Acupuncture is it worth it?

lizmb-2 · April 2016

hey y'all! We have moved up our IVF cycle a month so I will be starting injections in about 2 weeks and ER will be in about 4 weeks. As of right now we are doing fresh transfer.

I've read a lot about the benefits of acupuncture and I know my RE office is a supporter for it but I wasn't sure if it will make a difference if my IVF is so soon? I went in for my first session and the acupuncturist said it would and to do 2 sessions a week until a week or so before ER and then right before ER do three sessions a week. Obviously this is another expense but I feel like I need to do everything I can to out the odds in my favor.

LeanneB82 · April 2016

I started doing acupuncture about three months before ER and I don't think I can say it helped or hurt. I do love it now and it is very relaxing. My acupuncturist doesn't subscribe to a one size fits all approach though so if my FET this time doesn't work and we have to go through another stim and retrieval cycle, I will likely go twice a week during stims and also incorporate some herbal treatments with acupuncture for three months before starting to try and improve ER. And it is covered by flex spending accounts even if it isn't covered by insurance which is a bonus for me.

mwendell24 · April 2016

My RE had an interesting take on it... He doesn't recommend or not recommend acupuncture specifically, but supports me doing whatever I need to feel in control and less stressed, which will improve my chances. For example, if I feel that acupuncture will help, he supports me trying it, but if, for example, something last minute pops up forcing me to have to cancel an acupuncture appointment therefore stressing me out, he doesn't want me to add yet another potential source of stress to an already overwhelming situation.

oxinfree · April 2016

Hard to say, there is a lot of research that shows it helps, but for myself, wasn't the "key" fix. I could claim some under health spending but not all of it (as it adds up fast with the number of appointments). I really think if you haven't tried acupuncture it's worth going and having a session and seeing for yourself. If you find it relaxing, great, if not, I'd say save yourself the money/time and extra thing to think about during your cycle. I probably won't do it again, though I may change my mind when the time comes, who knows. I at least won't be as strict about going... would do it more flexibly when I felt like it.

vssbrm · April 2016

I love it. For me it is very relaxing. I would go more often if I could afford it! I pay OOP but think irbid worth it. I agree with @oxinfree go once and see how you like it.

lizmb-2 · April 2016

Thanks y'all! I went yesterday and really liked it. I'm scheduled to go twice a week. I just wasn't sure how much of a difference it would make since u only have about four weeks before ER. But I guess every little bit helps.

Griffin5413 · April 2016

I have been going once a week since the end of February. I started after my retrieval and my transfer was last Tuesday. I went before my transfer and right after. I'm not 100% certain either way. I know a lot of people who swear by it. I had really good coverage so I figured it couldn't hurt. Either way, it was incredibly relaxing and has been helping with stress. I looked at it like I was hedging my bets.

Monica54321 · April 2016

I started looking into acupuncture and the only place around is 30 minutes away, so I figured it would add more stress than it alleviated by adding an hour of driving. For anyone doing & enjoying it, would you say it's worth a bit of a drive, or not so much?

Griffin5413 · April 2016

Monica54321 - I think it's different for everyone. If you think the extra drive is going to add stress, then it's not worth it. You could always try it once to see how you feel about it and then decide. You may go through a session and absolutely love it or you may just think it's ok and not worth the drive. Another factor for me would be the cost. If I was having to pay OOP for every appointment, I might not think it was worth it.

dragonfaerie · April 2016

I went to four acupuncture appointments: they were $40 each and so to me, they just weren't worth it. I didn't feel more relaxed because all I could think about was how much it was costing me. I enjoyed the experience, and definitely feel it can reduce stress if other factors line up to allow for it. Unfortunately, there is conflicting research about whether it helps or hurts IVF patients in terms of healthy eggs and implantation.

LeanneB82 · April 2016

@Monica54321 I would try it once and see how you like it. The place I go is about 20 minutes from me so doing a treatment immediately pre retrieval or transfer wasn't an option but I feel like it generally helps me relax. Plus I went in with a horrible head cold one time, she treated that while I was there and it was gone within 24 hours. So I'm a believer!

lizmb-2 · April 2016

Yes I've been going a couple times already and find it really relaxing so I think I'm going to keep going. I figured I mind as well do everything I can to help

Kp214 · April 2016

I go and find it very relaxing. I second LizMB. I want to feel like I've done everything I can.

mclorn · April 2016

I did acupuncture for about 9 months leading up to my BFP, then continued through my first trimester. Honestly, I never cared for it. I kept wanting to enjoy it but I think I went more out of guilt than anything (like, I needed to be giving 110%). Fortunately the acupuncturist (I love her - she's like my therapist, too!) is within walking distance of my work and insurance covered most of it, or else I probably would not have continued. Definitely do what is least stressful FOR YOU. Most people find it pampering and relaxing!

kjones202 · April 2016

I've been doing acupuncture for a few months now, and while we haven't had success on the fertility front, I feel like it is nice to have 30 minutes to just check out. I go to an community acupuncture clinic so you can pay what you can afford, which is really nice. Maybe there is one in your area too?

KirstenCas · April 2016

I've been going to acupuncture once a week. I like it, I hope it's working...who knows. Sometimes I get a little bored.

lizmb-2 · April 2016

I find it really relaxing so as of right now I'm going to keep it up as long as I can

Want a personalized experience?

Acupuncture is it worth it?

Re: Acupuncture is it worth it?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards