I have read that many of you talk about acupuncture and I found a site where they work with you on nutrition and acupuncture to increase the chance of success when doing IVF and the embryo attaching to the uterus.
I find it a bit expensive so I would like to know what opinions you have about this and if it is really worth it.
Thanks!!!!!
Iam still on the search, exploring options. V expensive, im thinking of cupping as well.
Hi MammaMia, I tried acupuncture (despite the fact that I didn't really enjoy it) as lots of people recommended it. However there was no difference between my cycles when using it and when not - and actually the last 2 transfers I didn't have it at all during treatment - 1 was BFN, 1 was BFP. So for me, I don't think it had any affect at all. I do know some people who do enjoy it though and if it relaxes you then there is a lot to be said for that. I'm just not convinced it helped from an IVF perspective.I did see a nutritionist at the start of my treatment and she was great. She really helped me to change my diet and although perhaps it didn't help with the actual treatment, I am so much healthier and happier since. She did recommend a lot of supplements and smoothies that help with certain times of cycles etc which I really liked too - as there's very little control in IVF so it's nice to feel like you have a little bit!
best of luck xx
thanks, I've never try acupuncture myself, and to be honest if it wasn't for this I don't think it would be one of those things in life that I want to try, but I am open to try things that can help.
After saying this, I don't want to lay in a bed with needles if there is no benefit. Especially when I have to be doing a sacrifice due to cost.
On the other hand the nutrition side it is something that, I am a big believer on the benefits that the food has in our bodies. I've always suffer from migraines and I start doing a low carb diet.... and what a difference!!!!! and my husband has problems with his stomach and he was told to stop any acid or spicy food. Like I said to my mum.... we need more knowledge on the benefits of the different food on each person and each circumstances because what it works for me and my circumstances might not work for you, but there is a food combination that will do.
Yes for sure! Nutrition is important and I’d never realised the role it can play. I do agree with Daisy that you can find all of this info on the internet but I found that actually sitting with someone, critiquing my diet, made me really sit up and pay attention. That session was worth it’s weight on gold!! Xx
I personally think you can find loads about what you should and shouldn't be eating from the internet, including this forum, so unless you have a specific nutritional challenge I am not sure you will get value for money. Re acupuncture I did six IVF rounds and never found a difference in results and it didnt do much for me. It might be worth giving it a try and find if it does relax you as anything that does that during an IVF cycle is worth it! But I think the main question is if you don't invest will you regret it or feel like you have left something untried? Because don't have any regrets when doing IVF. But in summary I personally wouldn't bother with either! Good luck xx
Thanks for sharing your experience!!!
You are absolutely right about the feeling of not regretting something when you are going through IVF.
I guess at one point or another we get that feeling, which is what is going to stick on our heads, and it is very powerful.
I don't think that I will do it unless I am certain that it will help, so I don't think I regret it if I don't do it.
I regret not having more knowledge about infertility years ago, so I was able to ask better questions at the doctors, that it would have made this process move a bit faster.
I did acupuncture and Chinese herbs before and during the TWW of my first fresh transfer, but it failed. I didn’t do it for my second, and it also failed.
I started again in the lead up to my upcoming transfer, but I think it was more to feel like I was doing something to help myself. I have serious doubts about it actually increasing the likelihood of a baby. Doing something I can control makes me feel better psychologically, though, and there is something to be said about the comfort of a placebo.
Best of luck! 🤞🏼🤞🏼
you are right about having something you can control. I think it might make me feel like I am doing everything in my power plus my body would be healthier. so I guess it will be a win win
I did acupuncture and Mediterranean diet and had a positive FET
thanks for sharing, as so far you are the only one with a positive feedback about it.
100% I'd recommend a fertility nutritionist - I don't have my BFP yet, but it worked wonders for me for supplements, foods and generally impacted me in a good way physically and mentally.
yes....the more and more that I am talking about it, the more convince I will see a nutritionist about it. I think it is the right move plus it will keep my mind busy.
Hi MammaMia I used acupuncture whilst TTC naturally and during my 2 rounds of IVF and 3 transfers. It was an unusual choice for me as I used to have a needle phobia - had to get over that with IVF and the acupuncture!! It’s really an individual choice, there certainly is research out there to suggest it does help with IVF. But in my mind I did it as it was some time for me - it made me lie still for an hour each week - helped with my mental health and made me feel relaxed and like I was in control of something. I also got nutritional advice from the acupuncturist who was also a midwife! So I was lucky, I almost got a 3 in 1 service. It helped me a lot with my PTSD from a miscarriage and ongoing anxiety. I had 2 BFP’s, one missed miscarriage, 1 BFN and I’m now 14 weeks pregnant. I also tried reflexology for fertility which was super relaxing and osteopathy to align my body in preparation. I think it’s personal choice and if you already feel sceptical about it and don’t feel like you’ll enjoy it then it’s prob not for you! Maybe just an occasional massage or treat would be as much benefit to you. Good luck whatever you decide xx
I find really interesting the different point of views from everyone here. I am usually open to suggestions, but one thing that Daisy1245 said made me think.....what would I regret? and I think that if I do it and it is a BFN I am going to be thinking that I shouldn't have done the acupuncture and it was this that caused it.
I know it is silly, but maybe because I am not 100% sure it will work, I am thinking this way. After realizing this I believe that I cannot do it because the guilt would be terrible thinking that I have done something I shouldn't.
I am follow your suggestion about the massage 😉 and thank you
That’s an interesting point of view, as I think mine would have been if I didn’t do it and it was a BFN I would be thinking what if and I should have done it! It’s interesting how we all think differently in the world. I have never heard of acupuncture meaning a pregnancy wouldn’t work - I don’t think it would ever affect negatively unless you didn’t go to a trusted and fully trained acupuncturist. I think the fact you’re thinking the other way def means you should just avoid it. I really enjoy alternative therapies so think it just depends what you like. I think Robert Winstone would certainly say IVF is just about the science and these ‘extras’ don’t have any affect on the outcome. Whether you eat Brazil nuts or not I’m not sure how much we can control the outcome. It’s just what can make you feel relaxed and more reassured during the process xx
To be honest I actually meant that way round! Sorry to confuse everyone! I meant what if you didn't do it and you regretted it. I don't think acupuncture can have a negative effect, so I would be less worried about that.. I think having had years of TTC I hate it when I think 'I wish I HAD had those McDonalds chips would they have made a difference' I clearly didn't explain myself very well 
xx
Ha I never even heard of the chips things until after my three transfers! I always went for a de caff coffee and cake after 😊 xx
I know both ( TillyL & Daisy1245 )of you didn't mean it as it could have a negative effect..... and rationally I know it won't do any harm.... I think is just me ......🤦♀️ I am wire a bit different from everybody else😅.
Asking here the question and talking with all of you has helped a lot answering my own doubts ..... the mind is very powerful and doing any alternative treatment you need to be relax and happy to do it.
And if anybody else is thinking about it, I don't want them to be discourage because of my decision. Who knows, maybe I'll end up trying it.
I did acupuncture and it is hard to say if it did anything as I started it before my first round and did it until shortly before my second egg collection. First round negative, second round positive. I think the supplements I was taking had far more to do with my egg quality and in the end I started to find acupuncture stressful as I find lying on my back like that quite uncomfortable (back issues) and also COVID was at a high level so was always worrying about getting infected and having my round cancelled. As others have said, if you enjoy the process then it will help to relax you.
Re nutrition - it depends on how aware you are about diet already and how disciplined you are. If your diet is already pretty good and you have self control, you can find what you need online, and really the advice is always variation on a theme - plenty of fruit and veg, mostly lean meats including some fish, healthy starches and fats like olive oil. TBH people eating all kinds of diets around the World get pregnant so other than a high junk diet what you eat is unlikely to impact your chances significantly, and there is pretty minimal evidence in the literature that what you eat makes a big difference unless you are deficient in macronutrients eg protein. However, if you feel you need to be 'doing something' then a few sessions aren't going to hurt anything except your pocket and it might motivate you if your diet isn't very good currently. The main things are to make sure you are getting enough of are folic acid and vitamin D, which are easily supplemented.
xx
Thanks for sharing.
I don't think that I do a bad diet, maybe during the summer a few more ice-creams than I should, but in general I believe is good. I think I might go and talk with a nutritionist and if I don't feel is worth it because I am already doing things right then I won't go again, but maybe they are able to provide some tips or guidance on things that I am doing wrong.
xx
i did acupuncture for this last fet for help me thicker my thin lining and get rid my fibroid. beside use higher dose and new meds for this fet. the result lining still thin, but i’m not that regretting do acupuncture because i do acupuncture 3 months before with therapist told me what food i should eat to improve my qi,yin and yang… so i get alot of information from what nutrition should takes base on her assess my body. the acupuncture that i keep seeing help me alot to make me more love my body, listen what my body want to said by pain/ others.. make me more receptive. if you want have acupuncture with therapist i would like suggest to find therapist that offer you packages for more cheaper and she assess your body not only from tongue,pulse but also from your leg and hand channels. so they can see from lumps your body has stagnation or phlegm or damp.. then recommends you what food to take or make it balance intake. acupuncture basically is put balance energy on your body to make it healthy.
before acupuncture i feel like exhausted alot and asthma etc.. however now although my fet still failed 😣 i feel my body more receptive.
woowww your experience sounds amazing! and that is the reason why I was considering it on the first place.
I think I will continue to do some research and if I find one that makes me feel comfortable I might try it.
yes, it worth to try because the first time i did, somehow the therapist can release my anger,sorrow from my body that i keep for my self. like i buried in my deep down but it’s actually in my body and wrecked my body.. i remember after had session, i go home with somehow cry and mad at same time without any reason. but then after that i’m more calm and relax until without realise already been 3 months more with her. beside success thicker lin i want shrink my fibroids too.. so we still working out to remove blood stagnation after my qi, blood and yin deficiency get improved abit.
so happy it is working well 😀and that you can see the improvements.
yes, so i hope if you consider acupuncture try that offer package to make it affordable for you as it really expensive treatment. with package discount can save abit money for your ivf and beside recommends diets too.. where you base pls? im in south yorkshire.
I am in Spain, but I would look for options with a package. I have to say that it is a bit pricey but I will look into my private health insurance that I have from work if they cover some alternative treatments. I might be lucky ☘️
ah okay, good luck hunnie… wish you all the best. keep stronger if you not succeed yet on this battle and long journey.. we might stumble, devastated but don’t give up. keep going with more positive faith that you will win this long journey.
I saw a woman who specialised in fertility for about 5 or 6 sessions. She supported me through all the stimulation and egg retrieval. I had to do an FET and would have seen her leading up to that but it was right after new year so bad timing. I was pretty desperate to throw cash at anything that would help. Couldn't say if it did or not but I'm 6 weeks away from meeting my baby. X
Congratulations!!!! so happy is going well for you 😀
I know the feeling of I am desperate I will try anything! but I also had bad experiences or bad advice in the past so if I decide to do it I have to have a positive mindset about it. So I will continue reading and listening to all of your great experiences.
I did Chinese acupuncture from 3 months before starting stims and got a BFP. I’m continuing now and feel better overall when I do it. Surely it can’t hurt! Best of luck for your cycle xxxx
I had weekly accupunture up to stims, had a freeze all so continued. I found it really relaxing and my acupuncturist was amazing with diet. I made me feel like I was doing everything I could....Re nutrition, I read it starts with the egg and took all the supplements (I think they helped) my diet itself was mixed, some days I was extra good and others I convinced myself it didnt matter and had a takeaway! All in all I would say I was 60/40 in favour of good. I am not convinced diet itself makes a huge difference but again if it makes you feel better then worth it.
My first FET was successful, who knows if the accupunture or the supplements helped. Perhaps it would have worked anyway but it made me feel a little better so defo worth it for me.
All the very best xx
I decided to do acupuncture and follow a fertility diet during one of my rounds of IVF. It was my worst cycle, by quite a lot! Normally got 8-10 eggs. I got four that time, only two mature.
I think the most important thing you can do for yourself during IVF is try and relax and live your life as much as possible. My best round (I’ve done four fresh rounds 🤪) and the one I got my daughter from and two more Frosties I ate normally, I even had a glass of wine when I fancied one. In fact I had a glass of wine the night before my transfer. I found acupuncture etc just made me too hyper focused on the treatment and in turn stressed me out and I honestly think stress has a far bigger impact on your body.
Wishing you all the best of luck for your next cycle xxx
You ar absolutely right stress is never a good idea, and for that reason if I go ahead with the acupuncture it will be because I am happy with the idea.
Exactly! If you enjoy it and it relaxes you then there is nothing wrong with that 🥰 xx
I done accupunture with both cycles (first cycle no eggs fertilised, second 2 embryos transfered, BFN yesterday 😔). I'll most likely do accupunture again as it was very relaxing.
In terms of nutrition, we looked into this and had a couple of discovery calls which didn't ofter much insight and we figured we can research a lot of things ourselves which we did. Our research was mainly fertility based and bio hacking (basically working with your circadian rhythm of sleeping, eating habits, supplements etc).
We drastically overhauled our lifestyle which had an impact on us as I went from 6 follicles in my first cycle to 15 just before my second and my partner had a few more progressive sperm).
A friend had a consultation with a well known nutritionist who basically told them to eat more fruit and veg, take supplements and reduce environmental toxins and exercise. For the amount they charge I don't think its worth it, especially of the info is already our there.
Our diet consisted of mostly organic food (aiming to stick to the dirty dozen, if not possible then we'd aim to eat grass fed/free range and generally if food has a thick skin they'll have less chemicals penetrating through) this is important to prevent the build up of toxins in the body.
Whole foods (so nothing processed), lean meat, chicken, organic or wild salmon, leafy green veg, healthy fats, red foods which are generally high in antioxidants, organ meat (we made pate with organic ox liver which is an extremely nutritionist dense food), boiled eggs, bone broth (can get this is powder form), plenty of filtered water, fermented foods for gut health (kombucha, kimchi, miso, sauerkraut) coconut water, organic decaf coffee. Basically organic where you can. We heavily supplemented our diets too, I had no underlying health conditions but we do have MF so we followed the IVD regime in it starts with an egg.
Saying all that I cannot stress antioxidants enough, this is what will help retain follicles through your menstrual cycle and give cells energy, especially eggs and sperm. I also practiced yoga to de stress which plays massive role in maintaining follicle count and there's a proven link between mind and gut.
Wowwww I cannot thank you enough for the time and all the info you share!!!
I am specially interested in the part for my husband as he has low count and low motility sperm. Obviously I welcome any healthy diet that can improve our chances.
What kind of vitamins is your husband taking?
I will look to make sure that we ear plenty antioxidants.
Thanks xx
My husband also had those issues, both of us are taking 600mg coq10 (am and afternoon), I'm taking folic acid he's taking folate (there's a debate whether folate is better than folic acid but as far as I'm aware there aren't any studies stating folate prevents against birth defects so I stuck with folic acid). We also take 600mg NAC, 500mg vit c, 600mg r-lipoic acid, 400mg vid e, 4000iu vit D (check your levels, I'm mixed raced so need a little more that my partner who is white but he takes the sane as me), 2 fish oil capsules and 400mg selenium. We also have the powdered bone broth, try to have appl cider vinegar with salads or drink it diluted to manage glucose levels. However I think the game changer for me was our morning smoothies which consisted on spinach, kale courgette, ginger, celery, blueberries and avocado (about 30g of each but a big handful of spinach and kale) you could also add an organic protien powder for a boost (I use sun worrier from Amazon). It doesn't taste great but is packed full of nutrients and gets you going in the morning.
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