Hiya Ladies,
Does anyone know anything I can do in the runup to and during IVF to improve the chances of it working (or at least just feel I am doing SOMETHING?). Thank you for any help you can give xxx

Hi TBD! I started accupuncture in the run up to thinking we were going to be referred. I found an accunpuncturist who specialises in fertility and she said (okay, she might have been a little biased!) that it had been proven to help. Not sure where you are but I'm in Essex - can give you her details if it helps xxx

Thanks kayecee - I have just been thinking of booking some acupuncture. Am a bit worried that it could make things worse though if they do something wrong.... I do know of one who specialises in fertility near me....will give them a call. Thanks sweetie xx

Hi again!

I had 3 sessions of acupuncture before egg collection and 2 on the day of embryo transfer (before and after) It's supposed to help prepare and keep the lining thick and improve the blood flow to help with implantation.

I hated having the acupuncture needles inserted into my feet (fortunately not necessary on ET day). Injecting hormones into my thigh was pretty painless into my feet hurt!

The other thing I did was to take whey protein shakes whilst using the stimulating hormones. Absolutely revolting stuff, still makes me shudder but having read about other ladies who'd taken it during their cycles on the care fertility general bulletin board you end up doing whatever you can to help produce quality eggs.

xxx

http://www.fertilityplus.org/faq/ivfhints.html

TBD this link has some useful tips and hints to help get through the process?!

xxx

Thanks so much Mrs Pootle and Rachie! MrsP those shakes sound awful...but worth it in the end I'm sure.... Must look into acupuncture although really don't see how I can fit it in with the actual treatment....no time!!! xxx

The things I'd recommend am sure you're already doing. Healthy diet, exercise - yoga and pilates are great for helping you zone out a bit too, have some 'quality time' with your husband. It's very easy to become completely engrossed in all things fertility, so try to switch off a bit (easier said than done!)

I had a couple of sessions of accupuncture in the lead up to IVF, but not actually during the process. You'll have enough trouble with the commuting to/from the hospital to juggle appts. Having said that, though, Zita West practices from the Lister part time (or at least she used to when I was there). She does fertility accupuncture, so might be worth an ask if you think it'd be beneficial.

Thanks MrsA, that's really helpful hon. Interesting about Zita....may ask about that. I agree about the travelling, excatly why I haven't seriously considered acupuncture really xxx

Hi,

We're due to start our first cycle of ICSI in a month or so, so I've been thinking about possible changes to lifestyle/eating habits.
Went to chat to my friend about it the other night as she had ICSI last year (has a gorgeous 5 month old daughter to show for it too) and she said that all she did was to take loads of folic acid, try to eat a bit healthily and cut down on alcohol. She didn't stop drinking all together, just had the odd drink here and there.
I've also heard that full fat dairy is meant to be good (it was maybe mentioned on one of the boards here actually) I already love my organic yoghurt but have switched to the full fat one (you can really taste that it's full fat) and think I'll switch to organic milk too (although it has been said that it's debatable if it's any better as it's still not 100% natural)

I have been having acupuncture for a good few months now, so I'm going to continue with that, but if you don't have the time for it then I really wouldn't worry about it as many people don't have acupuncture and have successful IVF cycles.

Will let you know if I find anymore info - actually have 2 Zita West books sitting by my bed so will take a looksie at those.

Hiya claire, That's really helpful, thank you! re: the drinking alcohol, I don't think I'll stop COMPLETELY either....but don't know how i'll feel when it comes to it. want to try to keep as much normaility as possible in what is going to be a very abnormal few weeks.
V interesting about the milk - I don't drink mucj of it. but do like hot choc!! Have also heard that 5 brazil nuts and pineapple jioce (not from concentrate) are good.
Good point about the acupunc. Honestly don't think I'll have time...
Thanks again. When do you find out what date you start? xx