To not do acupuncture?

[AnnaSteen]

Did one round of IVF and acupuncture with it (BFN). Didn’t enjoy it or find it relaxing. Rushing to and from the appointments and feeling pain when needles went in /afraid to move in case I jolted them. Tried to find a new acupuncturist so went to one highly recommended and same pain / rushing for appointments as none of these people seem to work after 5.30 and I work full time!! WIBU to not bother with acupuncture for next round? I could go to the spa for a massage and use the pool every weekend for the same money and do it on the weekend so no rushing - but I’m terrified I will be giving up something that might help the IVF work!

OP don’t put yourself through it if you are not feeling the benefit. IVF is horrendous enough without the added pressure. As someone who enjoys acupuncture I honestly don’t think it’s going to make a blind bit of difference for you getting pregnant as it’s not relaxing for you. I am also going through ivf so can understand how utter shit it it. You have to be selfish and only do what is right for you and your body and screw everyone else’s opinions. The only bit of ivf I’m having is before and after transfer if we make it that far. Honestly knock it on the head and find something else you enjoy! X

You are me a few years ago- I would have tried anything. Hated acupuncture but carried on for a while despite exactly all of the same probs you have encountered. Eventually realised as I was sprinting along the road to make my post- transfer appt that it prob wasn't the best thing to be doing. The cycle that worked for me was a FET where is had been nowhere near an acupuncturist. It didn't work for me and I don't think there's any evidence that it does. It's yet another way to exploit people in a desperate situation.

I think the science says that it works for pain due to diversion of nerve signals but that there is no evidence for the multitude of other things that it claims to do.

The science doesn’t say it works for pain.

It’s a very interesting debate (and a hijack of original OP, sorry )

As an NHS service if NICE come out conclusively against acupuncture for chronic pain we will be stopping using it in our clinic... however, chronic pain is a tricky customer to deal with and there is no denying that (for whatever reason) acupuncture has got some real success stories! I have no vested interest in any particular treatment, I am not paid any differently if I provide acupuncture than if I provide more ‘traditional’ physio input and I am about the least ‘woo’ person on the planet. My only interest is treating chronic pain and as a HUGE part of chronic pain is the sufferers perception, belief and coping strategies then a variety of options may need to be considered

As I’ve said, In the case of the OP, I would definitely forget the acupuncture and have a nice massage or whatever she feels would be most relaxing and beneficial

Thanks everyone. Feeling a lot happier on reading these responses and going to give it a skip for this round and focus on eating healthier and exploring more supplements that might help.

I took pregnacare conception in my cycle that worked, as well as high dose vitamin d for a few weeks before. I am not of course stating that this is what did it, but in my earlier cycles I'd spent a fortune on Zita West supplements etc. My point is that no need to spend a load of money- these companies prey on people's desperation.