How long should I give Accupuncture to conceive naturally

[Maggsy]

Hi All,

I am so confused at the moment and I really don't know what to do. I have been TTC for almost 2 years now (me and DH both 31). We have 'unexplained infertility' and have had our IVF interview and are ready to go if we choose to. I decided to put IVF on hold and try Acupuncture. This will be my second cycle of Acupuncture and I am not expecting a BFP s (I feel my them coming on!!!). Anyway, I just want some advise on how long I should give the Acupuncture, I would love to know if anyone has had success and approx. how long you did it for.

Thank you in anticipation.

[anemone]

Hi Maggsy.
You mentioned 'unexplained infertility" so I take it your GP's done some investigations and its not blocked tubes or low sperm count etc?
I guess it would be good to rule out anything that would be a barrier to natural conception first, But you've prob already had that done.

As for how long to have acupuncture, I dont know exactly, but I know (based on having naturopathy) natural therapies take awhile to change imbalances in the body. So it could be some months. Your therapist should be able to tell you how long is reasonable to try it for and what changes to look out for along the way.


It makes sense to me to give it at least a few months - you do have time on your side age-wise. And if there are no results (after deciding on a certain period), then you'll be able to move on with IVF with your mind at ease that you tried the natural way.

Good luck! and lots of :babydust2:

[BabyJoy]

Maggsy! I just saw your post and wanted to tell you that YES, it is possible to get pregnant with natural therapies!

DH and I were also diagnosed with unexplained infertility (despite conceiving our first child in just three months). After a year of trying for #2, we went to an IVF clinic, did all the tests and they came back fine. So we ummed and aahed for a while, and a friend suggested I see an acupuncturist who specialises in infertility. The lady I saw also specialises in Chinese medicine, so the treatment went hand in hand. We had one session each (DH had it done too) of acupuncture at the time of ovulation, then every day I had to take a teaspoon of the medicine (which tasted awful, but I persisted!). We were somewhat sceptical about whether it would work, but willing to give anything a go.
She said it would take at least three months to get our bodies in top shape... to get my cycles back to normal, and to also get the best quality sperm. By the second month, my cycles had changed dramatically (in a good way).
By the third month, I got a BFP!
We had been trying for 17 months.
I'm sooo glad I followed my gut instincts to go with a natural treatment before heading for IVF.

Good luck, and I hope you also get a BFP naturally!

[XavysMummy]

Hi maggsy,

My husband and I have been TTC#1 for 2.5yrs and have had 3 MCs....we did ACU and HERBS for 6mths last year after MC#2 and unfortunately it didnt help us...but I told myself I'd give it 6mths. I have PCOS and after putting myself back on clomid got another BFP but unfortunately MC'd again. We too have had the IVF tests and appts but in our case they have said IVF won't help us.
I hope ACU and herbs help you, I know it has help alot of ladies like BabyJoy above:yelclap:

[Maggsy]

Thank you all so much for your responses.
Anemone - Yes I have had the tests done, my tubes are fine, I ovulate, My periods are like clockwork, I don't have PCOS, DH is fine, perhaps a little low on the sperm side of things. My only issues were picked up by the acupuncturist who said my cycle does not flow properly. I completely agree with you, I should remain patient, its just hard when everyone around you is announcing pregnancies. I think I will give it one more month after this and see how I go.

Kaz - Thank you so much for your reply, I hope everything works out for you.

Shannon- I am so glad you replied, it makes me feel like it is worth giving a bit more of a go. I almost thought I might be pregnant now as, for the first time I have had no spotting a week before my period. But I feel them coming and had a bit of spotting this morning (day 29 of 31 day cycle), but on the up side, at least the acupuncture and herbs are working. This is my second cycle, so I think if I will give it one more and then reconsider IVF.

Thanks again everyone, I don't talk to anyone about my fertility issues apart from my husband and it is such an unbelievable relief to be able to discuss it so openly (without balling my eyes out).xxxxxx

[BabyJoy]

Maggsy,
Are you taking Chinese medicine as well?

My cycle was 32 days, and after about a month of treatment, it changed to a textbook 28 days. Ovulation was smack bang in the middle on day 14.
I was so amazed at the difference and also the changes with AF (much lighter, no cramps). I think the reason we succeeded in getting pregnant was because she changed my cycle to 28 days.
My luteal phase beforehand was far too long and I was overcooking my eggs!

Best of luck to you... and feel free to chat anytime... all of the ladies on here are absolute gems! :hugs:

[Maggsy]

Yes I am taking the herbs also. It will be interesting to see if get them on day 32, because I am sure I ovulate earlier than I should on a 32 day cycle, which sounds very similar to what you were saying. I am sure I used to be 28 days when I was younger, but I never paid that much attention because they were always on time. Thanks again, I will let you know how I go if thats ok....xxxx