Cancelled cycle- Should I delay IVF so I can have acupuncture?

[NewMoon9]

Hello lovely people. I’ve just had an ivf cycle cancelled due to poor response- (only 2 follicles were maturing)😢 I was on 450 menopur, so don’t think I can increase from that.

This is my 5th stimulation in total and I’ve never done this badly- it’s also the only when I’ve not had acupuncture. I’ve always been a bit sceptical about whether it was doing anything (surely if it was it would be standard part of cycles??) but now I’m confused!

We were planning on going again asap in my April cycle, but should I delay so that I can have the 3 months of acupuncture (as recommended by acupuncturists at least!)? Or will 6 weeks of it help? I’ll be 43 in October so aware that the evil clock is ticking. Sort of want to get this cycle over with as I think it’s really time to stop and move on- celebrate our success and grieve our losses. Thanks in advance. X

(My background: incredibly lucky to have 4 year old from my second ivf cycle. since then: miscarriage from natural pregnancy, failed FET, miscarriage from final FET. 2 failed fresh cycles last year)

[silvervn]

Hi, I am sorry you had to cancel it. I wanted to wish you all the best whatever you decide.

I don't have a lot of experience but hope what I have my reassure you. I didn't manage to have 3 months of my accupuncture before IVF as our treatment started incredibly quickly after being referred. I saw 3 therapists for consultations to choose someone I was happy with, and although they said 3 months is ideal they thought it would still help. Personally, for me, it has brought me a lot of calm, so I can't attest to the success of it but I'm all for something that will help my mental state, so do what feels right for you.

If you will mentally feel better going into the cycle having had it for 3 months, then take the time, but so much affects cycles try not to put lots of pressure on yourself if you don't/can't wait.

I am in my 2WW, test Monday, testing positive on home tests for the last 6 days (trying to be calm until I have had my blood test as I know home tests aren't everything). I personally feel it did help me a lot , even though I started it the same time as I started my meds. Good luck. Sending lots of love and positivity x

[Rubylou01]

Just to say that Rebecca Fetts ' It starts with the egg' states: "evidence far from conclusive...but in one successful trial...twice per week for 4 weeks before egg retrieval and treatments day before and shortly after after transfer... acupuncture is one approach...if you find it relaxing...variety of other ways to reduce stress...such as yoga and meditation". Only you can decide about delaying (I'd always go with your gut as you know how you feel) but evidence appears to support even a month before is helpful xx

[MarshmellowMountain]

hello newmoon9, I think 6 weeks will be perfect! I had this amount before having my 2nd egg collection and it was a successful one - we had 22 eggs collected, all mature and 19 fertilised (previous collection with no acupuncture, got us 10 eggs, all mature, 5 fertilised, 1 embryo) 😊

I hope this helps!

[NewMoon9]

Thanks Marshmellow! So glad it worked for you x