Acupuncture and IVF

(not sure if this is in the right thread or not...sorry)

Seen my second IVF cycle will be my last chance (before having my ENDO removed) we want to give it the best chance we have got... so we have decided to try Acupuncture...
As we got no frosties from our first cycle ill be doing it allllllllll again..... i will be starting the pill on my next cycle... i have booked into my ap appt for tomorrow at 12:15pm (they specialise with IVF/ttc ladies so i feel comfy with going there)


I just have a couple of questions for all the ladies who do this

When did you start AP??? ..... Did you start when you started your stim cycle or a couple months/weeks before that??? (im just unsure if i should be starting now or wait alittle bit :dunno: ugh im so confused)

Did you take any herbs??? If so when did you stop (i have read on a few threads that alot of ladies stopped taking them...... but am unsure of when)

Where about did they put the needles??? (i have tried AP once before but the guy seemed totally dodge to me lol)

UMM i think thats all i need to know

Hi Nikki,

I used AP during my stim cycle and also during a FET following. I didn't start AP until I was beginning injections but once I was at my 1st appt, we discussed the benefits of starting earlier. During the stim cycle, I had 3 AP appts - when I was starting injections, before and after egg collection.

For the FET, I had 4 appts. 3 were leading up to transfer and then I had 1 after transfer.

It's important to find an acupuncturist that specialises in fertility. They know what they're doing and have a good understanding of ivf and what is needed for best results. I started out at a local acupuncture place, before beginning ivf, that didn't specialise in fertility and the guy didn't really seem to know anything about stimulating certain areas with the needles. It was relaxing but I knew he wasn't right for the ivf cycle. I ended up travelling to get to a clinic an hour away but it was worth it when the lady knew more about what the clinic would be doing than I did! She knew the ivf protocol inside out and made me feel very comfortable that I was in good hands. For me, needles were in my ankles, hands and lower abdomen area. During the FET when we were trying to get ovulation happening and after both transfers, heaps of needles in lower abdomen and then they were heated using a thing-a-ma-jig stick.

GL with your TTC journey. Hope you find an AP that's right for you!

Hi Nikki,

I started AP at the beginning of January this year which was just before I started my second stim cycle. I didnt have much luck that cycle, only 1 egg collected which didnt survive. I continued on and was lucky enough to get a BFP after my 3rd cycle so I HIGHLY recommend AP :D

I saw Justin Keene at the BellyBelly centre. He was terrific! I felt very relaxed with him. I definately found that AP made me more relaxed especially during TWW. He gave me herbs all the way through including after transfer. I saw him weekly during my cycles, then had a session the day after transfer.

Good luck and I hope your appointment goes well :D

Take care,

Tania

Hey!

I started my acupuncture in january this year and am about to start my first IVF cycle. I mainly started AC to regulate my cycles following my miscarriage - and it has given me more benefit than I had ever imagined it would.

I'll definitely be continuing it throughout my IVF cycle and my FS encourages that.

S X

Hi Nikki

I would ring and book an appointment this afternoon :)

One of the joys of IVF is that your system is so strung out on all the drugs and things it can sometimes be hard for you AP to get a good reading on what your body is actually going (so my AP tells me) so mine perfers to see people before they start so that she can get a baseline.

I LOVE my AP and look forward to all my sessions.

Nikki, start AP asap and don't wait up for your stim cycle...the sooner it starts the better your body is in tune. They normally like to see the temp chart so take in anything you've got, this will give them an idea how your hormone levels are.

When I first saw my APist, she asked me to wait for 3 months to start an IVF cycle as my hormones were all over the place. Sometimes herbs are needed to regulate this, but I am off them now and just go in for weekly AP.

Like Kaydee mentioned, find a reputable one specialize in fertility and idealy have experience working closely with IVF cycles, such as EPU and TF and be able to schedule you in for short notice for those events if needs be. Sessions before and after TF are helpful for implantation through better blood circulation towards uterus.

Usually I'd stop the herbs if on a stim IVF cycle just so there is no interaction between durgs but I know some people continue to take herbs as well.

Needles most likely are around your abdominal areas, sometimes on your arms, legs, feet and top of your head depends on what AP trying to achieve. But don't be scared, you will enjoy it and get addicted Im sure.

Good luck with the upcoming cycle Nikki...

Thanks so much guys.... i had my first AP appt today and so glad i went sooner rather then later..... My ap lady is fantastic :) im absolutely 100% happy with my choice of going to her

My next appt is in a week and a half... which i cant wait for.... i was so very relaxed this time around...... amazing :)

Thats GREAT news Nikki :D

Being happy with the person is a must.

Good luck with your next cycle and :crossfingers: you get your BFP soon :D


Tania

Nikki I am so glad you have discovered AP! In the last 1.5 years of AP I have had 3 conceptions and before AP none.

AP can support a cycle but I think it is best looked at as a long term treatment to help your body when not cycling too. I have also found support from chinese herbs (through my fertility AP) to help boost and balance my hormonal system.

I too love Muppity's AP ;)

I'm doing AP at the moment, started it last month when we were off cycle, and have had it every week leading up to ET (which is tomorrow). Had an AP this evening and it is glorious. Will see AP again in a week.

My AP advertises himself as an IVF/fertility expert (as in, his AP practice specialises in IVF/fertility). I love him. I'm not taking any herbs, but I understand other APs do prescribe herbs.

I don't know if it'll help with getting UTD, but at the moment I'm enjoying it, and leave feeling very positive and upbeat.

Good luck with your new AP!