acupuncture

[Hopeful_Julie]

I am hearing a lot about acupuncture, both support of it here and from friends, relatives, etc. I will try anything and was wondering a few things...

1) Do you also recommend it in an IUI cycle? If so, when?
2) Where on the body is it done?
3) Is there a certain type I should look for, or should I tell the practitioner that it's to help with fertility?
4) How long is your session/cost? I think some of it may be covered by my benefits but just curious.

Any advice or experiences would be great. I hate needles and medical stuff (not the best journey for me!) but am getting better - no choice, right! :) I'm currently on day 4 of IUI cycle with Puregon injections. We have decided after this (our 3rd IUI) we will go to IVF if unsuccessful and I'm wanting to give it my very best shot.  
Thanks in advance :)

[Ginger077]

Paying up front is normal, if you have other conditions that ins would cover acupuncture for you should be treated at the sand time and most places will bill with coded that ins will covet. My first visit was like 300 plus but I got supplements too and subsequent visits are 85 for me but I should of reached my out of network deductible and them they will be less per visit. But that is in an expensive part of Los Angeles, I'm sure prices differ from place to place.

[Hopeful_Julie]

Thanks ladies... I've put in a few emails and calls to places locally that mention fertility as a goal on their websites and also to make sure my health care covers it.

One last quick question.... is it normal to be paying up-front before treatment, ie. have an initial visit ($140 + tax, 1 hr 15 mins) and a follow-up visit ($65 + tax, 30 mins) before sessions begin ($40)? Should I consider it like any other medical practice where having consultations is simply practical and also of course paying for the doctor's time?

Sorry if too many questions, I truly appreciat the help here since it sometimes seems the only place to turn besides my clinic, and I value the advice here very much.

Cheekyhalfs, I'm sorry you couldn't continue with it last cycle, but glad to read about the positives it has brought you. Thanks for your recommendation!

[cheekyhalfs]

Hi, definitely agree with Ginger on this one.  I have it (although not this IUI purely down to money sadly) but I had it all other times and my lady has been amazing in bringing my cycle into 28-29 days, as well as helping some of my unbalanced hormones.  You would get it a couple days before and again just after (as Ginger mentions :o) ).

I would really recommend it if you can afford it.

[Hopeful_Julie]

Thanks as always Ginger :)
I've heard about those studies too. I'll ask my doctor specifics when I'm back on Wed. and start looking into local practitioners.
It seemed people here have mentioned going for sessions and it would be great if it helped our dreams come true. Worth a try!

[Ginger077]

Julie, it's ginger!
You need to look for an acupuncturist that specializes in fertility. I am also being seen for my back so I'm not sure what needles are for what problem. They don't hurt and it's actually really relaxing which we all need ttc. It's about an hour session and probably depends on the going rate in your city. Where I go it's 85 a session but they bill towards my deductible because of my back injuries. There are also helpful herbs I'm taking while ttc. I go twice a week and I've noticed a huge difference. It's worth the 2 hr drive to get there. Acupuncture is accumulative so the more you go the better results you will have. I know for IVF my doctor requests I have acupuncture before embryo transfer and immediately afterwards. I'm not sure what your doctor would want you to do. My RE says their are proven studies that show acupuncture is effective ttc. If you have anymore questions message me and I'd be happy to help you the best I can.