Acupuncture with IUI?

[Sinclair319]

This is our first IUI cycle--I know I've read that there is a greater success rate when you combine it with acupuncture. If you've done IUI (or IVF) with acupuncture....

1. What days did you have it done? Before the IUI? After?
2. Did you have to start at the beginning of the cycle or does it only matter right before and after the IUI?
3. How long is each session?
4. Was it helpful? Successful?

TIA!

[jrsygirl]

I don't know how much help I wil be since we just had our first IUI on Saturday so I can't tell you if it helped or not! But I went in last week for accupuncture and then right after the IUI. (like 30 mins after!)

Have you gone fo accupuncture before now? You should definitely go because it will only help and then you will know what to expect. I think the how long depends..My actual "treatment" is usally about 20 mins which is a combination of massage, needle insertion and meditation and then I usually "cook" for another 30-45 mins.

It was perfect after the IUI because it forced me to relax and do nothing. I'll let you know in about 10 days how it worked ;)

[cc8]

I combined accupuncture with my 2nd IUI cycle.

1. What days did you have it done? Before the IUI? After?
Went in weekly for 3-4 weeks before the IUI
Also went in the day following the IUI

2. Did you have to start at the beginning of the cycle or does it only matter right before and after the IUI?
I'm not 100% sure but I think it's best if you can go in fairly regularly before your IUI. Having said that, my practitioner was really keen on my going in the day before AND the day after my IUI so maybe those are key times?

3. How long is each session?
40-60 minutes. They were actually really relaxing. I fell asleep each time!

4. Was it helpful? Successful?
I got PG on my 2nd IUI attempt, which was ALSO my first cycle on Follistim AND my first cycle with accupuncture. So honestly, there are probably too many variables involved to really pin down what helped the most. I think the best thing about the accupuncture was that it made me relax (which I know improves overall success rates in treating IF). Hope this helps!

[ag05]

I don't have all the answers but am very interested in this too because I have been trying accupuncture for a couple months now and am considering doing an IUI soon. I haven't been trying to conceive all that actively lately so slowed down my accupuncture to once every 2 weeks. My plan is to go every week once I start an IUI or medicated cycle and I assume right before and after the IUI. I usually am there for about an hour. I was under the impression that it takes time to work so it might be important to go at the start of the cycle and keep going. I really don't know if this stuff is working yet or not. But I continue to go. My insurance doesn't pay much at all for infertility so I am maxing out what benefits they do cover.

[kamileer]

You may remember this from my journal but just in case you don't...

I went to acupunture weekly for a few months. The day of my IUI I had a session directly before AND directly after my IUI. It made for a long day, but I wanted the best odds possible (it is what my acupuncture practioner recommended). Not sure what exactly did it, but it worked like a charm the first try for us! :)

GOOD LUCK, SWEETIE!

[kamileer]

forgot to mention that you can start anytime in your cycle (just make sure they know where you are...bring your chart!). Sessions were usually about an hour.

[kemorr]

How much are you girls paying for accupucture? The one place that I looked into (the place recommended by my RE) charges $140 for the first session and then $85 each session thereafter. This seemed like an awful lot to me. Is this standard with what you guys are paying? Thanks!

[jrsygirl]

Yes, mine was $140 and /$80. I guess it depends on teh area you're in too.

[cc8]

My visits were covered by my insurance.

[Sinclair319]

I just got the names of 2 people in town--one is $50 a session (about an hour long) the other is $60. I live in a medium sized (100,000 people) midwestern town.

[kamileer]

I paid $60 a session (the initial consult was $90)