Acupuncture during ivf

I've finally had a start date for treatment (start microgynon 27th July, egg collection approx week of 28th August) and have been reading about acupuncture and how it can sometimes help when done during the treatment. Have any of you tried it? If so, did you have it throughout treatment or just on certain days? Did you feel it had an effect? I'm keen to try anything that could help even if it's just to relax me but I've read very mixed things online and don't want to end up wasting a load of money. Thanks xx

[bluewanderlust]

Hi Dougy,

I just completed my first cycle of IVF. I decided to give it everything I could and had acupuncture every week from about 4 weeks before I even started my cycle. I went every week and found it really relaxing and helped me focus. When I felt stressed I always felt better afterwards. I paid £45 each visit for 45 mins, which I know seem a lot but I had to pay for all of my treatment privately anyway and just felt that if it helped I was happy to give it a go. I had extra sessions during egg collection and one just before and after transfer. I am pleased to say that my 2WW ends tomorrow but I have already got a BFP! I also ate 100% organic as I know that really helps, again expensive but if you can afford it even if just during your cycle it will help. Am here if you have any more questions and good luck with your treatment xx

[Hidden in reply to bluewanderlust]

That's fantastic news, congratulations 😀 thank you for the advice, I think it's definitely worth me trying it xx

[Aleelilook]

I'm too a super fan of acupuncture! I have been having it since November after our first round of ivf failed, the second in march was a bfp but sadly had a mmc, but I felt the acupuncture really helped to calm me, and helped me sleep, but it does cost me £60 for 40minutes, but that's probably because I'm in central London. My advice would be to go to someone near your clinic as they like to do a session before and after ET. Good luck with your cycle 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

[Hidden in reply to Aleelilook]

I'm sorry to here that, I hope you're doing ok. I've decided to give it a try. I find it really hard to relax and switch off so even if it just helps with that I'll be happy. Thanks for replying to me xx

[E_05]

I've had Acupunture 2/3 of my cycles, 1st BFP but miscarried, 3rd unsuccessful but il definitely be having it again for my 4th. I had it weekly and then before and after ET. It really helped me to relax and with my anxiety especially around the 2ww. If it's something you can afford it's something I'd always suggest trying x

[Hidden in reply to E_05]

Thanks for the reply. I've decided I'm going to give it a try. Good luck with your next round of treatment xx

[Alice_W123]

You can read more about it here americanpregnancy.org/infer...

And some article ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

In general - it may help you.

P.S.: If I were you I won`t pay for it. It`s better to choose reflexology if you wish to have smth like this.

[Hidden in reply to Alice_W123]

Thank you for those, I will have a read through. I've tried reflexology but unfortunately it's just not for me. I can't bare people touching my feet! Xx

[Hidden]

Thank you xx

[Rosalietea]

I too am a fan of acupuncture. I had sessions weekly for a few weeks before my 3rd cycle and then twice in the week before egg collection and twice on the day of transfer and then weekly again since. Mine was £60 a session for an hour. The lady who does it is very knowledgable and experienced. She has done courses with Zita West etc and is genuinely a lovely lady who has supported me much better than the nurses at my unit. I too tried to eat fresh and as much organic as I could although certainly not 100%. We also changed a number of other factors e.g. Exposure to chemicals, no or very low alcohol for 3months prior etc etc. I don't know what did it but we got a BFP and are waiting for our 7wk scan on Monday. Even if it hadn't been more positive than previous cycles I still believe the acupuncture crude was a helpful relaxant throughout the process so the money was probably worth it either way.

Good Luck in your journey x

[Hidden in reply to Rosalietea]

Congratulations ☺️ thank you for the reply xx