Acupunture and infertility, can you help? Any info?
I going to a certified acupuncturist soon (hopefully this week) and I am wondering what to expect or what are your thoughts. I am going specifically for fertility benefits.
A little background info- Hubby and I have been trying for a baby for 2.5 years now. We are seeing an RE (specialist) and are on a little break as our next step in InVitro Fertilization (IVF) in the spring. We were technically diagnosed with unexplained infertility in March 2008. No real issues with either of us other than the fact it is not happening. We have tried a lot of things up until this time. Everything from trying not to try to charting to ovulation prediction kits to Clomid to ovulation induction through daily injections of Gonal F, etc.
So we thought acupuncture is worth a shot during our downtime. Our RE really recommends it to all his patients and especially those faced with IVF.
Thanks for any insight you can provide.
(I am just waiting on the receptionist at the office to call me back with my appointment.)
Tagged with: acupunture • help • Infertility • info
Filed under: Acupuncture Infertility
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I guess it’s worth a shot. Can’t hurt right? I suggest you keep trying with IVF in the spring too. Best of luck and I hope all turns out right.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/26735737#26735737
I saw this story and thought it may be encouraging: ) Best of Luck!!!
Do it! I went through 3 unsuccessful IVF cycles and then started acupuncture before my 4th cycle. I LOVED it! I was very skeptical at first, knew of all of these people who had success with IVF in conjunction with acupuncture, and went for it. I did get pregnant, yet it unfortunately ended in a missed miscarriage due to a possible chromosomal abnormality. But, all those cycles and never a pregnancy! I really think acupuncture was the reason for success. My only wish was that I continued during my pregnancy.
I started going 3 months before my last cycle. I had gotten crappy eggs and embryos with the first 3 cycles but there was an amazing difference in quality my 4th cycle! My medication protocol was the same. The only difference was that I was going to acupuncture and taking wheatgrass. It wasn’t all about getting needles put in you, it was also about lifestyle and dietary changes my acupuncturist made. I started walking, meditating, deep breathing, and doing a little yoga. I didn’t realize how high my stress level was before I started going to acupuncture. I felt a great difference after a few weeks. Plus, it was nice to have an hour or so laying there during a session where I did not have to do a thing but be with myself.
Lots of acupuncturists do have you take herbs. I did. Mine were a powder I put in a little water twice a day. Some will give you pills or a tea to make. I’m not sure, but the herbs may have helped my egg and embryo quality too.
Just a tip, it is not supposed to hurt. Once in awhile a point might not feel great going in me but I was never in pain. If it hurts you or you are bruising a lot, find a different acupuncturist.
It didn’t happen for us but my acupuncturist did have several clients preparing for an IVF cycle who ended up conceiving naturally. I had a feeling that it wouldn’t work for us but my husband didn’t mind trying
Email me if you have any questions! I’m on “pins and needles” waiting to hear about your experience!
Hi,
I have nothing but good things to say about it. I tried it after 5 months of clomid and 2 IUI’s with Gonal F. I started acupuncture and planned to do IVF, but didn’t create enough follicles, so we converted to IUI at the last minute…and am now 19 weeks pregnant
I also did several abdominal massages in conjunction with the acupuncture. They said my uterus was cold and stagnant (in chinese medicine terms). They also had a list of foods for me to stay away from b/c they help support a cold uterus. I was willing to try anything at that point. I did not take any herbs b/c my RE didn’t want me to. The bottom line is that it worked. I highly recommend it.
Good luck!