Will Reflexology improve my egg quality??

[V2R]

I have had one failed IVF I was on a short protocol & my eggs never made it passed stage one & the doctor says I have poor eggs!
Anyone know if Reflexology can improve egg quality? I will be due back to the hospital around December to try a longer protocol.

Any advice or info would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Pinkie3]

Hi, I am sorry to hear your first IVF cycle failed and hope you get a better response 2nd time around.

I havent heard about reflexology but i have heard great things about fertility acupuncture. I have a high FSH and currently having fertility acupuncture to try help the process. I am only 6 days into my down regging so dont know how my body is responding yet but have read a lot of success stories from people who recommend it.

Good Luck x

 

[Briss]

I have high FSH as well and did acupuncture and Chinese herbs for almost a year but unfortunately my FSH only got higher. I cant even do conventional IVF now, only natural cycle IVF. I find reflexology a great way to relax but I doubt it can help improve egg quality. It's very beneficial though

 

[V2R]

Thanks for replying. There is no fertility acupuncture in my area
I was hoping someone on here would be able to point me in the right direction. I dont know how to improve my eggs there must be a natural way!! The doctor doesnt hold much hope for the 2nd IVF to work & suggested egg donor but I cant even think of doing that.

Its so hard being unable to conceive as you both will know what I thought would take a couple months has now turned to years!!

 

[Briss]

have you considered natural cycle IVF? the success rates are lower but for over 35 with egg quantity/quality issues they seems to be doing much better. I was also hoping that there is a natural way to improve egg quality, I read tonnes of materials and books on the subject and tried lifestyle changes, acu/herbs, changed my diet, yoga etc. it's all good stuff and I am sure it helps because when we did the scan they noticed a very good blood flow to my reproductive organs which is basically the most important thing in improving the egg quality. having said that, the actual egg quality is going to continue to decline with age but what you improve is the environment where eggs develop which indirectly sort of help improve their nourishment and quality.

also, I would discourage from using donor eggs until you have your own. read Zita West' books where she included interviews with various fertility specialists and they say that until you have your own eggs however small amount you should be able to get pregnant with IVF but you just need the right treatment/protocol/meds. if one clinic cant make it happen for you try a different one, do not give up.

I am drinking fresh wheatgrass shots every day and eating lots of greens, drink mate tea and do all other things to make my body more alkaline which indirectly improves fertility and egg quality.

 

[V2R]

Thanks Briss, I actually think the doctors did egg collection too quick as I had 3 eggs but they obviously weren't mature enough they had high hopes for my 1 egg when they called me then next day, then on day of transfer they broke the bad news....I was devasted when I left hospital.

I will read Zita West I have heard of these books before. You are right if I do produce eggs then I should be put on a protocol that suits me better. Thanks for your advice x

 

[calm]

It would be cool if it did, its very relaxing, I certainly would try it!

I've heard good fats improve eggs, like olive oil and avocados, and to eat a lot of protein.

 

[Briss]

V2R, it must have been devastating to go through EC and then have nothing to transfer, I am very sorry. I've been reading IVF discussions and it does look like clinics get it wrong from time to time, IVF is not an easy process. I am mentally preparing myself for this journey and that it's likely going to take several attempts.

There is a lot of criticism that clinics encourage women to move to egg donation too soon, with younger donor eggs success rates are much higher in older women which is good for clinics but not so good for women. It's more difficult to find the right protocol for over 35 with declining egg quality but it's not impossible in most cases. I decided not to do stimulated cycle cos my ovaries probably wont respond to stimulation anyway because of high FSH but with natural cycle it's even harder cos you are dealing with just one egg and so much can go wrong.

Calm, I also read that protein helps with egg quality. but I am trying a different approach - alkaline food (meat protein is considered acidic so I am sticking with greens including avocados)

 

[calm]

I must admit I am not a big meat eater, not a great protein eater if I am honest. But I am sticking to organic lean chicken, and trying to have lots of nuts and lentils