Reflexology or Acupuncture for regulating periods and fertility?

[IWantToGoToThere]

I am TTC number 2 and after a MMC and ERPC in September, my cycles are long and irregular (I have had 2 screaming 'rivers of gore' type periods after around 40+ days each). When I conceived my first, my cycle was around 31 days. I am now 36 so would like to get on with it.

I have done some research on the interweb which suggests that both acupuncture and reflexology can assist in regulating periods and ensuring increasing chances of pregnancy but I'm not sure which one to go for. Has anyone had either or both and could shed some light? I am currently day 34 or something so will make my first appointment when the red mist descends just in case I am pregnant this time (ha bloody ha).

Can anyone help?

Hello. I'm 35 and TTC#1. I've had 3 sessions of acupuncture so far as my cycle was weirdly irregular (44, 40, 56). I've not been having it long enough to know if it's having an effect but I'm optimistic. I have treatment once a week and I would describe the sensations as 'interesting', not painful but there's a definate 'tingle'.

Apparently I'm hot and dry!

Anyway, I'll let you know how it goes... whereabouts are you based?

I'm just outside of London but will probably look to do it in London first thing in the morning before work (I'm in the city).

Were you told how long it might be before you started seeing any benefit? What does hot and dry mean? (Congratulations, you've just become my 'alternative therapies guru')

I have acu as well. I am 36 and have been ttc#1 since I was 34. My cycles weren't bad to start with but a little irregular (27-33 days or somethng like that) and my luteal phase was a little short (11 days). Acu seems to have regularised everything. I now ovulate between days 14 and 16 and have a LP of around 13 days. Not huge changes but definitely in the right direction.

I've been going for about 9 months now. When I started I told myself I would give it 6 months and then stop, but as it seems to be having a positive effect I have stuck with it.

I work in the City as well and pop over to the London Acupuncture Clinic on Harley St at lunch or the end of the day. It would be nice if it were a little closer but my research about that clinic was positive (most of the practitioners there specialise in fertility issues).

Thanks for the information Euro. That is the clinic I was going to contact actually. Do you go every week? I'm pretty sure my LP is around 14 days as on the last occasion when my CBFM told my I ovulated, I did get my period 2 weeks later. This last cycle though showed highs from about Day 7 through to Day 27 but no peak. Was an exhausting month! Am hoping I did ovluate though as had tummy pain and bloating at around Day 25 which is when I ovulated last cycle. Could be just my body having a good laugh at my expense though.

Well so far it looks like acupuncture might be the way to go. A shame really, as was hoping for a foot rub over needles.

I also started going for acupuncture following a miscarriage last Spring. I'm sure it helped regulate my periods as my ovulation was happening really late in my cycle and he helped bring it back to CD13/CD14 (from CD19). I found it very relaxing and would quite often nod off for a wee nap during my session and it was so good to have somebody who would just listen to me IYSWIM (rather than a rushed 5 min GP appointment!). I went every 10 - 14 days.

I tend to go for two visits per cycle. We have tried different things - two before ov, one before, one after, etc. For the first month I think it is normal for them to ask you to come once a week while they get to know you.

BTW, I have only ever felt "something" once and I have been dozens of times now. Most of the time I just lay there trying unsuccessfully to clear my mind. Occasioanlly I doze off!

I find the talking part of it useful. My acupuncturist is very knowledgable about Western medicine and will always want to look at any blood test results or whatever that I have. Acu is a bit more perfectionist than Western medicine so while a hormone level might be ok, she wil try to get it to an optimum (e.g. Western medicine says that a luteal phase of 10-16 days is "normal"; she tries to get it to 14 days exactly).

Thanks everyone, it looks like I'm going down the acu route. Just decided to ruin my evening by POAS on what I think is 9 or 10 DPO. It came up with 'Are you KIDDING me?'

Will test again on Sunday and if it's still negative I'll make an appointment at the LAC.