Is it all worth it...?

Hi Ladies,

I've just been through my first failed IVF cycle and now waiting to see the FS to make a plan (I guess...). I tried to do absolutely everything I could (that was in my control) to assist with the first one but I can't help wondering what is best - stressing about the little things...or doing nothing at all?

I'm seriously considering accupuncture with our next attempt. But I'm wondering if all the things I did are worth it, here's the obsessive list:

1. No caffeine
2. No tampons
3. Only use 100% cotton pads
4. Eat pineapple between after et
5. Also eat walnuts at the same time

Does anyone have any success stories or comments on their experiences? Are there any other things that I'm missing?

hey there
sorry to here about your failed IVF attempt
hopefully the next one is a success
I have done 7 rounds of IVF so know what it is all about
The thing with IVF you have to remember is its success is like a roll of the dice! sometimes you hit the jackpot and sometimes you dont!! The more cycles you do, the more you can fine tune it,but it really is down to chance in the end!
there are some things you can do to help increase you chances.
These included
1. Making sure you are super hydrated- we had success after i was on a saline drip between pickup and tranfer and when i really concentrated on being totally hydrated all the time
2. No caffeine- i went off caffeine for 12 months beforehand
3. regular exercise and balanced diet- if you body is in tip top shape- it is more likely to work properly

also there is scientific evidence that a/p and or TCM done in conjunction with IVF has higher rates of success so worth a go as well
4. a positive attitude- relaxed body, know that it is out of your hands and its a random thing if it works or not
i firmly believe that positive thoughts bring about positive actions
my mantra whilst doing IVF was that i have got a better chance this month than last month!!! I found that when i was doing IVF i had a pro-active attitute to the needles scans etc.
hope this info helps and most of all take care of you and your partner!!!
good luck

Thanks det - it really helps to know that I'm not alone in all of this. It's great to hear that you can go through 7 IVF's and still have a positive attitude.

Can I ask what TCM is?

TCM is traditional chinese medicine.

I did acupuncture for 6 months before my IVF cycle and during the cycle - immediately before and after transfer and 4 times in the 2 week wait. I got a BFP in my first cycle.
I also took fresh royal jelly up until egg pick up to enhance the quality of my eggs and have 7 embryos in the freezer at the moment.

Avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and getting regular exercise and a balanced diet does help too I think.

Good luck
Sue xxx

Hi Andi81 I am by no means any expert on this, and have not done IVF but have been reading a fair bit about it lately as some background research for something. I read a really good book from the library by Zita West called "Zita West's guide to fertility and assisted conception". It is a thick book but covers a lot of information and her clinic in the UK uses acupuncture, sometimes on the day of transfer (both before and after). She also doesnt patronise like other authors can and it gives some useful/healthy tips which might assist the process. It is really interesting read either way.