Is it too late to start acupuncture

[IVFSwitzerland]

Im about to start my first IVF treatment in a couple of weeks - I have just gone back on the birth control pill prior to starting it. Ive had the summer off from any treatment as I wanted to give myself a break. Im starting acupuncture tomorrow (my first session) - does anyone know if this is too late or whether it is better than nothing to start if now? Also, as my doctor does not approve of alternative medicine, does acupuncture only have a good chance of improving IVF if you have it immediately before and after embryo transfer or might it help in general anyway? Any advice on acupuncture and osteopathy would be gratefully received. Thanks.

[wannababy1229]

I am currently getting acupuncture treatment. My acupuncturist recommends that one begin treatment 3 months before the ER. I have read, however, that some people go for the 1st time right before the retrieval and transfer and have had great success.

My acupuncturist told me that some doctors aren't in favor of patients getting acupuncture because they want their patients to keep coming back ($$$$). Acupuncture does help increase the success rate. My particular acupuncturist is 7 for 7 with infertility. At the end of the month, I am hoping that it will be 8 for 8. I highly recommend it, not just for infertility,but for your overall well being. I swear I feel like a different person and I have learned so much about my body (inside and out). I love it!

All the best to you and let me know how your 1st session goes! Good luck!

[IVFSwitzerland]

thanks - that is really encouraging - as you say I may as well give it a go and start it sooner rather than later - Im not expecting it to work miracles but it cant hurt. Does anyone else have any advice about it and also about cranial osteopath as Ive heard that is also good? thanks in advance

[IVFSwitzerland]

also, am I right in thinking that if Im back on the birth control pill now and have my appointment with the dr. on 23.8.06 then my egg retrieval will be around early October or have I got this wrong? If that is the case, at least that gives me a bit of time for acupuncture - I see you started yours in June and have your first cycle in August?

[k]

Hi

I had acupuncture on a weekly basis once I started IVF. It was mainly to relax me during the process. (we had male factor so it wasnt to treat any particular fertility problem though). I remember it was more important around embryo transfer, to help improve blood flow and increase chances of the embryos implanting. I had 2 treatments on the day of ET. One before and one after. I had read information on the internet about trials done in Germany and the US which appeared to show IVF was more successful if accupucture was done just before and then after ET.

I would definately reccommend it. I cant prove its what led to my +ve result, but Im convinced it helped.

Good luck with your treatment!

Love Kim

[IVFSwitzerland]

Thanks Kim - that is really helpful. I am going to start and be positive! One problem I may have though is that my acupuncture dr. is not in the same town as my IVF doctor and I have heard that you should have the acupuncture within 30 minutes before and after the transfer - so did you have your acupuncture at the same place as you had IVF? Im not sure Im going to be able to have it on the same day and I dont want to change doctors........but if you think its better I could try to find an acupuncture therapist nearer to my hospital to make this possible......

[k]

Hi

My accupuncturist came to my home before and after my ET. From what I can remember, I had approx an hours treatment at about 10.00 in the morning, ET approx 1pm (My hospital was approx 20 miles away) and then another treatment in the evening. (So not within 30 minutes!)
I do remember my therapist saying the effects can last so many hours, so it might be worth checking with your own therapist. (mine I have to say wasnt a fertility expert, but she did refer to a book called 'Acupuncture and IVF' sorry, I cant remember the author!).

Do they only do treatment in their own clinic, or would they be prepared to travel to you? Theres not much point rushing about to try and have treatment on the same day if this makes you more stressed and would maybe counteract any treatment you've had. I guess you could check out other therapists nearer, but if you feel happy and confident with the one you are with now it would be a shame to change.

Take care

Love kim

[kristin]

I would also support what the others have said here. I started the week of my downreg and it really helped me relax and feel more positive about my chances. My acupuncturist came to the hospital for ET, she gave me a half hour treatment right before and after, it all took place in the same room and the clinic were totally relaxed about letting her into the area (not un-common at my clinic). She didn't want to do any treatments during the 2ww and is relutant to do much now I am pregnant, she did a bit of morning-sickness stuff once but not much more. Highly recommended!
good luck with it all!
kristin

[IVFSwitzerland]

thanks - thats really helpful - I had my first acupuncture today and he says that the effects can last 2 to 3 days so he agreed with you rather than getting stressed about it and rushing back and forth, he would ône before and one after - he seems to be good and say my energy was low (? my ying or my yang? but I guess they all say that to get you to go back again and again. anyway, he said it might have been better if I had started earlier but Im now going to have it every week. I have my dr. appointment next week to go through all the IVF and I guess I will start the injections and things pretty much straight away will I? How long does the whole IVF treatment cycle take etc?