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Conception

When's the best time to get pregnant? Use our interactive ovulation calculator to work out when you're most fertile and most likely to conceive.

Original poster

Acupuncture and chinese therapy

31 replies

Dragini · 02/08/2011 13:14

Ladies

Do any of you have any experiences with chinese therapies in the quest for ttc?

I've been ttc #1 for years and years, and had all the usual tests etc - despite my elderly womb (I'm 39) it looks like it's working ok in theory. DH's SA is broadly ok, although I think it might sometimes be a bit too p!ssed to go in the right direction...we haven't ventured down the IVF route as yet.

In an attempt to get a kickstart I've been to a chinese herbalist, who thought my womb was "too cold to make babies" and suggested a 3 month and pretty expensive course of acupuncture and revolting herbal tea. Initially I got all excited and expected something to happen in month 1. I have noticed some changes in my body (AF flow, CM - TMI!) but I'm now 2 months into the course and am driving myself even more loopy with constant ov and symptom spotting. AF got me yesterday, and when the chinese 'dr' asked me how I was (when laid back and waiting for the needles to go in), I admitted that I was sad because AF had arrived and I feel like time is running out. I was so upset with his response - he actually laughed out loud Angry. Now, I know I should ask him what I should expect to happen, but his english isn't exactly great and I think sometimes I come out of those conversations more confused than when I went in.

Can any of you MN'rs offer any help? Do I need to be patient? Is this treatment likely to change my physiology beyond the treatment plan, or is this the last month that I could get pg with the chinese man's help? Am I wasting my time entirely?

Help please!!!!!! Any thoughts would be appreciated

OP posts:
Original poster
Dragini · 02/08/2011 16:38

ciwi - do you fancy joining me as needle buddies too? :-S

OP posts:
Original poster
Dragini · 02/08/2011 16:32

Thanks eurochick. I'd suggest we could be needle buddies - but that sounds awful! How long has your acupuncturist suggested you keep going for?

OP posts:
eurochick · 02/08/2011 16:06

I am having acupuncture with an acupuncturist who specialises in fertiity issues. I think she is very good and has given me some useful advice.

I was initially pretty sceptical about acupuncture but went while I waited for the wheels of the NHS to grind on in order to feel that I was doing something. From the first month, there were noticeable changes - my luteal phase got a day longer and my period was less clotty. My periods have become quite a bit more regular too. I've been going for about 4 cycles now. I'll stick with it for a bit longer. But I don't have a BFP yet.

Original poster
Dragini · 02/08/2011 15:58

Thanks for the input ladies. I think intially I just though "what the hell" and thought the acupuncture (oh and massage, I forgot about that bit) would be a bit of a treat and that I'd feel a bit more like I was in control if I was actually doing something. But then those stupid hopes got up again, the symptoms started again and I've gone all looney tunes again after all!

Of course what I really wanted was a loads of big fat positive stories about bfps within 10 days of treatment ending but that would just be silly, wouldn't it...

OP posts:
nocake · 02/08/2011 14:33

Chinese herbalists aren't regulated or monitored so you have no idea what is in the herbs they are giving you. There have been cases where they have been found to contain toxic herbs and chemicals. If you're ttc I would stay well clear as you want to stay 100% healthy.

As for acupuncture, there is no scientific evidence that it works but if it is a relaxing experience, as described by ciwi, then you will get some benefit from it via the placebo effect. Her suggestion, that you find a better therapist, is a good one.

ciwi · 02/08/2011 14:23

Hi I am no expert but I have been seeing an acupuncturist for a few months now since I miscarried in March. The woman I see is lovely and listens to what is going on in your life as a whole as it can all impact on the treatment they offer and your general wellbeing, she treats me differently depending on how I am at that time. Does your acupuncurist spend time at the beggining of the appointment asking you how you have been emotionally and physically? Personally I think you need to find a better acupuncturist, if he doesnt take your upsets and worries seriously I would honestly look for someone else. Sorry I can't be of more help but I do think acupuncture is helpful but you also need to feel completely comfortable with the person providing the treatment.

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