Acupuncture?

[Blueflower]

When we went to visit the private fertility clinic they mentioned that acupuncture was really helpful to have during treatment or just generally for TTC. I’d heard this before but don’t like needles so it never appealed to me! However if I’m going to have to inject myself regularly I’m going to have to get used to them, so thought I might give it a go!

Has anyone else had acupuncture whilst TTC? I seem to remember a thread from a few months ago. What does it feel like? Is the relaxation worth the discomfort? How does it actually work?! Where do they put the needles?

I’ll try anything now!

 

[laurat]

Hey, I had accupuncture when I was lttc. I found that I felt more relaxed and I do feel that it helped me through my IUI cycle. I was specifically there for ttc so my pins were put in my tummy/ovary area and ankles and knees and neck. Then I turned round and had them in my back. I had an extra session the day of my IUI and the week after. It was my accupuncturist that pretty much told me that I was pregnant. I believe that it works for some though and not others.

 

[Clairabella]

Hi,
I have been having a acupuncture for about a month. i would definitely recommend the treatment during TTC. My first couple of sessions were before my IVF medication started and the needles were placed in my legs, arms, hands and feet and one in my head. last Sunday she started me on the IVF accupunture protocol this was different as I lay on my tummy and she put the needles on my lower back ( if you can imagine where the ovaries are) she then attached a machine similar to a tens machine this was attached to some of the needles and it sent a slight electrical current around the body this improved the blood flow to the uterus and ovaries.
I do not find it painful and it's very relaxing it almost put you in a meditative mode.
Hope this helps x

 

[Londongirl]

I am going for a first acupuncture appt this Sunday to help with my pcos (no had AF for 9 months) so will let you know what it's like!

 

[Gizzy Kelly]

I really found accupuncture useful and very relaxing. I stopped it because it just got so expensive but overall I would recommend it especially for IVF xx

 

[Blueflower]

Hey, I had accupuncture when I was lttc. I found that I felt more relaxed and I do feel that it helped me through my IUI cycle. I was specifically there for ttc so my pins were put in my tummy/ovary area and ankles and knees and neck. Then I turned round and had them in my back. I had an extra session the day of my IUI and the week after. It was my accupuncturist that pretty much told me that I was pregnant. I believe that it works for some though and not others.

Did the IUI work first time? Do you know if there's a good/bad time of the month to have it before you start treatment?

 

[laurat]

My IUI worked first time yes. Do you mean a good time to have IUI or accupuncture?

In terms of the accupuncture my lady told me when to come for it. It started with weekly for a month then down to less than that. I had no cycle though so I would be different id say! The person you would see would tell you the best idea.

 

[Clairabella]

I went about 4 weeks before starting the treatment
I am having two sessions per week up until EC

 

[Blueflower]

Ok, I will ask the acupuncturist! I just wondered because they don't recommend aromatherapy during the 2WW just in case, but maybe this is different!

 

[Dee28]

I gave decided I'm going to try acupuncture, not my favourite alternative therapy but I know it's the best for fertility issues. Now into 9 months ttc number two with secondary infertility and my age being bandied about so I figure this is something I can take control of, been really bummed by this latest bfn, need to get some positivity back! Xx

 

[Londongirl]

Hi girls,

Just had my first acupuncture session - unfortunately not sure I would say it was a great success. The lady put all these pins in (felt a slight sting as she put each one in but once they were in it was fine) and then put a heat lamp on over my tummy. Then she just wandered off and left me there for half an hour. It was stifling hot in there and I could hardly breathe! Then she came back in and took the needles out and turned me over for a massage. But then she left again and this guy came in to do the massage! I felt really uncomfortable - no-one had told me it would be a man doing the massage and I felt really vulnerable lying there half naked!!

Afterwards she tried to get me to sign up for a course of acupuncture but it was £350!! She also tried to flog me some herbs but I was just not convinced!

Hope others have more positive experiences!

Anna x

 

[Londongirl]

Hi girls,

Just had my first acupuncture session - unfortunately not sure I would say it was a great success. The lady put all these pins in (felt a slight sting as she put each one in but once they were in it was fine) and then put a heat lamp on over my tummy. Then she just wandered off and left me there for half an hour. It was stifling hot in there and I could hardly breathe! Then she came back in and took the needles out and turned me over for a massage. But then she left again and this guy came in to do the massage! I felt really uncomfortable - no-one had told me it would be a man doing the massage and I felt really vulnerable lying there half naked!!

Afterwards she tried to get me to sign up for a course of acupuncture but it was £350!! She also tried to flog me some herbs but I was just not convinced!

Hope others have more positive experiences!

Anna x

 

[Blueflower]

Doesn't sound good.

 

[Sunbeam638]

I had acupuncture and it was focused around treating my endo and ttc as I rarely have periods. The needles were on my ankles hands and tummy. I started it in may 2011 after failing to have any periods and waiting for another specialist appointment and fell pg in June 2011 and I continued the treatment but hand the needles on head instead of tummy area.

I had the heat lamp for 30mins during the session and took dong quai and had an arrange of other herbs! I felt relaxed and glad I gave it ago. I sadly mc'd in the August & the acupuncture therapist closed down around the same time! I was gutted but tbh it's expensive and it's such an unconfirmed area for assisting fertility I could only say it helped put me on a positive frame of mind.

I would do it again but it would have to be with a registered therapist. I would say just avoid taking any herbs if you are taking any fertility drugs but its worth a go good luck x

 

[Sunbeam638]

Ps the needles shouldn't hurt at all. The only time it stung was the month I fell pg & I fell asleep during the session. They might prick more on the way out but nothing to worry over xx

 

[Blueflower]

Do you think its ok to have it between day 15-28 of my cycle or should I avoid it then?

 

[laurat]

It should be fine Id say. As far as I know theres no particular time to not have it. My accupuncturist never made me feel pressured into taking tablets or potions etc and to book any particular deals so always felt that she was genuine. She was a specialist in the practice on fertility too. As someone before has said it really shouldnt be sore either. Xxx

 

[Sunbeam638]

I agree with Laurat a good one shouldn't try and sell you the herbs and I really wouldn't take anything with it anyway. I had it once a week for 8 weeks in total so it didn't matter it was during a cycle. I hope or goes well for you, if you get to the end of your paid sessions and they say you need at least another 12 etc you shouldn't need it xx

 

[Clairabella]

Mine has never mentioned taking any herbs or additional tablets. I had another session last night and I have been thinking about how less stressed I am about IVF and TTC i do think it's the acupuncture.
Cx

 

[Dee28]

I've got my first appointment booked for next Tuesday so will report back, hoping of nothing else it will help me relax xx