IVF & Acupuncture - is it worth doing?

[AnnaSteen]

I’d really appreciate any views on acupuncture during/ before IVF. I did it for my last cycle and had a BFN. It was hard to get to the appointments as the guy only worked during working hours! So I had to dash over (30min drive) in my work from home day then rush back and worry in the meantime if anyone in work had been looking for me. I found another lady in town (30min walk each way) and went to her today at lunch. She was late and I was stressed about getting to work and for other appointments she can only done random time like 3pm or 10am and doesn’t have any appointment for a month. It’s so hard to juggle this and work but I don’t want to not do something that will help. I’m now trying to find someone for a Saturday so the work stress is removed from the equation - but do you guys think it’s worth it?

[Pinktruffle]

I'm doing it though I'm not at the stage of IVF, just bog standard infertility and age to battle against at the moment.

I'm using a women who works in conjunction with my local womens hospital (she actually works from the hospital once a week with IVF patients through the NHS). I pay privately and see her in her clinic. I can't afford once a week as she recommends but she said I need to go at least once a fortnight for it to be effective which I can manage and she is open on a Saturday so I have no clashes with work. I've got treatment number 4 on Monday - too early to see a difference she said so I can't comment on the effectiveness yet. However, if its stressing you out, it may be counterproductive? What area are you in? Could your clinic recommend someone for you?

[Teddybear45]

It is only of benefit if you find it relaxing and you start 3-6 months before your egg collection (and also have a session beforehand on the day of the transfer). That wouldn’t have worked for me in a stress free way so I didn’t opt for it.

[itwasalovelydreamwhileitlasted]

I didn't do it for my failed ivf cycle but did have a session the following month and got a naturally conceived BFP! - ended in miscarriage but it's the first BFP have had in over a year so will continue to have it for next ivf cycle x

[Zest11]

Hey,
I had it after we had been ttc just over a year and got a bfp 3 months later however it resulted in a cp. I carried on for 3 months after (every 2 weeks) and nothing more. I am starting IVF this month but will not bother with acupuncture first time. It was really expensive and I felt demoralised a few months after the cp when I didn't get another. Saying that it's the only BFP I have had and the person I saw had a lot of IVF clients.