Many infertile *friends* have written of doing acupuncture while undergoing treatments (IUI, IVF, ICI) but I really never gave it much thought. I have read numerous books that scratch the surface of explaining what acupuncture can/can't do for you. Now I am researching it for myself...
So far there is no conclusive evidence for or against acupuncture. It has been said that acupuncture improve circulation of blood, might help follicle production, can improve the lining in the uterus. This is not a one time deal and I am not sure how I feel about 100s of tiny little needles in me.
Sources vary on the amount of time that acupuncture should be done -- most say 1 or 2 times a week -- and for 2 to 6 months before beginning your treatment and continuing till you are 12 weeks along in your pregnancy. Also once you are pregnant the acupuncturist should not use needles on certain points including Gallbladder 21, Stomach 12, Large Intestine 4, Spleen 6, Bladder 60, Bladder 67 and any points on the lower abdomen.
Depending on if your insurance covers any treatments it can cost between $50-100 per visit. In most states acupuncture is a licensed profession and should be board certified. Also if you are undergoing infertility treatments it is important to find an acupuncturist that specializes in dealing with women who have reproductive issues.
Sources vary on the amount of time that acupuncture should be done -- most say 1 or 2 times a week -- and for 2 to 6 months before beginning your treatment and continuing till you are 12 weeks along in your pregnancy. Also once you are pregnant the acupuncturist should not use needles on certain points including Gallbladder 21, Stomach 12, Large Intestine 4, Spleen 6, Bladder 60, Bladder 67 and any points on the lower abdomen.
Depending on if your insurance covers any treatments it can cost between $50-100 per visit. In most states acupuncture is a licensed profession and should be board certified. Also if you are undergoing infertility treatments it is important to find an acupuncturist that specializes in dealing with women who have reproductive issues.
Acupuncture is something that we will consider because there doesn't seem to be a medical downside to it. Of course we will discuss this with our RE once we choose a facility to do our IVF at. It does bother me that we would be spending an additional $1600-4000 to have someone stick needles in me and know that there is no strong evidence that it indeed helps increase the odds of an IVF working.
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Worked for my former sister in law.
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