My Experience with Acupuncture and IVF

Continuing on with National Infertility Awareness Week and today I want to talk about my experience with acupuncture and IVF. I’ve been going to acupuncture once a week for almost two years now. And I swear to you- I wouldn’t have been able to get thru this journey without it. I 100% swear by it and think it is the best thing ever…..but we will get into that.

It was right around the time of when we had been trying naturally for a little over six months and we were waiting to get into see our fertility specialist. I have a girlfriend who swears that acupuncture helped her to conceive after having her own issues for so long and she suggested that I try it. And I thought-why not? It can’t hurt.

So I found a licensed acupuncturist in my area and made an appointment. The first time you meet with one, the appointment goes a little longer because they want to get a full health background and what you are hoping to accomplish. I remember feeling crazed. She was so calm and soothing and I felt like I came in all over the place and talking a mile a minute.

Once we had finished discussing my medical background, she then started to insert the needles. I was expecting them to feel painful when they were inserted, but it does not hurt one bit. It feels like the tiniest little prick, but it only lasts for a couple of seconds. And after that you feel nothing.

She puts them in various places around your body. Some common points that she always seems to insert them are in my forehead, in my legs around my knees and ankles and also on top of my head. But she never inserts them in the exact same places every week. She decides where the needles go depending on what day you are in your cycle and any symptoms you are feeling.

After inserting the needles, she places a heat lamp over you and tells you to relax and she will be back in shortly. I couldn’t believe I was just suppose to lie there and relax. I had a million things running thru my head and not to mention a million other things that I could be doing besides lying here on a table for 45 minutes. My first experience might not have been the most relaxing thing ever, but I was intrigued. And I decided to give it another shot.

Eventually, I really started to look forward to my weekly appointments. They became so relaxing and therapeutic and I craved them. I mean, you are lying on a warm, cozy table with a heat lamp on you and soft soothing music playing in the background. What’s not to enjoy? I started to take naps and these are some of the best naps ever! Most of the times my eyes are so heavy that I am nearly asleep before she even leaves the room and turns out the lights.

The funny thing is, is that I didn’t notice a big change right away. But after a couple of months under my belt, I not only noticed a difference in myself, but Kurt took notice too. At one point after a few months of me going to acupuncture weekly, I remember him saying to me- you are so much more calm about everything now. And it was so true! Acupuncture completely helps you to relax and let go of your stress.

And not only that it helps with so many other symptoms too. About a year ago when I was going thru my egg retrieval, I experienced excruciating headaches. I remember so many times going to acupuncture and telling her I was having these bad headaches. And miraculously after my appointment I would wake up the next day and they would be gone.

There were also a few times when I was in between cycles and I had some lower back issues. We all throw our backs out every now and then and it is never fun. So we decided to concentrate on my back pain. And I kid you not, the next day I would wake up with zero back pain. It’s like it was never even there in the first place!

I swear acupuncture has helped me to relax and be less anxious, which we all know can be very tough in stressful situations. Every week I look forward to my appointments and I swear this has helped me in so many ways. If you are on the IVF journey, I can’t recommend it more.

Common Questions about Acupuncture

Is acupuncture covered by insurance?

Some insurances do cover it, however mine does not. But I am able to pay with it thru my flexible spending account, which is so nice because I’m not paying for it out of pocket every week.

How did you find your acupuncturist?

I took to Google and found a licensed acupuncturist that specialized in fertility near me. She had great reviews and she was conveniently located for me, so I decided to give her a try.

What does it feel like? Does it hurt?

When the needles are first inserted, you feel the tiniest of pricks. But it isn’t painful at all and she goes super quick. I have found that when I’m more stressed about it and I’m anticipating her poking me with the needles that it hurts a little more. The best advice I can give is to just relax and you won’t feel a thing. It is the most relaxing experience ever once you get use to it. You get to relax on a warm, cozy table with light, soothing music int he background. I usually fall asleep and it’s always some of the best naps ever!

Is acupuncture only used for fertility?

Nope! Many people go to manage stress, fix back pain, etc. It’s a wonderful treatment that has so many more benefits than just helping with fertility issues.

Where are the needles inserted?

They are inserted over various parts of your body. Some common points include the forehead, knees, ankles, on top of the head, etc. But I have also had needles placed in my wrists, ears, stomach, lower back, in between my big toe and second toe (this one was a bit strange to me and didn’t feel that pleasant!). Sometimes you feel this strange sensation when the needle is first inserted because they may have hit a nerve, but nothing should ever feel uncomfortable. And if you are, just speak up and they will adjust.

How quickly do you see results?

It took me about two months (about 8-10 sessions) before I really noticed a change in my stress levels. But everyone is different! It’s defiantly not an instant result and you will need to be consistent with your treatment to see results.

Let me know if I missed any questions you might have in regards to acupuncture!

xoxox Amanda