I know there have been a bunch of people on here who have done acupuncture to help with fertility. Can you tell me about your experience? Did you find that it helped if you didn't have a specific "issue"? When in your cycle did you do it? What is a typical session like?
-
I did it all through the month (not at a specific point in my cycle). And it didn't end up helping me unfortunately. In fact, i kind of grew to hate it. I hope others have had better experiences!
In terms of a specific session, I got needles inserted mostly in my stomach, legs and feet. Then they were attached to this thing that sent small vibrations through the needles. Then I flipped to my back, and same thing but the needles were in my back.
-
I feel kind of ambivalent about it. When i was goung often it did regulate my cycle but I'm not sure it was worth the money.
-
I went once a week for a couple of weeks for unexplained IF and stress. I stopped because I felt it was messing my cycle up. I was Oing at different times, AF was starting early, etc. I liked it and would consider it for other issues but probably not fertility ones.
-
I went for a while and it was a good experience. I got pregnant the first full month I went (though it ended in m/c). I went weekly.
@hilsy85: If I remember right, you're in Seattle? Let me know if you want the info for the woman I saw, she's awesome.
-
@Mrs.Someone: nope NYC!
Thanks anyway. @LindsayInNY: thanks for sharing!
@hotchildinthecity: @winter_wonder: thanks! did you guys go specifically for fertility help?
-
@hilsy85: yep, for fertility.
-
@hilsy85: yes I went for fertility
-
I swore by it but I had a specific issue (PCOS). It brought back my periods and they became regular and enabled me to get pregnant three times. I had it once a week, every week, and needles in my head, arms, feet, legs and stomach.
-
I have old eggs lol, and it seemed to help. We had 6 months of trying with no success, then the two months I did acupuncture, we got pregnant. Of course I miscarried both but we got a bfp.... It doesn't hurt IMO, it's relaxing. You just lay there with calm music playing. You really should specifically find someone who specializes in fertility acupuncture though.
Eta: I went once a week, and depending on where in my cycle I am, she put the needles in different spots.
-
@hilsy85: I did acupuncture when we were TTC for LO#1. I had been trying for about 10/11 months after going off bc. My cycles were crazy (they just kept getting longer - 45 days, 60, 90... It was bad). I started going to my acupuncture and my cycles immediately dropped down to 35 days. I also had a specific diet plan based on my needs (I am "damp" I think - no dairy, citrus, gluten, coffee, caffeine, sweet potatoes... A few more). I went every other week for about an hour. It was one of the most relaxing things I've ever done. I went for 3 months, but then went on clomid and we got our BFP that cycle. I went one or two times afterwards.
When we started TTC this time, same thing - my cycles were getting longer and longer and it was really frustrating. I don't know what took me so long, but after a year I finally went back to acupuncture and magically my cycles went back to normal. I was already on my 2nd cycle of clomid when I went back. This time I went weekly. I also started taking herbs this time. My stress was through the roof and again acupuncture seems it really help ground me. I plan on going through pregnancy this time and may use it during labor.
Needles don't bother me, and acupuncture needles are really tiny/thin... I barely feel them. I usually have them in my wrists, shins/lower leg, feet, scalp and forehead. Around ovulation they are placed on my stomach. After they are placed she leaves the room, the lights are dimmed, soft music plays, and I meditate. Usually I fall asleep at some point. The actual treatment is about an hour.
For me, I think acupuncture is the only way I could get pregnant. I'm a big believer! I know it's not for everyone, but you should give it a try! Let me know if you have any questions - I'd be happy to answer!!!
-
I'm a huge believe too. I have PCOS and had not had a period in 10 months. I had one acupuncture session (needles in back and legs). That must have stimulated ovulation hen and there because 2 weeks later, unbeknownst to me, I was pregnant.
I plan on doing it this time around about a week before my period. -
It helped me to relax and to ovulate closer to my normal when nursing but I still had to wean on order to get pregnant. Good luck! I'm pulling for you to get a sweet healthy rainbow soon.
-
I went (and still go) and it helped me!
I started going for anxiety following my mc. A few months in, we started talking about TTC again and my doctor began fertility acupuncture.....we got pregnant that month. I'm 11w3d now.
-
I have PCOS and though I have not gotten pregnant yet, it has helped bring back my cycles without the assistance of medication! I was thrilled when I O'd last month on the same day I O when I take Clomid (CD 18)...and this month, I'm O'ing even earlier!
In addition to cycle help, it has helped me sleep better and I think it is helping with reducing stress! I have a lot going on in my life, but I've managed to remain calm (this is not normal for me). In addition, I really REALLY like my acupuncturist. She makes me feel so relaxed and welcomed and important.
I can only afford to go twice a month, so I typically go right before I should O and right before my period is due. If there is a chance I could be pregnant, she'll avoid certain points. I usually have 1-3 needles in my head (depends on if I'm having sinus issues), maybe 2 in my ear, a couple in hands/wrists, sometimes one below my navel, and then several in my legs and feet. I get to lay on a heated table, with a heat lamp over my feet, she turns off the lights, plays meditation music, and I experience both complete relaxation and then total focus and alertness (after she comes and stimulates the needles).
I plan to continue using acupuncture even after I become pregnant as my acupuncturist has explained it can help with viability, especially in women with PCOS. And if she can continue to treat my non-fertility related conditions, it is completely worth it!
Good luck to you!
-
I used acupuncture for a variety of reasons, namely to get off a steroid inhaler and regulate my digestion. As soon as those were sorted, we looked at fertility and I used acupuncture leading up to the birth to "show my child the way out."
My practitioner was great, I think that's what made the difference. Do I think it helped me get pregant? No. But I do think it helped to regulate my cycles and better pinpoint ovulation times.
-
I started acupuncture just before Thanksgiving and had normal cycles prior. I felt like I needed stress relief and was (am) willing to try what I can to get pregnant. She specializes in fertility and I love her!
It has made my day 21 progesterone test increase from 11 prior to acupuncture to now 23-25. I am hopeful that it will bring me my BFP..
-
@NorthStar: thanks for sharing! That's great about your progesterone. When in your cycle do you go?
@ValentineMommy: yay!! That is so great that it helped
@CarrieLouWho: @wheres_c: @sarahnicole218: thanks for sharing ladies! I guess I'm just worried that because I don't have any issues per se, it might actually mess up my cycles (which are fairly regular and I do ovulate, based on temping and OPKs). But I'm so glad to hear it has been positive for you guys!
@looch: ha show the child the way out. I like that
-
@hilsy85: I go once a week (basically whenever it works with my schedule). It has not messed up my cycles at all, from what I can tell. I wasn't good about temping prior, but am still getting positive OPK about the same time each month. I'm also on Letrozole/Femara as prescribed by my OB to supercharge my ovulation, basically.
-
I went as I was and after I MC to help with recovery and balance. It was AMAZING. I think it helped get everything moving again quickly. I have very regular cycles and it didn't change that at all. Also helped easy my cramps.
I went to a popular place in NYC that specializes in IF and such. Let me know if you want the info.
It was also VERY helpful with morning sickness at the beginning of this pregnancy.
-
@MrsH: had great success twice!
-
@maddyz: I would love the name of the person you saw!! Thanks!
-
I went once a week for a long time for my endometriosis even before TTC. I loved it, I had mostly pain free periods but it was expensive! It didn't help us get pregnant naturally( but know people who it did) but I do believe it helped us get pregnant the first try during IVF.
-
Not sure my exact experience would be relevant to you because I did acupuncture in connection with an IVF cycle, but the practice I used was specifically recommended by my RE because they have a focus on fertility issues. It's Lara Rosnenthal acupuncture - they work out of NYU and have a practice on 14th street in Manhattan. I highly recommend anyone there.
-
@Madison43: Thank you! Will check them out
-
@hilsy85: I just got back from my 2nd appointment. I love it: the opportunity to talk to a caring practitioner who asks lots of questions and listens to my unique situation, the amazing relaxation during the treatments, the herbal and dietary advice, and the feeling that I'm doing something positive for myself.
I don't have any specific issues but she asked me a lot about my cycle and the treatments help regulate my ovulation, encourage implantation and a longer LP. Cost is high but insurance should help some. I will go once a week and keep at it for 3 months if needed then reassess.
Go for it and keep us updated!
-
@hilsy85 bumping this thread because I wanted to warn you about how the first set of treatments can affect your cycle and not to be alarmed... basically the treatment and herbs help your cycle hit "reset", cleaning out old stagnant blood and restarting with new fresh healthy blood. That means that your first cycle after the treatment can be wonky. For me, it meant getting my period 6 days early. I freaked out that my LP was abysmally short, but my acupuncturist, my friend who practices a few states away, and google assured me that this is just my cycle's way of resetting itself and starting fresh. So it's actually a good thing, means it's working. Just wanted to warn you in case you go through with the treatments and you experience something similar!
-
Maybe my experience was colored by my perception of my acupuncturist. I'm pretty sure he was a quack, though I'm sure there are REAL, legit acupuncturists out there. My Korean mom and all of her Korean friends go to him and swear by him, but I wasn't buying it. For my mom's sake, I said I'd give it a try. He put needles in my belly, legs and feet and had me lie there for about 30-45 min, once a week. That was it.
Anyway, I went to him for a few months, and absolutely nothing changed. Then I saw an RE.
-
@YogiRunner: thank you for your input! I didn't end up making an appt anywhere yet, but it's still on the table if TTC isn't successful in the next few months.
-
I used it and thought it worked! Wrote a blog post on it: http://www.hellobee.com/2012/05/17/acupuncture-my-experience/
Thanks anyway. 
Anyway, I went to him for a few months, and absolutely nothing changed. Then I saw an RE.
Reply
Subscribe to our newsletter
- Google Plus
- Stumbleupon
- Twitter
- Facebook
- Pinterest
- Favorite0
29 comments