Acupuncture for IVF

[hifer]

Hey lovely ladies,

Has anyone had really positive experiences with acupuncture during IVF? I had an acupuncturist (for fertility) for quite a while but it didn’t work out with her. I haven’t actually had it during an IVF cycle though. The thickness of my lining is stalling and I have an ‘emergency’ appointment tomorrow morning. Perhaps a bit too late in the game for this cycle but you have to try everything right?? Any thoughts or experiences shared would be much appreciated.

Thanks as ever you knowledgable bunch! 😉

Xx

[Hidden]

It’s tough in our position as you want to throw anything at it that might help it to work. I’ve done acupuncture only immediately before and after transfer and I have gotten pregnant each time (3 x now and 1 live birth), but other than tempting fate, I would question how significant it’s impacts are. I do believe however it’s great for relaxation and possibly on the margin improves blood flow.

The most material factors are embryo quality, the environment, timing of transfer and the skill of the person doing it.

Good luck!

[hifer in reply to Hidden]

Yes it’s blood flow I’m after. Big time! Thank you for sharing your experiences and obviously many congrats on the live birth. Xx

[Hidden in reply to hifer]

If blood flow is a consideration if not already it might be worth getting your blood clotting tested. I went to see a Mr Rai in London on this. Apparently stickiness of blood is more common in older women (I’m 41 and TTC #2). Again, no idea if it will help, but worth a whirl right?!

And thank you. We’ve very lucky to have a son who’s 17 months.

[hifer in reply to Hidden]

Well no one has ever talked to me about stickiness of blood so this is very interesting! I’m 41 too. Thanks so much for the insight and will def look into it. Worth a whirl indeed xx

[Cinderella5 in reply to hifer]

How did you get on today? Have your clinic prescribed baby aspirin or clexane at all? Ita meant to help blood flow and I got given it ag the get go when we realised i had lining issues. Incidentally, I had fertility acupuncture too back when it was my OE cycles but they were fresh. I enjoyed it but couldn't say for sure that it helped!xx

[hifer in reply to Cinderella5]

Hey, so yes I’ve been on baby aspirin from the start. That’s the thing about fertility acupuncture isn’t it?! Everyone says it’s relaxing (including me) but no one knows for sure if it’s doing anything! Hey ho, am giving it another shot just in case. So today took a very unexpected turn and whilst there was no increase in lining thickness, there wasn’t a decrease either and once all my blood results were back we found out this afternoon I’m booked in for a transfer on Thursday! My lining is 6.5 mm but that’s the best it’s gonna get I think so apparently we’re going for it!! Fingers crossed!! Don’t feel ready for this next step. Eek xx

[Cinderella5 in reply to hifer]

Ultrasound measurements are very person dependent so try not to worry....it maybe didnt even decrease to begin with. They must be happy or wouldnt attempt transfer! Try some hot baths, warm water bottles on your tummy and keep drinking the tea and walking...can even try fertility yoga....lying with your legs up against the wall for 20mins! Eeeek very exciting! We had an unexpected turn of events. Our donor is ready for EC early so mad rush to get out here for today. Looking at transfer Saturday IF we get embryos! Cycle buddies!🙌🏻😘xx

[hifer in reply to Cinderella5]

Oh wow!! That is exciting!! Gosh that must have been a mad dash! You feeling ok? Come on cycle buddy 🙌🙌. We’ve got this. Keeping everything crossed for your donor and your embryos to be 🤞. Xx

[Cinderella5 in reply to hifer]

Ahhh thanks! I'm ok now, was freaking out on Thursday when we got the call but all turned out good and it's all systems go for Monday for EC. Scared, nervous, excited all at the same time!! Yes, being it on...good having you alongside me too!!🤗xx

[hifer in reply to Cinderella5]

GOOD LUCK for tomorrow and for the coming week. I went to a positivity workshop yesterday so I’m trying to re-frame all my thinking to be positive!! Right here with you xx

[Cinderella5 in reply to hifer]

Thank you!! Yes, good lass!! Well done on going to he class....that's impressive. Not sure I'd have the confidence to do that!! Keep it up, rooting for you!!xx

[CLDxxx in reply to Cinderella5]

Ahh Cinderella what a rush! Hope it went well today though? Xxx 😘

[Cinderella5 in reply to CLDxxx]

All has gone ok so far... back to the good old waiting for updates on embryos!!🙄🙏🏻🤞🏻xx

[hifer in reply to Cinderella5]

🤞🤞🤞😘xx

[CLDxxx in reply to Cinderella5]

Sending lots of luck 🤞😘xx

[Florencenightingale in reply to Cinderella5]

Is baby aspirin different to regular aspirin? I was told to stay away with it being an NSAID x

[Cinderella5 in reply to Florencenightingale]

Its 75mg, just the dosage. If your clinic says to stay away then that's what they feel is best for you!!xx

[hifer in reply to Cinderella5]

I agree. If IVF teaches you anything it’s that every clinic and every person and every protocol is different! If they said stay away then I would too as that reason could be specific to you or how they work (no harm in double checking though next time you have a consultation) x

[hifer in reply to Florencenightingale]

Actually I’m not sure it is baby aspirin specifically good point. I’m just on 75mg of regular aspirin. Baby aspirin is so called because it is a lower dose than normal aspirin but the one I’m on isn’t actually labelled baby aspirin if that makes any sense??!

[Cinderella5 in reply to hifer]

It's just the dosage!xx

[Hidden]

I went religiously every week during my last 2 FET cycles, got one BFN and one BFP. I have failed to down regulate twice now and that was my original reason for starting to go. She made my period heavier and I managed to down reg on the following cycle. I stopped going when my pregnancy ended last year but now I’m in the same position again failing to down reg and my lining hasn’t thinned so she is working with me to help me down reg again. I started my period this morning again and I’m seeing her today so hopefully she can work some magic. I did notice a change in my periods after a while working with her, whether it has ultimately helped I don’t know. Funds are a little tighter this time so I’m not sure how much I can afford to keep going this time x

[hifer in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. I stopped too because of funds but just wondering if I can salvage this round (which will be cheaper in the long run than starting again!!) Really hoping it works out for you this time round xx

[HollyT7]

Hey, I had it the day before my frozen transfer and walked out feeling like I was walking on air I was that relaxed. Finally felt like I was doing something to support my transfer. We are currently 26+2. Your not having an emergency session, your having a treat for your lining ❤️ lots of positive energy to you ⚡ xxx 🍀🍀🍀

[hifer in reply to HollyT7]

Thank you and many congrats to you. Fingers crossed I have the same result!! Xx

[HollyT7 in reply to hifer]

I also drank tonnes of pom juice!!

[Millbanks]

Also good to help with lining thickness is beetroot juice daily (200ml) and blueberry power (1 teaspoon a day) is excellent for blood flow xxx