Accupuncturist to support IVF cycle - Sydney

I don't know if any of you are familiar with it, but a study was done by Adelaide University/Repromed into the affects of accupuncture on IVF pregnancy rates. The findings were published mid last year.

Anyway, my best friend was a part of the original test group and has had two successful cycles with accupuncture (both twin prg :eek: ).

She moved back to Sydney from Adelaide and rang about 20 practices but no one had heard of the study. She finally found someone and saw her in Mosman for her latest cycle.

I would also like to give this a go but it requires one session on day 9 of stimulation and two sessions on the day of transfer. I'm having my transfer done at Maroubra but Mosman is a long way from home for me and I just don't know if it's going to be possible to see this same lady.

Soooo, to get to the point, I was wondering if any Sydney ladies had done accupuncture during an IVF cycle and could recommend someone either in the CBD or in Western Sydney? I know it's a long shot but worth a try!

Willow, I don't live in Sydney but hope someone there can help you.

The trial sounds interesting. I used acupuncture on my first and only cycle too and we had success. I do not know to what extent the acupuncture helped but I can tell you that my fertility specialist (very experienced and reputable) was in favour of patients having acupuncture during cycles. I guess that perhaps he has noticed good results over time.

Would it be possible perhaps to talk about the study to an acupuncturist close to you who specialises in fertility issues? Is the treatment different to that which they would normally give?

Hi Melbo, I'm not really sure. I'm going to ring around a few places tomorrow but my friend didn't have much success when she did the same thing.

That's what I keep pondering - what exactly they do during the treatments. I'm not sure if it's what would normally be done or if it's something more specific? From what I've read about the study, they basically try to stimulate blood flow to/around the ovaries and uterus.

I'm also going to call this lady in Mosman and talk to her tomorrow so I'll ask her actually. I'm also going to ask her if the session on day 9 is 100% necessary as this is what is causing the problem really. Although I'm worried she may mislead me just to get my business iykwim?

Does anyone know of someone in the CBD/western sydney that specialises in fertility issues?

Willow, the place I go specialises in infertility and IVF support. It's in Rozelle, so that may not be too convenient for you. It's the Rozelle Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Centre, you can find them easily by Google.

BW

Yeah, thanks BW. I did think of your accupuncturist but it's not convenient. Ideally, I'm looking for someone close to home (I have my DD and neice to consider on the days I'm at home) or in the city so I can go on the days I'm at work.

I'll keep looking. At least I know that I can go to Mosman if I can't find anyone else.

Thanks for your help girls!

Hi Willow :)
I've been looking at acupuncturists for painful periods, not fertility, but found a couple in the city

http://www.naturaltherapypages.com.au/therapist/4196 (she was very nice and understanding of womens problems)
http://www.backonyourfeet.com.au/index.htm

I guess if you give them a call they might be able to help you

Willow - send me an email and I will give you the details of my acupuncturist if you want them. She is at Annandale (almost Rozelle - but just off Parramatta Road and close to the City West Link and Cross City Tunnel / Eastern Distriutor (makes the trip from Ashfield to Randwick about 15-20 minutes!!!) May be a useful contact or she may be able to provide an alternative. She also practices at Manly but that is REALLY in the wrong direction.

Thanks ladies. I actually found someone in the city and am going to see him this week. I've spoken to the lady at Mosman and this is what she suggested - seeing someone in the city before my epu (apparently it isn't essential to have it done on any particular day - just at some point a few days before epu) and then she will do my sessions on the day of my transfer.

Thanks for all your recommendations though, I will keep them all up my sleeve.

I've thought about having acupuncture but the chiropractor I was seeing didn't seem to think it was a good idea. I am not that keen on the chriro to be honest as he isn't particularly found of IVF - but that's easy to say when you've got loads of kids yourself.

If anyone can give me the number or name of the acunpuncturist in Mosman I'd really appreciate it. I'm being triggered tonight and have the retrieval on Weds. 2nd stimulated cycle, last time we had 6 transfers (1 at a time) and none worked. As you can imagine I want to try whatever I can to get pregnant.

Thanks in advance!

Alex, her name is Kay Gartner.

Google it or look it up in the yellow pages - if you can't find her number let me know!

Good luck - I had my first session on thursday and felt amazing afterwards. It's very relaxing if nothing else.

Thanks Willow, I'll look her up. I've had acupuncture once before, but for something else. Fingers crossed I can get in!

Good luck! Tell her it's to support an IVF transfer and I'm sure she'll get you in!

I got appointment with Kaye Gartner and saw her yesterday. I'm going again tomorrow and on Sat morning as I have the transfer on Friday.

I had the collection this morning and once again felt absolutely awful. Went home and got into bed, which is where I intend to stay all day! Some people just seem to be fine and walking out going for breakfast afterwards, but I feel and look like a wreck and it's all I can do to struggle to the car! I'm waiting for the call to see how many eggs are good, they got 8, but we'l see if any are of use. Fingers crossed!

Thanks again for the info for Kaye G.

That's fantastic news Alex - I'm sorry you're feeling so awful after your epu though. I hope you recover quickly!

I will be very interested to here your outcome - I hope the 2ww flies by with great news at the end! You certainly deserve it, you've waited far too long :hug: