Acupuncture

[WndrGrl]

In my reading about infertility & IVF I've seen and heard people talk about acupuncture. What does it do for IVF? Does it help? Any and all comments welcome

[jayne321]

I struggled for two years with infertility and I added acupuncture these last two months. I just finished my first IVF cycle and I just got a positive pregnancy test. I've never been a huge believer in it but I will say it helped with the migraines if nothing else.

I specifically found someone trained in infertility. She did a treatment right before the egg retrieval and right after transfer. She was even willing to come to my house.

I also found that I had more energy after each treatment.

I had another girlfriend who got pregnant after she started acupuncture too.

Good luck.

[WndrGrl]

Thanks Jayne! We will be doing retrieval and what not mid June so I'm wondering if it's too late to do it now.

[jayne321]

No. It's not too late. My lady recommended once per week while getting ready for ivf. Make sure you're comfy before you start because some of the treatments seem long. I would actually lay on my side instead of back because I found it easier to relax.

Good luck. So excited for you.

[jayne321]

Give it a few tries. I really didn't like it at first and now I miss it if I don't get it.

[WndrGrl]

Thanks everyone. I think I will look for an acupuncturist (is that what they are called ha) and try going this week. I really, really, REALLY hate needles so I'm hoping it's not painful or anything.

[margi26]

No worries--if it is done "right" it is not painful in the least! I am a "believer" in the benefits of acupuncture myself. I started during my last IUI cycle and then my most recent IVF cycle. I did weekly all through stimulation and then immediately after ET. I find it incredibly relaxing--to the point of falling asleep during my sessions! I have a wonderful power nap with a bunch of needles sticking out of me! Sounds counter-intuitive, huh? And, if a needle does hurt, let the acupuncturist know--I have one spot on my toe that hurts and she will always take it out and redo it.

I also think it is important to find one that specializes in fertility.

The research is new, but does suggest that it can be helpful. I don't know the mechanism, but it certainly is relaxing which I think is very important and helpful during IVF.

The only IVF cycle I used acupuncture was my most recent and my "successful" cycle...although I made several other changes as well. If it helps you relax and nothing further--that in and of itself is very helpful.

Best of luck!!!!

[margi26]

ladybug: Someone asked a few weeks ago about "Special approaches you did...". I posted my thoughts there as long as a few other folks you mind it helpful I'd be open to answering any specific questions you have of course. Best of luck!!!

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=23662

[Ghost]

Acupuncture for IVF has been studied many times, with the results of the best studies (randomized controlled trials) leaning towards no benefit. If acupuncture makes you feel better, that's great, but it has little or no relationship with IVF success.

[JenMink55]

I spent thousands of dollars on Acupuncture on cycle #2 and I got a chemical pregnancy. My Acupuncture DR told me that it increases pregnancy rates by 27% and I totally believed it. I think if you use it for stress managment then it's a great idea, but it does nothing for IVF in my opinion. LIke Ghost said the studies don't show it helps success and it didn't for me and many girls I cycled with.

If you can afford it or have coverage you will probably find many non- IVF benefits.

Good luck!
Jen

[Ghost]

I spent thousands of dollars on Acupuncture on cycle #2 and I got a chemical pregnancy. My Acupuncture DR told me that it increases pregnancy rates by 27% and I totally believed it. I think if you use it for stress managment then it's a great idea, but it does nothing for IVF in my opinion. LIke Ghost said the studies don't show it helps success and it didn't for me and many girls I cycled with.

If you can afford it or have coverage you will probably find many non- IVF benefits.

Good luck!
Jen

Thanks.

The worst thing about acupuncture is the acupuncturists. Everyone should be sure to check with their RE before doing anything the acupuncturist says, especially when it comes to supplements.

[brit1612]

If your RE says it is safe and you think it will take stress off you, then there is nothing to lose. Even if there is no real IVF benefit. Good luck with your cycle in June! I have a lot of IVF info on my blog if you would like to check it out.

[adriabold]

Both IVF and acupuncture form a greater relationship. In Acupuncture IVF very fine and disposable hair-thin needles are used. They are used to penetrate specific points in the body particularly in meridian points where the uterus can be relaxed. These points are found at the lower back, lower abdomen and legs.

Let me provide you the link which would explain you everything clearly with example. http://www.womenhealthzone.com/tests-an ... -effective.

While some patients respond to acupuncture quickly, acupuncture certainly does not work overnight. Most patients require a series of ongoing treatments over a few months to a year.

[blueeyedreamer]

www.zoelotus.org is the site of a lady down by Greenlake. She was recommended to me by a Maya abdominal massage practitioner in the area. Beth combines accupunture and massage. I haven't used her yet but am going to try soon. I can't wait to get back in to the massage. Abdominal massage is amazing. Many of my friends have used accupunture, some with success with positive pg and some not.

[ranithax]

How effective is Acupuncture to heal a right shoulder pain ? I am seriously considering starting to have "acupuncture sessions". I am sick and tired of medicines (and even working out in the gym isn't helping). If you have gone through these sessions, can you tell me what exactly the needle in your body does in order to take away the pain ?