Alternative/complementary medicine for sub-fertility?

[peartree]

Hello... has anyone here tried or would consider trying alternative or holistic therapies? Things such as TCM, acupuncture, etc?

I was talking to my friend who suggested acupuncture, so I looked it up and there's an acupuncturist near DH's work who is registered with the British Fertility Society.

Would you consider it?
Do you know anyone who has?

Peartree x

 

[latestarter]

I do acupuncture and I LOVE it!

I went for IVF support (I'm in the 2ww right now) and it was fantastic. There are studies that show it is effective for IVF. I don't know if it worked for me though -but can say that as soon as I started it, I stopped getting ovulation pain (and I checked - still ovulating) so it has helped with that.

If anything its very relaxing and gives you a time out. I highly recommend it.

 

[NickyT75]

Whats TCM? sorry for the ignorance but im interested as DH has subfertility xx

 

[Mrs G]

Think it's traditional chinese medicine.

I've been for acupunture. I originally went to regulate ov but now we'll be having ICSI I will def go back as it is supposed to help the chances. Gotta be worth a go I say!

 

[NickyT75]

Thanks Mrs G x

 

[Mrs G]

No worries

 

[Jessica0901]

Hi! I'm currently taking clomid for an irregular cycle and that I wasn't ovulating, but this month I have also been for acupuncture and this is the first time I have had a 28 day cycle, so although I was hoping for a at least my cycles seem to be sorting themselves out! and its very relaxing, I've heard good reports about having it whilst TTC and I would definitely recommend it!
x

 

[cazhd]

Hi my dh and i are planning to start accupunture sessions in a few weeks, have heard some success stories so we think its worth a try

 

[peartree]

Hiya, sorry Nicky, been away from here for a couple of days - TCM is Traditional Chinese Medicine, herby disgusting stuff...

This is the acupuncuturist I'm looking at, and particularly for reproductive disorders:
https://www.aprilkim.net/illness.htm

Good to know that you've all had positive results from this, even if it's just for relaxation! Might even try it myself for a trapped nerve on my back that's been giving me grief for the past few weeks!

 

[Toptack]

Hi Peartree

I see you're in Wiltshire - I saw an acupuncturist in Chippenham the other night, if that's any use:

https://www.gisela-norman.co.uk/

She seemed excellent and is a nurse/midwife as well as an acupuncturist. I've only had one session with her so can't comment on the results yet, although I have received treatment from another acupuncturist which resulted in my one normal length cycle since coming off the pill! Give me a shout if you want any more info

 

[peartree]

Thanks Toptack. Will look her up. It's really for DH, but since you're all having such positive feelings about it, I might consider doing it in tandem with him. Never know, might increase our chances!

Hope your treatment works well for you!

 

[BizyBee]

Hi peartree. I have just decided to start acupuncture in conjunction with clomid. I have heard great things about it and I am hopeful it helps. Two friends from work swear by it (one had long cycles like me and now they're 28 days, the other had 2 unsuccessful IVF sessions and a successful round with acupuncture). What do we have to lose really? As long as you have an acupuncturist who specializes in fertility (which it appears you do), then it's worth a shot. Hope it works out!

 

[lioness168]

Hi peartree, I've been having some acupuncture and herbs (TCM). Since the TCM I have noticed that my is a brighter healthier red than its been for years. I had to cease my treatment prior to having a lap as the herbs can affect your bloods clotting ability. Its been two weeks since the lap and DH and I have gone back to the TCM, we are back on some herbs and I had some acupuncture. I do not know where I am in my cycle at the moment due to the lap/D&C, but when the returns I will be going on my first cycle of Clomid. I ovulate on my own, its just to make sure and give me a boost. The TCM guy said he can give me some herbs which wont affect the Clomid but will help reduce the side effects along with some acupuncture. I will let you know how I go once I start.

I find having TCM helps you feel better in yourself and it feels like you are doing something positive towards your fertility as well.

I recommend TCM if you have someone who is good, knows their stuff, cares and can work in with western medicine if needed.

 

[Heather212]

Hi Peartree, ladies

I am relatively new to TTC but I used to have some hormonal imbalances and was a little worried about my fertility so I did some research and a few supplements that you can take that are made of herbs.

These are some of the herbs that I came accross:

- Dong Quai.

- Black cohosh

- Vitex (Chaste Berry)

- Red Raspberry Leaf

I am also considering a supplement that helps to make CM more sperm-friendly, I think this could help a lot of people as bad quality CM can make the difference between the sperm reaching the egg or not. There's a product called "FertileCM". It may be a good inverstment.

I also came accross some information about male infertility, and it seems that there are at least 3 things that may help:

- Antioxdants. Especially vitamin C.
- L-Carnitine seems to make a huge difference in quality and quantity.
- Zinc.

 

[peartree]

Well, after over three months of weekly acupuncture sessions and herbal tablets, DH's sperm count has gone from 1 million/ml to 0.5 million/ml...

We've decided that DH should stop the sessions as it hasn't worked.

I've just started with the acupuncturist too, but will continue through to my IVF cycle to embryo transfer, as I found the sessions relaxing.

 

[muncho]

Thats a shame!

I have been doing it for 2 months now and my hormone levels are alot better and i have started IVF so im hoping it will increase my chances

 

[Mrs G]

Hi hun

DH never went to accupunturist but I had sessions in run up to EC and then straight before and after ET. The other thing I used was the Zita West relaxation cd's. I do think that your state of mind and being relaxed is really important for ivf.

xx

 

[muncho]

oppps sorry.
ill have a read about the Cd's thanks

 

[Mrs G]

https://www.zitawest.com/products.php?section=0#CD

 

[peartree]

Thanks! I know relaxation is very important, but not sure how relaxed I'm going to be. Don't know whether to postpone my March exams now. Eek. Will try out the Zita West stuff.