[mabelina01]

I am considering trying acupuncture as we look towards a FET in November. I have to admit I"m somewhat skeptical but am willing to try it if it might help. I originally thought I would do it a few times before the transfer and right after the transfer but then thinking about it I thought maybe you really have to do it longer than that to be beneficial. It's not covered at all by insurance, and finances are tight with all these treatments, so we really can't afford many sessions. So I guess my question is, in order for it to be beneficial do I have to do it for a long time?
Thanks!

[bistro]

Hi!
I have been doing acupuncture since May, so it's been almost 5 months. I go pretty much once per week. I am doing IUIs right now.
I have read it can take up to 9 months.
But quite frankly, I am getting really frustrated that it hasn't all worked for me yet. It's not just the acupuncture, but everything!

BUT - it is very relaxing and I have lost about 10 pounds due to diet changes and just being more relaxed and less likely to eat to reduce stress. I was not overweight, but now feel like I have officially reached my ideal. So that's really good.

[Bubuki]

Hi, I'm new to this forum (about to prepare for IVF # 1), but I thought I would reply to the acupuncture question. I have had amazing results with acupuncture. It has helped my cycles and I have conceived naturally within 6- 8 weeks of treatment (going once a week for 90 minutes). I also took Chinese herbs though. Sadly, I m/c and then had an ectopic, but all of my levels are still very good and my cycles are totally regular and "clean" if you know what I mean. Plus NO PMS at all!!
My acupuncturist also gave me physical exercise (walking and yoga stretches daily) and some changes in my diet (i.e. NO SUGAR) too. She said to me "Give me 10 weeks and you'll get pregnant" and she was right! IT wasn't her fault that my bean was a lousy navigator.
However, everyone is different. She gave me hope though - when Drs. were saying NO no no. I did CONCEIVE!
I learned that it has to be your WHOLE system working together, but I would say 8 -10 weeks is a good estimate - if you are focused (and the treatment is good).
Hope that helps.

[ToBeMommy]

I know too many people that it worked for. I personally just started to go sin ending of July and I've seen many positive changes. From what I've read that a minimum of 90 days because the last 90 days of the egg is crucial of what we do or don't do. Don't forget to drink tons of water during this time because it does affect your blood flow and good blood flow can stop miscarriage. Good blood promotes healthier eggs, ovaries and lining of the uterus. It's also a great stress reliever.

[ToBeMommy]

I know too many people that it worked for. I personally just started to go sin ending of July and I've seen many positive changes. From what I've read that a minimum of 90 days because the last 90 days of the egg is crucial of what we do or don't do. Don't forget to drink tons of water during this time because it does affect your blood flow and good blood flow can stop miscarriage. Good blood promotes healthier eggs, ovaries and lining of the uterus. It's also a great stress reliever.

I wish I knew of this much sooner.

[mem0524]

I have also decided to try acupuncture. My first appointment is two days before I start clomid. I was instructed by the acupuncturist to go once a week for 10 weeks. It's quite pricey ($100 per session) but hopefully worth it. Wish me luck!

[mery71]

hi! i without a doubt think you should do acupuncture. i've been going for a few years for painful periods, and it has done wonders for me. before my transfer, i did acupuncture a month before once a week and took chinese herbs religiously. two weeks before transfer, i went twice a week, then seven days after transfer went once a week. i KNOW it helped me get pg. there are many people in her office that the doctors gave no hope as to getting pg, yet, she got them pg with just acupuncture. it helps with blood flow to the uterus, and makes for a comfy spot for your little frostie to snuggle in for the journey. i even went once a week during my first trimester for morning sickness and to just keep healthy during the first tri. good luck to you!!

[TTGP]

Hi All,
Even I have started accupuncture this month and am plg for the FEt in November. My accupuncturist suggested me to to have accupuncture twice a week. I am going twice a week, it takes 45 minutes every time. She has also started herbal medicines. I don't know hoe it will how much it will help as am new myseld but know one thing now I feel less stressed. Its relaxing for sure.
She also put needles on my ears and changes them every week.
Any suggestions of what things we should look for in an accupuncturist?

Thanks,
Sherley

[Ryles]

I live in Spokane, WA and there is an accupuncturist here that specializes in fertility issues. I guess they can go to China and get a specialty degree in fertility. I am on femara right now and I will go see her before I ovulate and within 5 days of having intercourse or IUI. She actually works with quite a few patients at the fertility clinic I go to. I guess there is proven research that says it helps the baby to "stick" I have done one session with her already and she also uses guided imagery while you have the needles in. I think it is definately worth it. I would check around with the accupuncturists in your area to see if they know of anyone that specializes in fertility. She is considered a Fellow of American Oriental Reproductive Medicine (ABORM). Maybe you could google that for people in your area. Good Luck everyone!

[dkowdawg]

Hi-

My acupuncturist said I needed to see her for three months before my upcoming IVF. We are taking a break while I am on the pill for a month and then I plan to return.

[RNINLA]

Hello: I have been going twice a week for the past 5 weeks. I am due for ER and ET the week of Oct 19th. She said she likes to see patients 2-3 months prior to ET (this is why I am on an accelerated appt schedule). The premise is that acupunture increase blood flow to your reproductive system. Prior to me starting she wanted to make sure I was committed to it as she said it does not work after just 1-2 appts. She also believes I should continue it after I am pregnant. The first trimester to reduce the chances of miscarriage and after that for any symptoms I may have when pregnant. She also gave me Chinese herbs however my RE does not want me to take them as they are not regulated by the FDA (not sure exactly what is in them). Luckily my insurance pays for this tx (they do not pay for anything else). My RE says he recommends acupuncture to 2 types of patients: those that are really stressed by this whole process (all of us) and poor responders (which I am). I am not sure if acupuncture is going to get me pregnant but I am more relaxed and do believe in holisitc medicine. THe medical literature has shown some benefit with acupuncture and IVF in terms of viable births.....The Chinese have been doing acupuncture for over 5,000 years.....it has only been in the US for about 30. Also, she recommends that the other partner go for treatments as well, especially if he has the medical problem. But as with everything in this process there is cost to consider. Hope this helps someone and will keep you posted on my outcome.

Take Care, Kim

[WeWantaBaby]

I will be trying accupuncture for my upcoming FET in Dec. I contacted the accupuncturist in August after a failed IVF cycle - - i thought it would help me relax and just create a better "environment". He actually didn't want to treat me and preferred to treat DH because of our MF so that is what we've been doing for the past 1.5 months while trying naturally. He recommended that I not start until I begin my Lupron injections (mid-nov) - - so really only about 3 weeks before the FET.

Good Luck!