ACCUPUNCTURE ANYONE?
Printed From: OHbaby!
Category: Support
Forum Name: Coping with infertility
Forum Description: Have you been trying to conceive unsuccessfully? Dealing with primary or secondary infertility? Get support, advice, and help coping here.
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=38018
Printed Date: 28 April 2024 at 3:36pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: ACCUPUNCTURE ANYONE?
Posted By: mtjt
Subject: ACCUPUNCTURE ANYONE?
Date Posted: 15 February 2011 at 9:47am
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Hi girls
Am looking for some info and suggestions here. Something DH and I have NOT tried yet, and as we are desperate we will try almost anything to get our BFP! We had a brief consult with a local accupuncturist who apparently specialises in fertility and sne recommends both DH and I have treatments. Any stories, ideas and comments and most of all sucesses which you think Accupuncture helped!! are all most welcome!  ------------- TTC 5 years Me 39 & DH 47 (antibodies and DNA frag issue) 1st/2nd/3rd ivf/icsi - Jan,Sept, Dec 09 4th ivf/icsi - May 10 bfn 5th ivf/icsi/tesa Dec 10 6th ivf/icsi/tesa. June 11 |
Replies:
Posted By: SunshineWife
Date Posted: 15 February 2011 at 3:11pm
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Hi mtjt,
My hubby and I have both started acupuncture recently. DH has low sperm count so we are on our way to IVF. We go to Vitalis on the North Shore who recommends 2-3 months worth of sessions for husband before the IVF and at least 8 sessions for me. Even if this doesn't result in natural pregnancy I am hoping it will improve DH's sperm so we might not have to do ICSI, and hopefully balance and de-stress me as much as possible. I've heard lots of possible stories so thought we'd give this a go. But it's a bit early to report any improvements. I'd be interested to hear what other girls have to say about this! |
Posted By: Crakleys
Date Posted: 15 February 2011 at 6:01pm
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Hi mtjt, which acu did you see?
I have been getting it for about 15 months, and love it - although still no baby so who knows! It definitely helps me feel better about everything though so it's worth it form that perspective. :) ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Poppy1
Date Posted: 15 February 2011 at 7:51pm
| I am interested to know the same thing mtjt. I did acupuncture, got a BFP but miscarried. I wonder if there is any point in doing it again next time? Would love to hear from those who had succesful pregnancies whether they did it or not. |
Posted By: fozziebear
Date Posted: 16 February 2011 at 7:32am
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Hi guys,
I too would be interested in what people have to say. When DH and I started our first round we looked into this and even went to one session. The guy who did the acupuncture creeped both of us out and we never went back. The first transfer was a BFN however the second FET, still with no acupuncture was a BFP however we MC at 6 weeks. Like you Poppy I would love to hear what people's thoughts are on acupuncture. |
Posted By: JaneW
Date Posted: 16 February 2011 at 8:53am
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http://vitalis.co.nz/ivf.html - vitalis IVF acupuncture
Found this on the Vitalis website-check out the graph! And there's plenty more stats and info if you google acupuncture&IVF! Nothing has a 100% success rate but I definitely think that there's enough success stories out there, and studies on acupuncture&IVF to make it something worth trying...as Roella said-one thing it definitely does is relax you and put you in a good frame of mind so for that reason alone, it has been well worth it for me. Fozziebear, that's no good you had someone who creeped you out!It's worth finding someone who specialises in fertility/womens health as I would imagine there are a few dodgy ones out there like in any profession. ------------- Me 28, DH 30 ttc #1 Feb 2009 MFI ICSI December 2010 FET April...BFP!! Baby girl due 3rd Jan 2012 |
Posted By: mtjt
Date Posted: 16 February 2011 at 6:02pm
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Hello again
Thanks heaps to you all for your comments so far. JaneW - excellent reading!! Well the stats speak for themselves huh..you are right, nothing is guaranteed but i think if theirs a chance of improvement then you have to try... I had my first ever session today and the accupuncturist was lovely. The needles didnt hurt one bit!! - hey but im so a needle expert now any way - ha ha. I felt quite relaxed and a little bit spacey afterwards.. i spose it did something?? Im going to incorporate some sessions along with vits/supplements etc during the next few months before our next attempt. DH is going to have some sessions too! Im sure it cant hurt and also may relieve some stress and tension which im sure we all have during this very emotional time.. I hope to hear some more good reports about Acupuncture!! ------------- TTC 5 years Me 39 & DH 47 (antibodies and DNA frag issue) 1st/2nd/3rd ivf/icsi - Jan,Sept, Dec 09 4th ivf/icsi - May 10 bfn 5th ivf/icsi/tesa Dec 10 6th ivf/icsi/tesa. June 11 |
Posted By: Tiff8ny
Date Posted: 21 February 2011 at 7:49am
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Hey mtjt, I am seeing an acupuncturist at the moment in conjunction with my IVF, this will be my third week and I start the injections for IVF on the 1st March. I have heard a few success stories with IVF and acupuncture so I thought I would give it a go. Anything is worth a go right now. we did the whole naturopath thing but didnt conceive naturally, but Im all for giving anything a go that might make our chances slightly higher. I think if it doesnt help us conceive with IVF I think it will be good for my mind and help me de-stress from the whole IVF process. The first two times I too have come out feeling so relaxed & spaced out, so I guess its doin something.
I guess I will find out towards the end of March if it is sucessful or not...... All the best to you x ------------- Me 32, DH 30 TTC 4+ years Unexplained Infertility IVF#1 - Chem Pregnancy,no frosties IVF#2 - BFP!!!! Plus 1 frostie 
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Posted By: trouble06
Date Posted: 21 February 2011 at 8:23pm
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I we havent done this but considering seeing a natropath who specialises in fertility to see if it makes any difference to the count. I have heard good things about acupuncture but good always to have an open mind to see if it works etc. Best of luck. ------------- Me 35 DH 40 IVF ISCI Nov BFN FET Jan 2011 Chem FET April 2011 M/C 7 weeks |
Posted By: SunshineWife
Date Posted: 28 February 2011 at 8:57am
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Girls that are doing acupuncture, how long have you been doing it and are you actually noticing any results?
I've only had three sessions so far but will continue through the next month as we are doing IVF and so I want to do everything to help it. I haven't noticed too much difference in how I feel though... After the second session I slept really well all week...before that always had trouble falling asleep. So I guess that's a positive! But the other two sessions not sure.... And when I ask my acupuncturist if he is noticing any differences in my pulse/tongue or any other tests he does he says it's too early.... and he doesn't talk much at all..just sort of puts the needles in and leaves... I have heard lots of good feedback about him though, so am wanting to stick with it. Just wondering if anyone had really good experience with it though, does your Dr talk you through what they are doing and what's happening to your body; are you noticisng the differences? Baby dust to all x |
Posted By: tropics
Date Posted: 07 March 2011 at 1:30pm
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I had acupuncture with vitialis (the link above) as I have pcos and my cycles use to be 47-50 days apart, I had acupuncutre for two cycles and the second cycle was 35 days apart which was a major change and I got my bfp with my ds that cycle, I continued having acupuncture throughout my first pregnancy ------------- http://lilypie.com">    [/url]
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Posted By: SunshineWife
Date Posted: 07 March 2011 at 5:29pm
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Thanks Kye, I am currently going to Vitalis too and so is my DH. Great to hear from people who have had actual positive outcomes, makes me believe in it so much more!
DH is having another sperm test this Friday, last one was before he started acupuncture and he has had 6 sessions so far so will be interesting to serif it's made any difference yet. I myself am not feeling any different to be honest apart from being quite relaxed after the session... Were you tic for quite a while before starting acupuncture and getting a BFP for your little boy? |
Posted By: SunshineWife
Date Posted: 07 March 2011 at 5:32pm
| Tiff8ny, can I ask which acupuncturist you go to? Is it vitalis also? |
Posted By: Tiff8ny
Date Posted: 07 March 2011 at 6:29pm
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Hi sunshinewife, I go to Naissance in Albany. They are in the Fertility Associates suites on the Shore in the Apollo Centre. I see Mary Redford. Shes really lovely! Im a bit like you - unsure if its doing anything yet but I do feel nice and relaxed when I come out, I guess I will see if I get my BFP through IVF at the beginning of April! ------------- Me 32, DH 30 TTC 4+ years Unexplained Infertility IVF#1 - Chem Pregnancy,no frosties IVF#2 - BFP!!!! Plus 1 frostie
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Posted By: SunshineWife
Date Posted: 07 March 2011 at 6:45pm
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Hey Tiff8ny, can I ask how much they charge for a session over at Naissance? And does she tell you much about the process, why she is putting needles where she does, whether it' differs according to the day of your cycle etc? Vitalis doesn't talk much, you really have to prod and ask lots of questions to get anything out of him. Just wonder what your experience is like. Thanks!
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Posted By: Tiff8ny
Date Posted: 07 March 2011 at 7:39pm
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Hey ya.they charge $90 for initial consultation,then it's $70 each time for a 45min-1hour session.I haven't asked her why she puts needles in certain places but I'm sure if I asked she would tell me as she's lovely.It does seem like a weird thing and you wonder if it really works but I have heard some good ivf results done with acupuncture. ------------- Me 32, DH 30 TTC 4+ years Unexplained Infertility IVF#1 - Chem Pregnancy,no frosties IVF#2 - BFP!!!! Plus 1 frostie
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Posted By: tropics
Date Posted: 08 March 2011 at 2:03pm
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sunshine wife I ttc a year before I got my bfp with my ds but I did have a missed mc before that during that year, I noticed such a difference with my cycles from vitalis they had been 47-50 days apart for that entire year and my second cycle would have been 35 days but got my bfp, he doesnt seem to talk much, but seems to know what hes doing, I live 1 hour north of Auckland and traveled every week to see him and twice a week when was ovulating, all the best for your ttc journey hope you get your bfp soon hun! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> [/url]
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Posted By: jin
Date Posted: 09 March 2011 at 10:52am
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hi everyone
I had IVf and accupunture and it was very successful- first time and the quality of the embryos - two friends both had failed attempts of ivf the first time and the second time used accupunture and were successful - so a sample size of only 3 but 100% Im in chch and can recommnend a fabulous woman who knows her stuff - susy tapper in ferrymead |
Posted By: wispy_willow
Date Posted: 18 March 2011 at 5:13pm
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Hello there! Joining in a bit late, but here's my 2 cents worth which might be of use to people. I wish I'd thought of researching acupuncture before, but basically I had my egg replacement on Wednesday, came home and googled "how to improve chances of implantation", and many websites recommended acupuncture. Apparently there's more benefits if you start doing weekly sessions about 3 months before treatment starts, but I also read that if you have acupuncture within 24hrs of the egg replacement it can increase chances of pregnancy by 65%! Of course, scientifically it's too hard to say whether the success rate is due to the acupuncture or some other factor, but it can't hurt. And of course, as soon as I read this I was on the phone trying to find someone to see me within 24hrs.
Apparently Dr Vitalis is well known and good, but expensive, and I spoke to 2 lovely ladies instead. The first was Dawn Lucia, and although she couldn't see me the next day, unlike Dr Vitalis she agreed that it would be best to find someone who could see me within 24hrs and she recommended another lady (bonus points for her honesty and for recommending someone else - to me that says that she knows what she's doing). The woman I did end up seeing was Angelique Kingsley-Smith, and she was very nice, took a proper history (presumably they all do this, but she said she used to be a nurse, and when I said I had a low ovarian reserve, she wrote down "low AMH" which straight away told me she knew about IVF and ferility problems), and also talked me through everything she was doing and what each needle was meant to be stimulating. Now I'm in that awful 2 week wait to see whether it has worked or not, and I know I'm going to end up taking a pregnancy test before I do my 2 week blood test, if only to prepare me for the worst! |
Posted By: SunshineWife
Date Posted: 18 March 2011 at 7:22pm
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Aww Willow, all the best, fx you get the best news soon!!
Thank you for sharing your experience hun! Can I ask where Angelique is based and how much she is charging? Did you do IVF or ICSI? Let us know your result when you find out, I get so inspired by the positive stories here on the forum! ------------- Me 27, DH 25 (MFI) IVF + ICSI March '11 BFN and no frosties |
Posted By: wispy_willow
Date Posted: 18 March 2011 at 8:12pm
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Thanks, same to you!
She's in Kingsland http://www.acupuncturehealth.co.nz/ and it's not exactly the flashest location, but was clean and professional, run out of a sleepout at the back of their house. It cost $80 for the hour long session, and she she'd she'd do $60 (or maybe $65?) for regular sessions. We had to do ICSI. Where are you at in the treatment? |
Posted By: SunshineWife
Date Posted: 18 March 2011 at 9:03pm
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Oh I see, Vitalis doesn't sound too expensive compared to that then....paid $74 for the first session (an hour) and $66 for the follow up ones. He is going to come to the fertility clinic with us on the day of the transfer and do a session before and straight after the transfer.
I have just had my very first injection today, so the process has started! First BT is on Tuesday and scan on Friday. I have also started doing yoga just a week or so ago, and am listening to circle and bloom relaxation/visualisation CDs for IVF. And am hoping with all my heart that this will work! ------------- Me 27, DH 25 (MFI) IVF + ICSI March '11 BFN and no frosties |
Posted By: wispy_willow
Date Posted: 18 March 2011 at 10:09pm
| Oh wow, I feel slightly ripped off now! But at least she could see me at short notice. When I first phoned Vitalis he said he didn't have any appointments because he was going to FA for someones transfer, at which point I was pulling my hair out, asking why FA hadn't even suggested that as a possibility to me! I'm sure they just don't want to promote someone else who will make money from it, but still! Before and after sessions on the day of transfer are apparently meant to be the most effective. Good luck!!!! |
Posted By: SunshineWife
Date Posted: 18 March 2011 at 10:20pm
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Yeah I don't think FAs suggest it, and apparently some don;t even like it when you do acupuncture during the treatment cycle either! But we are in Repromed and our FS was very happy for us to continue doing acupuncture, apparently Vitalis quite often comes to their clinic for transfers.
Main thing that you managed to get in for an appointment so quickly, all you can do now is relax and let your body do the rest. Vitalis gives his clients an acupuncture book to read (The Infertility Cute) and in the IVF chapter it says that after the transfer you just need to try and relax as much as possible, visualise holding your sleeping child in your arms, let the body be soft and calm, don't stress about anything....that's the best you can do for yourself and your embaby in the next two weeks. Good luck, i'll be looking forward to hearing from you in a few weeks =) x ------------- Me 27, DH 25 (MFI) IVF + ICSI March '11 BFN and no frosties |
Posted By: trouble06
Date Posted: 18 March 2011 at 11:19pm
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Mmm interesting about acupuncture. I know after the ET I have always tried to take it easy particualrly on the sat when I have had them.
This time I may be doing it thursday/friday so might look to take 1-2 days off. I have heaps and heaps of sick leave so might use some of that off. From what I have read the first 2-5 days are most important and by then the embie will have settled in or not. ------------- Me 35 DH 40 IVF ISCI Nov BFN FET Jan 2011 Chem FET April 2011 M/C 7 weeks |
Posted By: ooligator
Date Posted: 13 April 2011 at 5:11pm
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A bit late in this thread, but when we were TTC#1, we'd been trying for 3.5 years, on the waiting list for IVF in the UK, and on the advice of a colleague, tried acupuncture. The issue was with me not DH. I had 3 months of acupuncture (sessions every 2 weeks) and herbs daily, and I got my first BFP. Sadly that ended in early m/c.
Then 1.5 years later after moving back to NZ, I tried acupuncture again, and after 2 months (acu sessions every 2 weeks and daily herbs) I got a BFP. That's my 2 year old DD. So now we're TTC#2, have been since Nov 09, and have been using acu/herbs since July 2010. Not working so fast this time, but have seen major improvements in my cycle. It can't hurt, it can only help, and if you are doing medically stimulated cycles, it's a great way to give it that extra boost. |
Posted By: trouble06
Date Posted: 13 April 2011 at 8:37pm
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Hi there
I am currently undergoing acpuncture in aussie. I am really enjoying it. the clinic specialises in IVF and infertility so the person seems very knowledgable. I think give it a go. ------------- Me 35 DH 40 IVF ISCI Nov BFN FET Jan 2011 Chem FET April 2011 M/C 7 weeks |
Posted By: SunshineWife
Date Posted: 29 April 2011 at 11:26am
Hey ladies, has anyone had an acupuncturist come with them to the clinic on the day of ET? I am particularly interested in Auck acu. Last time Vitalis came with us to the clinic, did a session before and straight after the ET, but he charges $390 for that  I guess he has to cover his travel expenses + missed appts that he could have had in that time, so understandable. But I'm wondering if there is somebody more local (Remuera/Newmarket) that would come to the clinic and not charge as much? Thought id find out early and maybe go see that person a few times before the ET so I get used to them...but at the same time go to Vitalis for 8-9 weeks before the cycle, so combine the two?
Let me know please if anyone has prices/ideas =) ------------- Me 27, DH 25 (MFI) IVF + ICSI March '11 BFN and no frosties |
Posted By: Tiff8ny
Date Posted: 29 April 2011 at 11:41am
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Hey sunshinewife, I used Naissance (who run alongside the FA Albany clinic). Mary Redford was who I used and she came to FA for my ET. They charge $250 for this. I found her so lovely! There is also Margeret Morris who works with her too.
Here is their website so you can have a looksie http://www.naissance.co.nz/ivf_support.htm ------------- Me 32, DH 30 TTC 4+ years Unexplained Infertility IVF#1 - Chem Pregnancy,no frosties IVF#2 - BFP!!!! Plus 1 frostie
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Posted By: SunshineWife
Date Posted: 29 April 2011 at 11:53am
Whoa, Thanks Tiff! I like that price a bit better 
all these tricks we learn along the way ahh!? Who would have known! I didn't even think to research previously what others were charging
Oh well, it's a long journey and we are getting better and better the longer we spend on it, ah?! ------------- Me 27, DH 25 (MFI) IVF + ICSI March '11 BFN and no frosties |
Posted By: Tiff8ny
Date Posted: 29 April 2011 at 12:07pm
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Your right I never thought to research it either but at the time I just thought $250 must be the going competitive rate. But $390 is rather steep!
I think we are going to go bankrupt before we even have children lol so many things to spend your money on which may or may not help! ------------- Me 32, DH 30 TTC 4+ years Unexplained Infertility IVF#1 - Chem Pregnancy,no frosties IVF#2 - BFP!!!! Plus 1 frostie
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Posted By: charliehorse
Date Posted: 04 May 2011 at 10:23am
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Tiff8ny - I am thinking of changing my acu to Naissance as my guy lacks communication. Did Naissance give you a proper diagnosis and talk to you about your progress etc?
I really appreciate your feedback. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: SunshineWife
Date Posted: 04 May 2011 at 11:18am
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Hey Charlie, you are thinking of changing from Vitalis, right? I'm thinking the same, and for the same reasons as you! although he seems to have all the qualifications and experience...but I just feel I need more from the sessions.
Here is what one of the gilrs wrote in the Clomid thread about her acu: Acupuncture I'm seeing Katie Kempthorne in ponsonby at the top of Franklin road...ponsonby She is also a Chinese medicine dr and naturopath. Awesome!!! we talked through everything including treatment currently undertaking, nutrition, exercise ... Energy and emotions... I can't recommend her enough! She has also started me on cod liver oil (actually a nice tasting one) and when I have finished the antenatal vits I have shell start me on the ones she likes which are high in vit b for stress (interesting aye...) I'm thinking of going with the one Tiffany recommended as they are on the shore. let me know who you end up seeing and what you think of them! ------------- Me 27, DH 25 (MFI) IVF + ICSI March '11 BFN and no frosties |
Posted By: Tiff8ny
Date Posted: 04 May 2011 at 11:34am
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Hi charlie, no she didnt give me a diagnosis as all the tests we have had done with FA and naturopaths etc seems to suggest we have no problems which means we have unexplained infertility. I only started going to Naissance for IVF accupuncture as they were recommended to me by FA. They do also do chinese medicine and natropathy too but I didnt do that aswell as I could only afford to do one at a time. But Im thinking I will go back to them for naturopath advice before my next IVF. I just found them really lovely there and its close to home for me and I found their prices not too bad. She was very open to questions on progress etc but Im quite shy so didnt ask too many questions.
Let me know if you girls end up using them and how you got on. I think I will go back them next month, just had a couple of months off after our BFN to emotionally cope with things and get my mind of TTC for a bit. ------------- Me 32, DH 30 TTC 4+ years Unexplained Infertility IVF#1 - Chem Pregnancy,no frosties IVF#2 - BFP!!!! Plus 1 frostie
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Posted By: SunshineWife
Date Posted: 04 May 2011 at 11:49am
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Tiff, did they not even give you a TCM diagnosis? Like qi stagnation or kidney yang deficiency? They might not know what your 'fertility' diagnosis is but for acu purposes they should have known what they are treating? ------------- Me 27, DH 25 (MFI) IVF + ICSI March '11 BFN and no frosties |
Posted By: Tiff8ny
Date Posted: 04 May 2011 at 12:34pm
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Um whats a TCM diagnosis?? she never gave me a diagnosis, I just simply went for IVF accupuncture and didnt ask for a diagnosis. I said I had seen a naturopath too. ------------- Me 32, DH 30 TTC 4+ years Unexplained Infertility IVF#1 - Chem Pregnancy,no frosties IVF#2 - BFP!!!! Plus 1 frostie
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Posted By: charliehorse
Date Posted: 04 May 2011 at 1:06pm
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I've booked in with Mary from Naissance for end of this week so will see how it goes.
Sunshine - Naissance appears to be the north shore branch of the clinic that Katie Kempthorne is based at. I would have tried her but worried parking may be tricky in Ponsonby. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: SunshineWife
Date Posted: 04 May 2011 at 1:36pm
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Hi tiff, TCM is traditional chinese medicine. The whole theory of acupuncture is based on the energy meridians in your body.... there are thousands of points on our bodies that can be used for acupuncture, there isn't really such a thing as IVF acu (that I know of?), the practitioner needs to understand what symptoms you have (could be the type of period you get, other sypmtoms etc, not necessarily blood tests and western medicine diagnosis. So based on your symptoms they then decide where there is an imbalance of energy in your body (qi energy, yin and yang) and use points along those meridians to re-balance you. Well, that's my amateur explanation of what it is hehee...yeah, so I'm surprised they didn't tell you what points they were targeting and why?
However there has also been a German study on IVF and acu and I know Vitalis uses the same theory for IVF patients, especially around the ET - there are certain points to relax your uterus before the ET and then to contract it after.... but in the weekly sessions he was targeting other points as he said I had a spleen issue. ------------- Me 27, DH 25 (MFI) IVF + ICSI March '11 BFN and no frosties |
Posted By: Tiff8ny
Date Posted: 04 May 2011 at 1:37pm
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Yes Mary does also work at Ponsonby she told me. Think she works 2 days from Albany. She is really lovely!
Oh yea I get it sunshinewife. No she never told me a TCM diagnosis but didnt really ask as I knew nothing about acupuncture before I went. She did ask me all the same questions that my naturopath did about cycles/periods etc. I think next time though I will ask more! ------------- Me 32, DH 30 TTC 4+ years Unexplained Infertility IVF#1 - Chem Pregnancy,no frosties IVF#2 - BFP!!!! Plus 1 frostie
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Posted By: SunshineWife
Date Posted: 04 May 2011 at 1:37pm
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Charlie, I'd be very keen to see how you find Mary compared to Vitalis, please let me know how you get on =) Good luck, hope you find that session more rewarding! =) ------------- Me 27, DH 25 (MFI) IVF + ICSI March '11 BFN and no frosties |
Posted By: charliehorse
Date Posted: 04 May 2011 at 1:44pm
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Sunshine - he's never told me what my issues are :(
------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: SunshineWife
Date Posted: 04 May 2011 at 2:22pm
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Really???? Weird...did he get you to fill our that questionnaire from the Infertility Cure book? I worked it out myself by reading the book, that I had spleen and kidney yang issue.... and he confirmed it too, though when we went for a review session with him after our BFN he said mine wasn't a very big issue, that my DH's problem was bigger and needed to work on that more. DH has lower back pain and dark under eye circles which Vitalis said related to kidneys and kidneys are very important for fertility... so he's been working on that...
I wonder whether you had to go to a real chinese practitioner to actually egt your diagnosis and all that... wonder what the ladies at Apollo will be like...or whether they just follow a general scheme for IVF? Charlie, was it you who went to Brad the naturopath guy? Does he also do acu? we are going to him next Thur, I'm hoping he can pinpoint the diagnosis also... ------------- Me 27, DH 25 (MFI) IVF + ICSI March '11 BFN and no frosties |
Posted By: charliehorse
Date Posted: 04 May 2011 at 2:33pm
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Don't think brad does acu, but he was spot on with his iridology. I felt the best ever after seeing him.
Maybe I should be more probing with my questions to Vitalis. He never asked me to do the questionnaire but my self diagnosis after reading The Infertility Cure is Kidney Yin and spleen deficiencies ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: SunshineWife
Date Posted: 04 May 2011 at 2:48pm
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Perhaps he knew what your diagnosis was and was treating it but didn't think you wanted to know what it's called? Some people go in and don't really want to get into all the details, just rely on the practitioner to tell them what to do...? I do find that Vitalis tells you stuff if you ask...like I aks him how my pulse is and whether he can see any improvements overall (though the answer to that is 'it's like watching hair grow'!), we had a good review session with him after BFN, talked for an hour (both DH and I went in to see him), he is quite knowledgeable - talked about supplements, naturopaths, diet, exercise etc..... but yeah, he doesn't SELL it to you in the way he talks about it all. Hmmm...
I also sometimes wonder whether it's only people that actually have visible issues (like very painful period for example) that they can see a difference after these sessions...while I don't really have any symptoms and all my test are good, so hard to see improvements? My DH said his lower back was feeling much better and overall he felt more relaxed...but I wonder if it's more phycological than anything? His SA didn't improve and we got a BFN, so acu didn't help much last time...but there seems to have been so many studies done showing that chances of IVF increase with acu that I decided we should continue.... so hard to tell what to do though, ah? And it all costs so much money :( maybe none of this is important, maybe fertility clinic has it all in their hands and there's no need to try all this alternative stuff as well....makes you feel like you're in control though...at least in the leading weeks/months to IVF :-/ ------------- Me 27, DH 25 (MFI) IVF + ICSI March '11 BFN and no frosties |
Posted By: charliehorse
Date Posted: 04 May 2011 at 4:58pm
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How long is your DH been getting acu Sunshine?
------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: SunshineWife
Date Posted: 05 May 2011 at 8:38am
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He did about 10 weekly sessions prior to our embryo transfer end of March. Then stopped as we were obviouslly hoping that it was going to be a BFP and no need to continue for acu or anything (bad mistake, should've continued doing weekly sessions so then we could try again sooner!......
He now started again (tonight will be his second session) but as there was a bit of a gap (pretty much a month since he finished it last time) we are now thinking we should wait full three months since he started acu again before we have another go at IVF....it takes 3 months for sperm to mature, so it is probably a good idea to give it a full three months worth of sessions plus supplements etc... ------------- Me 27, DH 25 (MFI) IVF + ICSI March '11 BFN and no frosties |
Posted By: charliehorse
Date Posted: 06 May 2011 at 10:00am
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I don't think the month gap should make too much of a difference. Fingers crossed for you. Male Factor is such a tricky one...wish there was a wonder drug eh?
I've decided not to change acu's for now... I will get my acu communicating more instead. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: SunshineWife
Date Posted: 06 May 2011 at 10:11am
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oh hehee good luck! I thought it sounded a bit funny - getting HIM to communicate more! But I know what you mean, and I really hope he does - for HIS sake, or he'll lose many of his customers!
I'm going to a new one tomorrow, bought a deal on dailydo.co.nz the other day $20 for 2 sessions! Thought that was too good a deal to miss, so bought a voucher for myself and DH. That way we can try someone new to at least compare what they are like, whether they use the same points on us that Acu does? Uh, does anyone know what moxa is in relation to acu? I emailed one lady (the one that wispy_willow went to) to ask if she comes to the fert clinics on day of embryo transfer, and she said it would be too hard for her to organise due to running a busy clinic ...said I should just come to her straight after the ET and I'd find it a lot more comfortable and she can use moxa as well?! ------------- Me 27, DH 25 (MFI) IVF + ICSI March '11 BFN and no frosties |
Posted By: wispy_willow
Date Posted: 06 May 2011 at 10:20am
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Hey Sunshine - I spoke to a few diff acupuncturists and they all said that as long as you get the acupuncture within 24 hrs of the transfer then it works just as well. But of course it might be more convenient to have it at the clinic! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: charliehorse
Date Posted: 06 May 2011 at 12:56pm
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oh thats nice to know willow as it's quite an expense to get them to come to you. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: ooligator
Date Posted: 06 May 2011 at 2:59pm
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Sunshine Wife, moxa is a herb (mugwort) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moxibustion Its used by traditional chinese medicine practitioners (you won't often find many who specialise in IVF prep who use it as they do acupuncture from a medical viewpoint) to help warm up acupuncture points that may need a bit more oomph than just a needle.
The acupuncturist I see in Hamilton, who specialises in Japanese acupuncture, (though there's not much difference between Japanese and Chinese acu) uses it on me all the time to help with my kidney yang and spleen qi deficiencies. The moxa comes as a compressed stick, like a cigar, that they light, and hold over various acupuncture points. Sometimes they'll use very thin ones, (like a straw size) and put the moxa on your skin via a stick thing (I've not actually seen what my acu uses as I'm always lying down, but it's not an acu needle, so it doesn't go into your skin, just presses on the acu point). Sometimes my acu also uses a cone of moxa, which is about the size of a blob of chewing gum (but made into a cone) and they light it while it's directly on your skin, and you tell them when it gets too hot and they remove it. Other times they'll put a blob of moxa on an acupuncture needle and burn it while the needle is in an acu point. You again, tell them when it gets too hot, and they take the moxa off. It's good to help boost the acupuncture, it helps clear blockages. Often my acu will poke an acu point, and I say it hurts, or it's tender, and he then puts a needle in and burns moxa on it, and when he's done, it doesn't hurt anymore and the blockage has gone. Unexplained bruising often happens at acupuncture points. My acu has given me moxa sticks to use at home, so I light it and hold it over various acupuncture points to self-treat inbetween my fortnightly acu sessions. Sorry, I do go on about acu in relation to TTC, it's a topic I'm passionate about because it's been successful with me, when nothing else I tried had, and I did it while on the waiting list for IVF. So that's why we're using it again this time.
Also, it's good (in my view) if you can find an acupuncturist that does herbs as well, as to truely get the full benefit from acupuncture, (if you're not doing it in conjunction with a current medicated cycle) is to use the herbs. The herbs do all the groundwork, the acupuncture itself will clear blockages and get things flowing, but the two together are what works best. ------------- Me 38 DH 39 DD1 - 3 years, born prem at 30 weeks after 5 years TTC DD2 - born prem at 33 weeks http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Tiff8ny
Date Posted: 06 May 2011 at 3:09pm
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Naissance use moxa, she used it on me but I didnt ask why..... ------------- Me 32, DH 30 TTC 4+ years Unexplained Infertility IVF#1 - Chem Pregnancy,no frosties IVF#2 - BFP!!!! Plus 1 frostie
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Posted By: SunshineWife
Date Posted: 06 May 2011 at 3:39pm
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Ooh ooligator thanks very much for your explanation!
I go to Vitalis in Auck who specialises in IVF and is quite popular; he uses herbs too, I was taking them prior to IVE, DH is also taking them....but we sitll got a BFN...so I am a bit discouraged and sceptical now...but there seems to be so muc positive feedback about acu that I decided we should continue with it as a support for the next cycle also. Did you end up having a natural pregnancy while doing acu or did you have to do IVF? ------------- Me 27, DH 25 (MFI) IVF + ICSI March '11 BFN and no frosties |
Posted By: charliehorse
Date Posted: 06 May 2011 at 8:35pm
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Vitalis uses electro-acupuncture. I'd like to try other forms as well to see which I prefer. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: ooligator
Date Posted: 06 May 2011 at 8:50pm
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Sunshine Wife, I conceived naturally after acupuncture and herb treatment. First time was after 3.5 years TTC, but ended in early m/c. Second time was after 5 years TTC, and is our 2 year old DD.
It worked quickly for me both the first two times, but I'd also been doing other alternative therapies prior to acu/herb treatment. And in hindsight, I wonder if that helped prep my body so that the acu/herbs worked quicker. Before the 1st time, I'd been having reflexology. Before the 2nd time I'd been having cranial sacral therapy (similar to osteopathy). So now that we're well into our 2nd year TTC#2, I'm combining acu/herbs and osteopathy, and saw a great improvement in my last cycle, which is good. I'd say give acu/herbs at least 3 months try before deciding on it, you don't have to go weekly, but it depends on the issues. I don't have any experience in the MFI side of things, though know that acu/herbs can help that greatly also. I find, this time round, that my acu needs to keep tweaking the herbs. I've been on herbs since Aug 2010 (with a few months off around Xmas) and he's trying different ones to see what works best. So it's possible that your acu needs to tweak the herbs. Harder to detect with MFI I guess, as they can't chart, which is mostly what I'm using as my indicator of how well they work with me. Because keeping my temp up and stable in my LP is one of my issues with kidney yang deficiency. ------------- Me 38 DH 39 DD1 - 3 years, born prem at 30 weeks after 5 years TTC DD2 - born prem at 33 weeks http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Quieteyes
Date Posted: 08 May 2011 at 7:58am
| Ooligator: who do you see in Hamilton?? |
Posted By: ooligator
Date Posted: 08 May 2011 at 3:59pm
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Quieteyes, I see Andrew Fraser, he's based out of Contours Gym on Tristram St. www.zenacupuncture.co.nz
He's who I saw prior to conceiving my DD, so I'm seeing him again. He's very good, discusses things with you (if you want to know), and of the three acupuncturists I've seen, he's my preferred one. ------------- Me 38 DH 39 DD1 - 3 years, born prem at 30 weeks after 5 years TTC DD2 - born prem at 33 weeks http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: SunshineWife
Date Posted: 09 May 2011 at 8:47am
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HI ladies! So, DH and I went to Julia Kim on Saturday (here is the link http://www.queenstreetchiro.co.nz/index.php?page=acupuncture) and had out initial appointment and the first session with her. Wow, what a difference!!
She asked sooo many questions, about sleep (I dream a lot and remember my dreams very well - that's a bad sign), how many times I pee, how much water/tea I drink during the day, whether I feel thirsy, whether I get hungry, whether I feel tired after eating lunch/dinner, whether my emotions go up and down and I get easily stressed and angered (yes and yes!), whether I generally feel hot or cold (my body feels warm and often get sweaty but at the same time have very cold hands and feet, so poor circulation, qi is not moving, blocked somehwere), all sorts of questions about my period (day by day - colour, how heavy, any pain etc etc)...So from the very start I felt that she was approaching it quite differenty to how it was with Vitalis. She wanted to know everything and was telling me what all these symptoms mean too. She thinks I do have a few issues she needs to work on (Vitalis said that I was ok....that main problem was with DH - well, we know that as his SA is very bad) but Julia says my liver is stressed - hence mood swings, blood stagnation (my period was only a day or two late, I was so hoping for a miracle bub though did feel taht it's coming...but Julia didn't like the fact it was late even by a day! She put needles in somewhere neer my knees on the inside of my thighs? To bring the period on, to get the blood moving). She says the energy is stuck, like a fan that is still drawing power but not producing air because it's stuck, so getting overheated inside. Her needles were a bit more painful than Vitalis'. She said she uses stronger needles - thicker. Or perhaps it was the points she was using, ones that were actually in my problem areas? She told my DH a few 'new' things too that he wasn't told before. His is definitely a kidney issue, so she'll be working on that. She also stuck these tiny herbs balls to our ears, we are supposed to press on them during the day 20 times. So anyway, I just felt so much better when we left her. I felt she really knew what she was doing, was passionate about it, and was communicating with us which was so awesome! She wants us to come to her twice a week, ouch...I think the sessions are $80 each but you can buy a 4 session pass for $280...so that's $280 each for 2 weeks, ouch ouch so expensive. But I really feel this is something we need to do. She said my spirit is not calm and not ready for a baby, really need to work on my emotions. She obviouslly can't tell us how long we need to have the treatment for.... but she sort of laughed when I said Vitalis recommended 8 sessions for me before IVF, I think she's thinking months rather than weeks....
Oh, and it's in Parnell, so no easy parking either and a bit hard for us to get to, but she's open on the weekend and has a few late nights (she works 7 days a week in two clinics!!!), so we are going to make an effort and really hope for this to work. Just thought I'd share this with you. I feel like I've wasted time and money with Vitalis. I don't think he's not good at what he does, afterall there's been a lot of fantastic feedback about him even here on this forum. I just think that if you are not completely happy with your acu, if you don't feel like you're getting much out of it in terms of communication, knowing what your progress is.... look for somebody else! I used to struggle to relax during acu (DH falls alseep easily!) but at Julia's I felt so calm and peaceful during the session. She put a warm lamp over me (sort of tummy area), so maybe it was the warmth... but I definitely felt a lot better knowing that I made this step to try somebody else! ------------- Me 27, DH 25 (MFI) IVF + ICSI March '11 BFN and no frosties |
Posted By: trouble06
Date Posted: 09 May 2011 at 9:24am
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Hi Sunshine wife - that sounds really positive with the acupunct. As I said before in another thread I only started AP for last FET and my acupunct was asking all sorts of questions in relation to sleep, stools, fitness, feeling etc all sorts of things, checks the tongue and pulse, some I thought was OTT but am impressed with her knowledge and skill. I was only seeing her once a week. Everytime she gives me the massage and puts the needles in and then puts the lamp on them to heat the needles I think - although one time it was a bit close and i came home with spidery marks on lower tummy. I need to go back to her this week. If I do get BFP this month as result of FET then I am convinced it could be result of acupunct which I didnt do previously. ------------- Me 35 DH 40 IVF ISCI Nov BFN FET Jan 2011 Chem FET April 2011 M/C 7 weeks |
Posted By: charliehorse
Date Posted: 09 May 2011 at 10:38am
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Sunshine - very interesting... maybe it's time for me to switch too. My cycles are getting longer, not shorter. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: ooligator
Date Posted: 09 May 2011 at 3:34pm
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Sunshine Wife, that sounds so much more like what I've experienced with the two acupuncturists I've seen in Hamilton. The guy I see likes me to tell him whatever is going on with my body, whether I think it's related to fertility or not, as often it's not, but it's a sign of other things not being right. I always show him my charts too.
It is kind of spooky when they're telling you the symptoms, or rather asking if you have XYZ, and you feel like they've been watching your life, but they pick it up by looking at you (ie; your complexion) taking your pulses, and looking at your tongue. Your body tells a lot about it's condition without you even needing to say a thing. The heat lamp works in a similar way to the Moxa. If you have cold uterus (ie; the area below your bellybutton feels colder than the rest of your torso) you can apply a wheat bag or hot water bottle before OV only, to help draw blood to the uterus area, and therefore improve circulation to the organs there. Most fertility issues have some origin in the kidney system in acupuncture terms. The Kidney System controls fertility, so for those with compromised fertility, it's one of the key areas that needs work on. The Spleen also goes hand in hand with the kidney, as if one is lacking it borrows energy from the other, thereby depleting it also. The liver is one that my body suffers with also, not helped by alcohol of course, but sometimes I need a drink LOL to help with the stress of TTC. I often get bruises on acupuncture points, and when my acu puts a needle in, it hurts, either a nervy pain, or a sharp pain. And he'll move it slightly, or use a different point, or apply heat to it with moxa. Hope you continue to find it useful. Sounds like she's on to it, and while it will not be cheap, you should notice improvements. As I said earlier, if you're not finding improvements in a few months (give it 2-3), and don't feel you get the right vibe, it's worth changing, because as with anything, not all practitioners work the same, and some will gel better with you than others. ------------- Me 38 DH 39 DD1 - 3 years, born prem at 30 weeks after 5 years TTC DD2 - born prem at 33 weeks http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: cjliu100196813
Date Posted: 23 October 2015 at 11:35am
| I have had 2 miscarriages and was unable to conceive. I went to see Dr Jimmy at http://www.manurewa-physio-acupuncture.co.nz/" rel="nofollow - Manurewa Acupuncture & Physiotherapy Clinic , and after 2 months of treatment I was able to conceive naturally. I strongly recommend their service. |
Posted By: sumitasofat
Date Posted: 22 December 2015 at 9:23pm
| Acupuncture is very good option to take when you undergo IVF or some another reproductive technique. some doctors suggest you to take acupuncture after the treatment or during the treatment. |
Posted By: pagerlvy33237502
Date Posted: 03 May 2019 at 8:04am
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I hope it helps you! I personally do not think that acupuncture helps at all. apart from it being a placebo. and if you believe it you will have some positive reaction to it. I have been discussing this with one of the staff at our agency (WCOB). and they say that some women do benefit from this type of treatment. as it is important to calm yourself down when you are undergoing ivf or something. |
Posted By: lenabr199848
Date Posted: 15 May 2019 at 3:09pm
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agreed with sumitasofat. A few friends of mine took acupuncture before their IVF, and got pregnant. ------------- Me 38, DH 42 #1IVF - BNF, no implantation #2IVF - BNF, mc changed clinics, 1st appointment Gdansk - June 2018 #3IVF - Gdansk Poland, Dec 2018 |