Getting Pregnant
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Talk to me about acupuncture

I know a few ladies here have done it... and to be honest, just the idea really freaks me out.  BUT, if it would help us get pregnant, I guess I would be willing to give it a go?  How long did your sessions last?  How long do the needles stay in for?  Was it once a week, less, more?  Anything you can tell me would be great!
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Anniversary
08/13: Started TTC  - 07/14: PCOS dx
BFP 09/18/15 - Baby S 05/27/16

Re: Talk to me about acupuncture

  • I had non-existent cycles and then went on Metformin and had really long inconsistent cycles.  I started acu in Dec 2013 or Jan 2014...I can't remember exactly when.  Their recommendation was to go twice a week, but I could only afford once a week since I have no insurance coverage.  Each appt lasted about 30 min.  I had to chart my cycles on a paper chart and she would look at that.  Then look at my tongue and take my pulse rate.  The needles really didn't hurt.  A couple of spots (especially the feet) would be a little tender, but really not bad at all.

    The first couple of times I couldn't relax very well, but the more I went, the more I was able to relax.  My cycles started showing improvement almost immediately and became much shorter and much more regular.  I did take the herbs too for a little while, but saw a lot of improvement just doing the acu once a week.  If you go though, I would look for one who specializes in fertility stuff.
    Anniversary 
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
    ~TTC Buddies with akcrrr and amandaf6383~
    ~Knottie/Nestie Besties with *ecinereb* - Congratulations!~
    TTC since June 2011 dx: PCOS
    Clomid+IUI: Cancelled b/c didn't respond (June 2012)
    Femara+Trigger+IUI #1: BFN :-( (July 2013)
    Natural Cycle (8/7/13)- BFP!  Beta #1 (9/10/13): 509 Progesterone: 18.64  Beta #2 (9/12/13): 1118
    Baby N born 5/9/14
  • I went weekly for about a year. I now go every other week. I already ovulated in my own with "normal" cycles.

    The first appointment was about 1 1/2 - 2 hrs. We talked about my cycles, diet, and TTC. Then we did a double treatment (front and back). After that, each session is about an hour. We talk about how I'm feeling and what's new. Then she does a treatment. Needles are usually in for about 30-40 minutes. I've also done electro acupuncture and moxa.

    Overall I love it. It's improved my digestive system, immune system, and I believe egg quality.

    Originally I was paying $85 per session. My current insurance covers it and I just pay a $15 copay.





    dx:  Unexplained IF (mild MFI)

     TTC since May 2011, 1 year trying, and then 3 TI, 2 IUI = BFN

    IVF #1 (May 2013):  Antagonist Protocol: 
    24R, 18M, 15F w/ICSI; 5dt of 2 early blasts, no frosties = BFN
    IVF #2 (August 2013):  Lupron Stop Protocol: 
    28R, 23M, 15F w/ICSI; 5dt of 1 partially hatched blast, 7 frosties = BFP
    EDD 5/23/14, blighted ovum (6w6d), D&C (8w6d)
    FET #1 (April 2014):  transferred 2 5d blasts = BFP

    C.J. born 01/09/15

    imageimage
  • I've only done it once (so far) but DH does it every 2 weeks, obviously not for IF though lol.. He does it for MS. I'd like to do it more once we get in a better position financially. (we love this doc but sadly he's not on our insurance so it's $75 a pop)

    Anyway, the one time I did it, it was totally fine. I was really freaked out and nervous but I barely felt the needles for the most part. He put them in and they stayed in for like 30-45 minutes I believe. The only bad thing was that this acupuncturist decided to "push my limits" and put one in the heart meridian on my arm. Literally, within seconds of the needle going in, I felt like I was about to pass out. It was weird. He took it out right away and I was fine though. The most painful (and by painful, I mean not really painful at ALL) was when we were done and he did bloodletting on my ear. It was no biggie at all, but I wasn't expecting that lol. I know this doesn't really help since I haven't done it for IF, but I figured I'd tell you how my first experience was anyway!

    Oh, just make sure you pee beforehand. Trust me.

     

     


    Obviously my experience is minimal and I can't speak to any fertility stuff since I've only been once so far, but I figured I'd at least talk about the experience I did have :)

    In Christ alone my hope is found. He is my LIGHT, my STRENGTH, and my SONG!


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    T-TTC since Dec 2008. PCOS/nonexistant cycles(anovulation) and endo. HSG in '10 revealed both tubes blocked. Lap surgery in Dec '10 to correct. Failed Clomid/IUI and injectable(Bravelle)/IUI cycles so far.  


    image

  • I started going because I had mid cycle spotting that would happen for various amounts of days anytime between DPO3-14. My cycles varied between 28-34 days.
    My acu started me at twice a week for 2 weeks and then after I O'd she put me down to once a week.
    I also had her help with some digestive issues as well but in total I probably had anywhere from 5-9 needles from my ankles to my head.
    Ankles and calves are hormonal spots and so are some in your belly. The belly I never felt, ankle and calve I would some times but she would "loosen" the needle if it bothered me. Once the needle was in I didn't feel a thing.

    I had no issue relaxing to the music and just breathing. If you have an issue with relaxing there are special points they can target for that and those will RELAX the crap out of you!

    Each session was about 30 minutes a session cost $50/session.

    All in all after 1 month, I had no mid cycle spotting, except for the day before AF and AF arrived on day 28 with no cramping, head aches or bloating. Also no spotting after AF either!
    Month 2 - I only went once a week since she pretty much stopped the spotting and AF symptoms. By the end of month 2, I was pregnant.

    imageMags's book recommendations, liked quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists (read shelf)
     
    TTC 19 months ~Started RE in March 2014~
    DH was not ready for IUI so we waited
    ~Started acupuncture in  May 2014~

    ~~
    BFP 7/6/14~~~EDD 3/14/15~~It's a girl!!~~
  • I also wanted to add that if you're doing medicated cycles, working on liver and kidneys was great to help process all of the meds which helped keep many side effects to a minimum.





    dx:  Unexplained IF (mild MFI)

     TTC since May 2011, 1 year trying, and then 3 TI, 2 IUI = BFN

    IVF #1 (May 2013):  Antagonist Protocol: 
    24R, 18M, 15F w/ICSI; 5dt of 2 early blasts, no frosties = BFN
    IVF #2 (August 2013):  Lupron Stop Protocol: 
    28R, 23M, 15F w/ICSI; 5dt of 1 partially hatched blast, 7 frosties = BFP
    EDD 5/23/14, blighted ovum (6w6d), D&C (8w6d)
    FET #1 (April 2014):  transferred 2 5d blasts = BFP

    C.J. born 01/09/15

    imageimage
  • I'll be the Debbie Downer...I went for 2 visits each week before and while doing our IVF cycles. I can't say it did much other than give me an excuse to take an hour long nap that cost me $55. The needles only hurt on certain parts (the inner side of my foot). I attribute my increase in egg quantity for ER#2 to the change in protocol and not acupuncture. It may have affected the quality, but it's hard to be sure.
    TTC #1 since Feb. '12. dx: "unexplained" IF
    After 2 shitty IVF cycles and 1 loss at 6+2 (EDD 11/7/14), DH and I are pursuing DIA.
    11/17/2014 - ACTIVE AND WAITING!
    image
    Pregnancy was never the end goal; being a mom was.
    I've been holding out on GP: I got drunk once and started a blog: Here it is (11/7 update)
    3T<3

  • Thanks for the input, ladies.  I know they have someone through the RE clinic that's in my city, so that's where I would probably end up.  I may end up giving it a go if it's covered through insurance, but I'll have some time to think about it.
    image
    Anniversary
    08/13: Started TTC  - 07/14: PCOS dx
    BFP 09/18/15 - Baby S 05/27/16
  • PR/BR......

    I have a similar experience to sparkling diamond. However on the advice of my acu I also made some significant changes to my diet and added a lot of vitamins and supplements including Chinese herbs. I don't think that the acu itself has a large impact but I believe that for some people it can help bigger picture issues when used as part of a treatment plan and have no doubt that without my acu I wouldn't have gotten pregnant naturally or have my baby here today.
    image

    TTC since August 2011
    Cycle 8,9,10 - 50mg Clomid - BFN
    Cycle 11, 100 mg Clomid & IUI#1- BFP 2/23/13 - m/c 4/2/13 @ 9w2d
    Cycle 13, 100 mg Clomid & IUI#2 - BFP 6/27/13 - CP
    Met with an awesome new RE in September 2013 new plan: 5mg Femera & IUI #3
    Surprise Natural BFP 9/9/13 - Welcomed our baby boy 5/25/14

    TTC Buddies with *noelcallum* - Congratulations!
    Knottie Besties with *SparklingDiamond* - Congratulations!
  • I did it before my IVF cycle. Who knows if it helped or not but I liked it.

    imageimageimage
    Lilypie First Birthday tickers
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