Acupunture increases IVF success rates (two studies)

**BellyBelly** · June 10th, 2008, 11:42 AM

Has anyone else had any success stories to share?

**Willow** · June 10th, 2008, 11:52 AM

Yep, me!!

I had acupuncture throughout my IVF cycle (which was successful first attempt) and continued throughout the first 20 weeks of prg.

My IVF stim cycle got off to a shaky start - poor response to FSH but after one acupuncture treatment to stimulate my ovaries (and I remember lying on the bed and I could actually feel my ovaries throbbing, I swear!) and an increased dose I started to respond really well and ended up with 14 eggs at epu and of those 14, we had 11 embryos. So a great result from a poor start. And not bad with only one ovary

Not only did it help with the success of the cycle, but for me, it really, really helped to dramatically reduce my stress levels.

I can't recommend it highly enough. I decided to do it after reading the study out of UniSA/Repromed, my best friend was part of the test group in that study (and yes, it worked for her too after 2 failed cycles she fell prg with twins).

I'm happy to recommend my acupuncturist in the Sydney CBD. If anyone wants his details, pls feel free to PM me.

***ETA: I've had lots of PMs about contact details for my acupuncturist so figured it was easier to post them here (hope that's OK mods)

Nabih Moussa
City Acupuncture Clinic (located in the Dymocks Building on George St)
Ph: 02 9221 8379

Tell him Belinda referred you!

Good luck guys!!

**Lucina** · June 10th, 2008, 04:23 PM

I believe it helped me too, but with IUI not IVF. I had had one ov induction and two IUI cycles which failed. I started acupuncture on my last cycle, had one initial treatment at the start of my cycle, then a treatment the day before IUI, then a follow up a few days later - and I got my BFP.

It was a really good cycle - excellent levels, and I surged all by myself which I hadn't done on any other treatment cycle.

I decided to try acupuncture after seeing the Catalyst story on the South Australian research.

I'm open to it being coincidental in my case, perhaps it was always going to be a good cycle, but certainly the acupuncture didn't hurt.

It's most definitely worth a shot in my opinion.

***Paula*** · June 10th, 2008, 04:52 PM

Thats it i have been talked into it.. Will be trying it this coming cycle.

Just a quick question though, do i need to have an initial appointment at the start of my cycle? I am looking at doing the accupuncture on transfer day so not sure if i need appointments prior to that?

**butterfly_warrior** · June 10th, 2008, 05:06 PM

Paula, when you pick an acpuncture practitioner, make sure they are specialised in IVF support and infertility - and then let them guide you as to what appointments they think are necessary.

I consider myself an acupuncture success story in waiting - From 5 embryo transfers, we've had 4 pregnancies, and 3 miscarriages so far. Everything is looking much more promising this time around, so we're very hopeful.

Ironically, I've had acupuncture on the day of transfer with each transfer except this last one. We were expecting to transfer on day 5, and my appointment was booked... However, on Sunday we had to make the decision to transfer on Monday instead due to a lack of embryos... I stuck with the day 5 appointment (impossible to move it forward to day 3) and everything worked out. I kept myself sane through those few days by telling myself that the acupuncture was happening when the embryo was ready to implant anyway...

I would have to say that after what can only be described as an unusually traumatic IVF experience (two bouts of OHSS so it wasn't until my 3rd stim cycle that we got a fresh transfer), the acupuncture was worthwhile even if it did nothing more than keep me balanced emotionally.

BW

**Willow** · June 10th, 2008, 05:12 PM

Paula - I started my sessions during the stim phase of the cycle (so at the same time I was having the FSH injections). I then had more frequent sessions towards the end of that phase, around epu. I then had two sessions for transfer - one before transfer, one after. Ideally, you would have two sessions on the same day as transfer, one before transfer, one after. Due to time constraints (my transfer was scheduled for 7am

) I did one late in the evening of the day before transfer, then one immediately after. We still had success.

This was based on the Uni SA/Repromed study I referred to.

**Nixon** · July 31st, 2008, 07:41 AM

Can anyone recommend an Acupuncturist in Sydney - preferably somewhere around Lane Cove or Circular Quay? This is my first attempt at IVF and I'm starting FSH tomorrow. Any advice would be welcome.

**ec_squared** · August 6th, 2008, 11:28 AM

Hi BW,

Was it the clinic in Rozelle that you went to? Did you find the ladies very helpful?

I am booked to see them next week (starting ICSI the following week). I too want to do acupuncture right before the ET and straight after. I read about the "German protocol" and the study done with 160 IVF/ICSI patiences. The results were impressive, it boosted the success rates a bit and that alone, got me interested.

Thank you,

El

**butterfly_warrior** · August 6th, 2008, 01:30 PM

Yep, it was the clinic in Rozelle. The girls there are fantastic and have been such a great support to me through the whole wretched process. Because I have a drive of about an hour to get there, we'd generally only have acupuncture after embryo transfers.

We always did day five transfers, but for this fresh cycle we had to transfer early as we didn't get many embryos. We didn't move the acupuncture appointment, so it was two days after ET - but all has worked out!

Even if they did nothing to help the process work, they kept me calmer, and with my anxiety problems, it was well worth it!

BW

luckylast · October 3rd, 2008, 10:47 PM

Hi everyone, I too am convienced its worth a shot, I am starting my first FET on Monday after BFN in July. Has anyone got recommendations of a acupuncture guru in IVF north of the river, perth?
Thanks
Kylie

**Mrs P** · October 25th, 2008, 10:56 AM

Hi everyone, I too am convienced its worth a shot, I am starting my first FET on Monday after BFN in July. Has anyone got recommendations of a acupuncture guru in IVF north of the river, perth?
Thanks
Kylie

Kylie - I recommend Geoff Brothers at Nedlands Natural Health - I know it's not exactly north of the river, but Geoff is awesome. He specialises in fertility problems and I'll be using him when I start ivf in Jan. He helped me get through the stress of my PhD over the last year.

**ec_squared** · November 10th, 2008, 08:39 AM

Hi Everyone,

I have undergone my first ICSI cycle and along with it I did acupunture (weekly) and followed a very balanced healthy diet that my naturopath/acupuncturist put me on (liver detox somewhat). I am now 8.5 weeks pregnant!!!! So excited and pleased!!!! I couldn't believe it when I received the phone call telling me I was pregnant after hearing so many stories of the first cycle being a test cycle, don't get your hope high (which I totally did not) etc etc. But, despiute all of that I was determined to do everything I possible could to help my first ICSI cycle be a successful one.

I honestly believe that without the balanced eating and the acupuncture my results would be VERY different. You see, the day before my ET I got food poisoning and thought my ET was going to be cancelled, I was so sick and stressed asI never got food poisoning so bad before. Luckily my great doc decided that I was still ok to go ahead with the ET, I just had to have 3 days full rest and drink loads of fluids to keep me from dehyrdating.

In saying all of that, I would totally recommend acupuncture with an IVF/ICSI cycle but you need to see a clinic that specialises in infertility as they know exactly what you are going through every step of the way and are a great help by reassuring you and assisting you in every way. I think if I just went through the ICSI cycle on its own, it would of been a much more frightening experience for me and my husband and who knows what the outcome would of been.

Good Luck & Take care,

El

barney · November 16th, 2008, 12:43 PM

honestly doesnt it hurt and will they put needles in my face ?hope not ..im going to have a look around

i just found this one what do think im going to give them a call

The essence of fertility wellness, is to take a closer look at the body from a holistic perspective and correct any and all imbalances that may be contributing to fertility problems. It is our belief that all women and men should strive for optimal health when planning to begin a family. The reproductive system works much like a concert symphony – a masterpiece is created only if all the players are giving their best. Women may have clues that their periods are not healthy; they may have lots of PMS symptoms or pain, heavy bleeding or irregular cycles. Acupuncture

Why Use Acupuncture for Infertility?

Acupuncture offers a natural approach to treating infertility by focusing on enhancing the quality of eggs, sperm, endometrial lining and cervical fluid. Sometimes this is enough for couples to conceive on their own and it is a very important step for couples who are about to undergo the expense and physical demands of IVF. Acupuncture can also support patients during In Vitro Fertilization, Artificial Insemination, and Hormonal Therapy cycles. Multiple studies have shown and most doctors agree that acupuncture increases the success rate of these intense procedures and also helps to alleviate the uncomfortable side effects. Acupuncture is a low-cost, non-invasive, and non-side-effect producing compliment to the western health care a woman seeking pregnancy needs.

**Justin Keane** · December 14th, 2008, 06:30 PM

Hi everyone,
Just to let those of you in Melbourne know, I have decided to extend the offer of free initial consults (Tues only) to those interested in acupuncture. This is a 30 min appt to explain what acu can do for you and what is reqd on an induvidual basis, partners are encouraged/welcome, and you can choose to continue with treatment or not at your convenience!