Acupunture increases IVF success rates (two studies)

[Nixon]

Smithy - It is the best sleep I have had. I get one needle in the centre of my forhead on the hair line and I pass out cold for like 20 minutes. The other needles go in my shins, wrists and feet. I have never felt pain - once, not sure why, but it must have been pinching somehow - kind of like when you get a hair caught in a watch band, but not as painful.

I had session before and after transfer and then started once a month after that.

I swear by it. My headaches are getting pretty severe at the mo and the Ap. helps a lot.

You'll never never know if you never never go.....

X

[aliceinwonderland]

Hi everyone,

I know this thread is a bit old but I just wanted to put my two cents in. I am ten weeks pregnant today (!!!) after seven IVF transfers and couldn't have done it without acupuncture.

My first IVF cycle they got 10 eggs, 2 embryos. Perfectly normal results according to my FS. I was very disappointed when it didn't work but after a bit of research thought I would give Acu a try with the next cycle. I did it in the lead up to my antagonist cycle and no-one was more surprised than me to discover they managed to get 28 eggs all of great quality which resulted in 16 blastocysts!!!! And after transfer number five (one didn't make the thaw) I still have 10 to go and I am 10 weeks pregnant. Oh did I mention I was 39?

Not only was acupuncture the difference for me in terms of number and quality of eggs but it made a massive difference to my state of mind. With the "acupuncture cycle" I was so relaxed and not anxious about the whole process - even the BFNs - as I "knew" it would work when it was time. I am sure this state of mind contributed to my success.

One of the best bits? My acupuncturist is also a mid-wife and is a font of pregnancy and baby information. Very cool given we are keeping this a secret from everyone and I have no-one to ask questions of apart from the ladies here on BB! It is quite sad that now - apart from a visit for morning sickness and exhaustion - I don't need to see her for quite a few weeks! In reality, she has been my greatest support throughout this whole process. I am not sure I could have done it without her.

Yay for acupuncture! It made all the difference to my success!

cheers
Lily
39 DH 37.
PCOS, one blocked tube
EDD 20th August 2009

[tiggerlinda]

Well done and congrats on the IVF preg I know that I loved the Acc for our IVF journey and the Preg so far

[Justin Keane]

Ah thanks for sharing your stories lilybella and tiggerlinda, the use of acupuncture and herbs to assist IVF has been well researched recently and the studies and clinical trials consistently reflect results such as yours. The more aware ppl are about the assistance Acu can give them, the better off everyone involved in this otherwise often heart wrenching process will be. If any one else has a 1st hand account of IVF optimisation, be it symptomatic relief (physical/emotional), numbers of eggs and pregnancy like lilybella and tiggerlinda (congrats!), they think may be attributable to their acupuncture/herbs treatment, or anything else please post away!

[Krikkit]

Hi!

Does anyone know of a good place for acupuncture in Perth?

Thanks
Kristy

[Justin Keane]

Hey krikket,
google aacma and search for a praccy, will get you someone qualified and covered with the health funds. good luck!

[jbub]

I also used acupuncture during my IVF cycle last year. We managed to fall pregnant on the first IVF cycle even after a relatively crappy cycle in which my hormone levels were too low most of the way, the EPU was delayed to ripen the follicles more, I got 4 eggs, 2 fertilized, only one emby survived and was transferred on day 2 - well that emby was my now 4 month old son. I am not sure if the acupuncture worked but it did help with my coping abilities.

We are about to go back to try for no 2 so will use acupuncture again for sure.