Acupuncture & ICSI

This is my first post ever and I cannot believe it is about TTC. Anyways, my story is that husband and I have been TTC for 9 months now for baby number 1, I am in my mid-30s so not wasting any more time, we went and got ourselves checked out. We find out that nothing is wrong with me and that dear hubby has a low sperm count for no unexplained reason... we have a 1% chance of conceiving naturally. ICSI is our only hope.... very upsetting! :(

Three months later, we are loaded up with all the info on ICSI... We have had our meeting with the nurses at the IVF clinic and they now wait for my phone call to start the procedure.... our succes rate is about 40%... very very scary!!! I want to do everything in my power to get it right the first time. If you are reading this and you have gone through it, you might be agreeing with me too. I have read some of your success stories and some of the not so successful stories (I really feel for you) and it was from one of the forums here that I saw acupuncture aiding the IVF cycle. After some more researching (what I find myself doing these days) I found that it may increase the success rate of the procedure. My next step ofcourse, was to book us in for acupuncture.:)

Question is, when is a good time to start acupuncture if we are looking at starting ICSI in a few weeks? Hubby and I have never done it before and I am placing alot of faith in it. I know it cannot help hubby overnight but at least help somewhat and maybe for baby no. 2. As with me, it may balance me and prepare me for what is up ahead.

If you can offer any advise it will be very much appreciated... Thank You! :help:

Hi EC,

I know the thought of IVF is a pretty scary concept so happy to ansa any questions you may have.

Acupuncture is now proven to boost the success of IVF. If you starting in a few weeks I suggest you find someone who specialises in IVF and Fertility. I dont know where you are situated but am sure if you ask around on the TTC threads etc, there may be someone who can recommend an acupuncturist in your area. I do suggest you go to someone who really understands fertility etc though.

You should probably start a few weeks before (dont stress if you dont). Most importantly is ac right before and right after egg transfer. This will mean 2 sessions in one day.

Good luck with everything and am here if u need me...

Lulu has answered beautifully on the acupuncture side of things... but I did want to point out that the 40% success rate is (if it matches the stats from my clinic) the rate of success with a blastocyst transfer in a woman under the age of 35. It sounds dreadful, but you need to keep in mind that for a fertile couple the chance of conceiving each cycle is around 20%. There are no guarantees, sadly, but the chances that it will happen are really quite good.

Good luck!

BW

HI EC,

In my first stim IVF/ICSI cycle, I did not use acupuncture and the cycle resulted in a BFN. However in my second cycle (and first HRT FET), I included acupuncture and it has resulted in a BFP.

I went to my first session about a week before my ET. I believe that the most important sessions for success rates are the one's performed before and after the ET. On the day of my ET I had a session about 2 hours before ET. This focussed on blood flow to my uterus. The session after the ET I believe has to be performed within 24 hours of the ET. As I had a morning transfer, I went back in the afternoon of the same day.

During my TWW I had a session once each week. If you are in Melb, I can give you details of the centre that I went to. I hope that information helps.

Good luck with it all... I know it is so frightening when you first start. The girls on this forum will be such a great help for any questions that you have.

Janie xxx

Thanks so much Lulu, BW & Janie for your advise and support. I am in Sydney and are going to a place in Rozelle for acupuncture. They do specialise in infertility and complemetary IVF treatments.

Its good to hear that I am not starting it too late:)

Will let you know how I go... excited and frightened at the same time...

EC xx

Hi minniemouse, BW & Janie,

Thank you so much for your advise and kind words of support. I am in Sydney and I am of to a clinic in Rozelle that specialises in Infertility and aiding IVF treatments. I have heard success stories from this clinic so I am being hopeful.

I will let you know how I go... starting ICSI this month I am now thinking!:)

Thank You! Take care,

El

I went to the clinic in Rozelle, you'll find that they are absolutely amazing! I still go now that I'm pregnant, just not as often. I've seen both Leah and Mel and know Sally well from her days as receptionist - they are all fantastic ladies that are really supportive and wonderful. I hope it helps you as well.

BW