Acupuncture and ivf

[12amie]

So I’ve have had one round of IVF which failed. Once we’ve got the money for another round we are going to try again 🤞

is there any benefits to Acupuncture, if so when and what stage of the cycle.

[FlowerGem115]

I love doing accupunture as I find it relaxing, which is just a general benefit. But for transfer I do it on the day of transfer, just hours before and then hours after too as advised by my accupunturist. I think it helps me and at least I know I have give it everything.

I cannot remember when you do it on egg collection but I am sure you do as it can help recovery.

[12amie in reply to FlowerGem115]

Thank you for replying! I like the sound of the relaxing bit.

[Endofitall]

I really love my acupuncture sessions. My lady is on the acupuncture fertility network (you can Google and search) and British council certified. Make sure you find someone well qualified.

I didn’t do it originally and was getting super stressed and not myself at all. My husband is really doubtful about anything complementary like acupuncture but now he’s seen me post regular sessions he’s even a believer 😂. I even had a hobby I couldn’t do after bereavement of a close family member a few years before, and after my first few sessions I somehow managed to get back into it after years. I can’t explain how or why and I didn’t specifically mention it to my acupuncturist but I feel it must have helped with some healing??? Who knows.

They generally recommend weekly to fortnightly (pricey though so whatever you can manage) in 3 months up to egg collection and then a pre and post session on transfer day.

Best of luck!

[QuirkyQuarter in reply to Endofitall]

Hi Endofitall, would you mind sharing who your accupuncturist? I'm looking for one and based in London.

[12amie]

thank you for replying, really helpful

[Rjfguitfg]

I found acupuncture to be very helpful. It’s generally recommended twice a week for three months before your egg collection. But I did it twice a week for a month before my third (and successful) transfer.

[Kcoxy in reply to Rjfguitfg]

I second this. I found a fertility acupuncture specialist invaluable.

[Belldandy]

I did acupuncture once and they had specific days like day x of cycle, day before transfer, day of transfer, day x after transfer. It felt good but that cycle didn’t work and both cycles that did I didn’t do acupuncture at all, so overall I won’t be doing it again in the future.

[Vix12345]

I'm replying to give an alternative viewpoint, as I really disliked acupuncture. I had it before and after transfer on my 5th transfer. It didn't hurt, and was fascinating to see the needles sticking out of me, but I did not find it relaxing at all, I bled quite a bit as I was on blood thinners, and I get cold easily and found it uncomfortable as I couldn't put a blanket over me with all the needles, so I just really didn't enjoy ot. That cycle also resulted in a negative test.

I have since started regular reflexology which I find amazing and so relaxing and much prefer.

So although a lot of people do enjoy acupuncture, it's not necessarily for everyone, but anything that relaxed you and makes you feel good will have some benefit. Good luck. X

[12amie in reply to Vix12345]

Thank you for an alternative opinion, Its good to hear a mixture of how people found it

[Doodlebug23 in reply to Vix12345]

12amie i totally agree with Vix! My clinic offered accupuncture right before transfer so I always took them up on it. However I never found it enjoyable and I’m not sure if it relaxed me. Reflexology however I absolutely loved! I found it sooooo relaxing. I had a few sessions before my last 2 transfers and am now staring at my 2 week old daughter still in awe!!! 💖

[Avocadolover1]

I would indeed recommend acupuncture. I’ve had acupuncture first 6 months before IVF in prep for IVF, I’ve had it before egg collection, after egg collection, before transfers, after transfers. I’m actually booked for another session tomorrow as I’ve had a transfer yesterday. Personally, I think it benefits me as an individual as it helps regulate my sleep and anxiety. However, I have found it quite effective for all my cycles. Though I have had 1 failed cycle but that could have been me doing too much on the day after transfer thinking I was allowing blood flow to my uterus. However, with this transfer I’ve taken it easy by resting a bit more.

Definitely do Acupuncture!!!

[Rainbow2023]

I strongly recommend acupuncture during your cycle and transfer. Not only will it help to relax you but also can help to follicle and lining development. I found my sessions very therapeutic and looked forward to my weekly sessions. I had the sessions throughout my stims cycle and a few hours after transfer.

All the best x