Acupuncture for Fertility - any experiences?

[GoldDustWoman90]

Had my first session yesterday and I can't tell what I think of it! Is it supposed to be a relaxing experience, or more clinical?

Husband and I have been trying for #2 for 18 months. I suffered a miscarriage just after Christmas and was recommended acupuncture by some-one who'd had multiple losses but conceived naturally after x3 months of treatment.

I think I had it in my head it would be a sort of relaxing experience. Low lights, calm manner...peace and quiet to just sit back and relax while the needles did their thing.

Instead I was in a very bright fully lit room,
and was talked at almost constantly for the full 30 minutes I was lying there. It was only small talk, but I couldn't tell what the 'relaxing' part was supposed to be. While I didn't feel the needles when they were in, it certainly wasn't comfortable while they were putting them in. And then to be unable to fully relax because of having to constantly nod and smile at them and make small talk....it was just weird.

I don't know. I guess I'm just interested in what other people's experiences are. If it's supposed to be more of a clinical thing and less of a 'day-spa' thing then maybe I just have my wires crossed!

(I should also say no shade to the acupuncturist. They were highly qualified in this field (fertility...) with many recommendations and clearly knew what they were doing. I'm just interested in other people's experiences)

That sounds very different to my experience! I also saw a fertility acupuncturist and after the assessment (which was done at the start of every session) he would explain where the needles would be going and then set them all up, and dim the lights put on some relaxing music and leave the room for the 20-30 minutes they needed to be left there. Whilst I agree the needles being put in isn't relaxing, I always left feeling far more relaxed. Sounds like the place you went works a bit differently! Perhaps if you asked she might be able to make a more relaxing atmosphere?

I had about 3 months of treatment post surgical management of MMC to help get my cycle back on track - sadly couldn't afford to keep doing it, but if I had the spare cash I would! I always slept better after a session too.

I actually had acupuncture Friday for same thing. Didn’t feel relaxed at all, like you said bright room and chatting. Was a bit painful for me but who knows maybe it did something

I’ve been having acupuncture for around 30 years with different practitioners and I’ve never heard of this. It’s usual to leave the needles for around 20 mins while you relax.

I tried this and was a waste of money for me personally. Same as you- didn't find it relaxing at all. Also be careful if they recommend Chinese herbs if doing IVF at the same time as I spent £30 on a weeks worth to be told by the clinic NOT to use them as they can have the opposite effect.

I had it for fertility and didn't rate it at all. I was desperate though so kept returning. Eventually gave up and, after more research tried fertility reflexology. Month one = chemical (my first ever positive test), month 2 = successful pregnancy. I found this much more relaxing.

@moosey89 that's exactly what I envisioned it would be! I'd gladly pay that each week to sit in a nice dimly lit warm room with some relaxing music for 30 minutes 🤭

@CaribbeanCupcake he actually did try! I said I purely because I've just started COQ10 and a bunch of other supplements and didn't want them to interfere. Besides, it was £120 a month which on top of the cost of treatments is just unaffordable.

@alwaysatthebusstop that's really interesting - some-one else has recommended that to me, now wondering if I should investigate that more!

I did it - more clinical than relaxing. Hard to say if this made the difference or not but I have 2 lovely teens now.

I was ttc for 2 years with two losses in that time. I started acupuncture with a fertility specialist and fell pregnant one month later. The needles arent uncomfortable and once they are in, she dims the lights and leaves for 20 to 30 minutes or so, nice soft blanket, gentle music etc... your experience sounds odd. Im 15 weeks now and continued throughout first trimester weekly, and plan to go every 3 weeks in second trimester. Good luck xx

I had my 2nd session this morning. Mine leaves me in the room alone for 30mins, wouldn't say it is relaxing. I was next to reception and the buzzer kept making me jump. Did walk out with a banging headache, not sure if I just needed a glass of water. I am going to keep it up until my next cycle, as I have issues with my lining. He once mentioned herbal and I declined.