[EJT]

My husband and I are about to embark on our first round of IVF and wanted some advice on IVF and acupuncture/chinese herbs. We recently visited a clinic who advised us not to have acupuncture while going through IVF as they do not want this to interfere with what the drugs are trying to do. I am confused as I have read that acupuncture/chinese herbs can help with IVF. Thought it would be a good thing for keeping stress levels down.

I have been having acupuncture for 9 months now and really would not want to stop as I find it really works for me from a relaxation point of view/PMS symptoms etc. My specific acupuncture treatment has been focusing on balancing hormones and strengthening blood flow, as are the chinese herbs I am taking. Any advice.

Thanks

 

[alexine]

I did acupuncture and mediation regularly through my tx and I really believe it helped me. Dr. Gaudoin at the GCRM had mentioned that there is some correlation between acu and success in IVF.
Good luck to you!
xxA

 

[EJT]

Hi

Thank you for the reply. Were there specific times you went or did you get treated throughout?

I guess with one trying to balance and one trying to stop everything concerned it might have  negative impact.

 

[alexine]

Hi there EJT,
I went weekly for the two months leading up to EC and had another session immediately after ET. Then went sporadically after that when I needed to. I hope this helps...I didn't do any Chinese herbs so can't really offer any insight there. I did eat brazil nuts daily as that is supposed to help with your lining.....
Good luck to you! 
xxA

 

[joannajoanna]

I've used acupuncture, specifically in the week or so before ET, and both before and after ET on the day, and would do again. It seems to be well established as a complement to IVF, even though I understand the jury is out on whether it actually helps (I believe that women having acupuncture are more likely to get a BFP, but it's not clear whether it's causal, or whether women having acu might also be taking more exercise or eating better, for example - something different). But I've been using it for other things for a number of years and know it has good effects on me for relaxation etc. Personally I'd be more cautious about herbs, as I'd think there's more possibility of a clash with the drugs, or at least unknown/untested side-effects, or additional stress on your liver etc. I think I'd want to tell my clinic about herbs I was taking in case there are known problems. But I don't know anything about them, and you may be able to find research on it.


Good luck!

 

[maggiemary1]

Hi EJT

I used acupunture for my last cycle and i found it very helpful through out the whole process i only had it once a month . But am about to start my short cycle and have booked acupunture for each week in jan as they say that just before EC you should have a session and when you your ET have another session . I have't used any chinese herbs, but it is relaxing and enjoyable.

mmx

 

[Kernow11]

Hi EJT,

I have been having acupuncture for 10 months now.  My clinic believe it is beneficial even though there is no proof.    I had acupuncture 2 days before EC, day before ET and 4 hours after ET.  Unfortunately tx wasn't successful but I intend to carry on for as long as it takes as I find it very relaxing.

Hope that helps.

Kernow 11