

@lovelifewife acupunture is great. I've seen two acupuncturist since last month and each believed that the more you go the more time they can prepare the uterus. A lot of their patients have prepped for 3 months before they start their treatments and a lot have become pregnant. I didn't do that. I started going to acupuncture the week before I started Menopur then I stopped going after the 2 embryos died. This second time around, I will continue going even IF I don't like the results after the retrieval. Best wishes to you.

mskeenan · August 2015

I am a huge fan of acupuncture. I go 1x/week just to help with the anxiety of fertility treatments. It helps to calm me down and process everything that I am going through. I feel like it completely calms the nervous energy I have. I would highly recommend doing it consistently especially if you are having trouble with depression/anxiety throughout your journey. I also feel like it has helped reduce some of the side effects associated with the drugs that I have had to take. Best of luck!!!

KLake42 · August 2015

I'm a fan of it. I started when I was taking a break after my first three IUIs, so it's been about 2 months now. I understand that it's recommended to start it 3 months before TTC, since it helps with egg growth, but it can be helpful any time you start.

I'm also using TCM herbs (brewed from locally grown sticks and leaves). My RE knows where my acupuncturist sources his herbs, and she approves. In fact, she told me that every patient she's had who's gone to him has gotten pregnant!

Honestly, I suspect that the herbs do more than the acupuncture, but I'm open minded. Not pregnant yet, but it's really helped with both menstrual cramps and with the side effects of the fertility drugs.

lovelifewife · August 2015

Thanks everyone- will call to schedule as soon as I know if we're successful this month.

satininnyc · August 2015

You should do accunpuncture. I think it helped me alot.

It is important to go consistently at least once a week, but these are the cycle days:

1) Cycle day 5,6,7, or 8 - at least one of those to stimulate egg production

2) Before and after transfer (or ovulation)

I would suggest starting accupuncture three months before a cycle, but if not, going asap is still going to help.

it will stimulate blood flow.

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