Seeking Advice on Massage and Accupuncture While Going Through IVF

one of the main reasons that many rounds of ivf don't work is because approximately 75% of fertilized eggs in the general population are chromosomally abnormal. As you get older, this number can increase. So part of it is an odds game. Massage certainly won't hurt you in anyway and being as stress free as possible is certainly a good thing but whether there is really any medical connection between being stress free and conception is not yet supported by any scientific data - but I don't think it can hurt. There is some data to suggest avoiding caffeine as it has some small effects on fertility. The IVF centers will generally advise bed rest or a variant of it but there is no scientifc data to support this either. lots of it is just plain luck and some skill on the part of those doing the embryo manipulations.

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I KNOW HOW STRESSFUL THIS STUFF IS! The bottom line is whatever helps you mentally relax is best for your body.... and that is different for every person.

I tried for over 5 years doing everything eastern and western medicine has to offer: ivf, iui, fertility diet, herbs, yoga, accupuncture, meditation... and never got pregnant. Then I returned to my normal lifestyle (drinking, strenuous exercise, hot baths, sushi and working too hard) and got pregnant, 3 times (2 didn't stick).

After my third failed IVF, I found joining the Mind Body support group at Pulling Down the Moon very helpful. (I'm not sure they offer it any more). Also, Resolve has online bulletin board/support groups, I believe one even specifically for women trying for #2 (secondary infertility)

Maybe just avoid long exposure to extreame heat... but in my opinion, scented oils on your body will not have any adverse affect on your reproductive organs!!!! GO INDULGE, REJUVINATE, ESCAPE... this is the perfect time to pamper yourself. And some sort of regular exercise (walking, yoga, whever helps you unwind) is great too.

I will be sending positive thoughts your way!!!! You are already doing everything you can... and much of this is out of our hands... so try your best to keep your mind on positive things!!!

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Hi K.,
I think you're right on track with taking care of yourself. I'm not familiar with the research about spa treatments, but I don't think there's anything that a massage/facial, or whatever you're getting could do to your body that would decrease your chances. You may want to check with your RE.
I tried accupuncture (which my RE thought was pointless but not detrimental) and I didn't notice any difference. I'm not sure I did it long enough, though - it was too expensive as we were paying out of pocket for all of the infertility treatments and medications. The research when I was going thru treatment (about 5 years ago) was divided on the efficacy of accupuncture. Nothing I read was negative about it. One thing that I didn't know about but wish I did, was guided imagery CDs for infertility. If you're interested, the website is:
www.healthjourneys.com (or may be healthjourney.com)-I can't remember if there's the s or not. Belleruth Naparstak is the person to start with on the site. You can listen to a sample of her work. Good luck with your upcoming cycle!!!
B. S.

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Hi K.,
I just wanted to let you know that my husband and I had trouble conceiving and we saw 3 specialists who all told us we could not get pregnant on our own (one of them recommended an egg donor). Their explanation was that I had 'bad' eggs. We went through one round of IVF without success. I started acupuncture about 6 weeks before the transfer and, although it didn't work, I continued with the acupuncture. After 7 months, we were pregnant on our own. When our daughter was just about a year, I went back for acupunture one time and was pregnant the next month. We now have 2 beautiful and healthy girls, ages 3 and 16 months!! I firmly believe it the holistic approach. I have the name of someone in the Elgin area if you're interested.

I wish you the best!

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I agree. Accupuncture is what help me conceive with our first child who is now 2. I tried IVF just like you are and that did not work. So, I decided to take some time off and go holistic. It work. I ate better (organic), excercised regulary including pilates and yoga, and received accupuncture. Within 2 months I was pregnant. Now they say it can take anywhere from 6-1 year to conceive, but who knows as every body is different. I used accupuncturist from ENH Wellness Facility who specialized in fertility. Most hospitals that have a wellness center should have someone on hand that you can speak with first.

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There have actually been some very well done studies showing an increased pregnancy rate with IVF and acupuncture. I know a very good acupuncturist on the North side of Chicago (Lakeview) if you are interested. Good luck to you!!!

K., this is from a friend of mind, (we now have the same aged children). She had trouble concieving with IVF, and finally her chances ran out. They gave up, moved on, and she did go to accupuncture, to a chinese accupunturist (who also gave her herbs) on the northside of chicago. She also did yoga. It sounded really off the wall to me, but it worked for her, so, I would try it.

I personally wouldn't do the spa thing. I went through 2 IVF and one FET to get pregnant with my twin boys. I never personally did acupunture but I have a friend that did. She did 4 IVF without acupunture and her last one she did and now has a little boy that is 3 years old. She swears by it. She just started with another cycle of IVF to try for baby #2 and she has already started the acupunture.

Good luck!