Acpuncture

[megstoo]

Did anyone do acupuncture leading up to transfer, how often did you go and do you think it was beneficial?

I have my first appt on Monday, they told me it's 90 minutes and $175 which I thought was high but insurance doesn't cover it and it's the initial appt and first treatment that day (each follow up appt is $95).  I'm just not sure how often I'm really supposed to be going.  For some reason those needles scare me but yet I was fine on stims and with PIO etc. 

[landmermaid]

I didn't do a transfer, but I did acupuncture for low AMH and recurrent miscarriages.

I went every other week for a few months before we started TTC after our third loss. And once I did get pregnant, I went once a week until I was 10 weeks.

My insurance didn't cover it, but it was $80/visit and I could use my FSA money.

I feel like it made a difference. My PMS symptoms got better and it helped with spotting issues I was having.

The needles were a little weird to get used to, but most of them I didn't feel at all. The ears could prick a bit and sometimes my feet, but overall it was absolutely worth it IMO.

Best of luck to you.

[katespade]

I didn't have a transfer, but I did acupuncture leading up to and during my successful medicated cycle. I went 1x/week until I ovulated (my last appointment was the day of my +OPK), and then got a massage from my acupuncturist 1 week into my TWW.

I don't know if it was the acupuncture or the letrozole or both, but I don't ovulate naturally and some part of the combination of things I did that cycle made it happen.

You most likely won't feel the needle when it's being placed, and you shouldn't feel it once it's in place. If you do, you should tell your acupuncturist so they can adjust it.

[pinkpeony08]

Mine were all conceived naturally, but I started going a few months before to help regulate my cycle (moved my ovulation date from 9-10 to 14). And then I went weekly through the first trimester. She's a fertility specialist, and is now $85/session, I think the first session was more. I really enjoy going, and I would usually fall asleep or close to it. She would play music or a meditation/relaxation while the needles were in. My insurance reimbursed me for a bit, but not for the whole thing. She has been incredibly supportive. She lives in my neighborhood, and after the most recent loss, she brought me a care package with treats, socks and bone broth. And gives a free session after miscarriage. She's really wonderful.

Not sure if the acupuncturist is associated with your clinic? But you may be able to find a community acupuncture in your city that is much less costly. Ours is $40/session and they treat you in a recliner in a room with other people also getting acupuncture, which is why it is cheaper. I know our location has a few people who support fertility, but they don't have specialized training.

Sometimes the needles hurt a bit when going in - mostly on tops of the feet or ear - but then you can't feel them. My acupuncturist always asks before she leaves the room if there are any that are bothering me and will adjust them if they are.

[G22]

I did acupuncture leading up to my last fresh transfer and my recent FET. I got a BFP for both cycles, so while it may not have been the deciding factor it certainly didnt hurt and I'm a believer it can help potentially.

My insurance did not cover it. I've paid anywhere from $45 to over $100 for a session, but that's varied by clinic. Typically I did one or 2 sessions in the week prior to my transfers and 1 session immediately following my transfer the same. The FET I also did a session immediately before my transfer as well (so acu, transfer, acu all in one day).

I found it way more relaxing than I expected. I rarely felt the needles or knew they were there during the sessions. My acupuncturists always have had spa type music in the background and I've even fallen asleep on the table once.

[joenali]

Check to see if three is a Community Acupuncture Project (CAP)near you. They have a sliding scale for payment. You are also in a large room with other people, but I like the idea of community healing. I’ve gone several times but not for fertility.

[pooh8402]

I did it for 2 FETs, neither were successful. I don't think it was the acupunture's fault, just that those were crappy embryos. It was a PITA to get reimbursed by insurance, and wasn't relaxing enough for me to try it again on my next IVF with fresh transfer, which had better quality embryos and was ultimately successful. I know a lot of people like it, and the research shows really good things!.

[ilovecandy]

I thought I would come back to this as I just had my first session. Apparently I have very bad blood flow (which is actually not the first time I have heard this). Anyways my initial conault was $25 (on sale from $50) and his usual appointment is $60. He wants me to come twice a week for 5 weeks then we will re exam. He gave me a 20% discount for buying it all upfront.

I tried the first session before deciding I don't hate it. I mean it didnt make me particularly super relaxed. But it also wasn't unrelaxing.

[joenali]

See if you have a Community Acupuncture Project place in your area. They are nonprofit, sliding scale fees.