Holistic vs Traditional medicine

Just curious - has anyone tried using holistic methods to treat infertility WITHOUT also using more traditional medicine at first?

I just started acupuncture and vitamin/herbal supplements. But I also just had my first RE appointment. Just wondering if I'm not being realistic if I give the acupuncture a shot before going to IVF.

Any thoughts?

Re: Holistic vs Traditional medicine

I tried acupuncture, herbs and amma massage for a few months before we started IVF. I can't say they didn't help, because I did eventually get PG with IVF and I think the acupuncture helped with that.

I think a lot depends on what your diagnosis is. If you have PCOS, or blocked tubes, or MF, I don't think the holistic approach will help much - I see it more as complimentary to more scientific methods. Supposedly herbs, acu, wheat grass, change in diet - may help with elevated FSH. But I don't know just how much.

Have you read The Infertility Cure by Randine Lewis? Personally I couldn't wait around as long as she did to see if I got results....but she has some good ideas in there.

Re: Holistic vs Traditional medicine

thanks Kara.

I *just* got my copy of the Infertility Cure this afternoon! I can't wait to start reading it.

I don't have any of those diagnoses yet. I have to have a CD3 test at the end of this month so I'll know more about the FSH then.

I'm just very apprehensive about starting IVF and I'm not sure why. (I'm pretty sure my fear of needles is one reason but it can't possibly be the main cause of my unease!)

Re: Holistic vs Traditional medicine

IVF is a personal decision and you have to feel comfortable with it. Some women just don't and pass on that.

I can tell you that it was successful for me, and not bad at all. Having a supportive DH, and friends, helps. That's what we are here for!!

Re: Holistic vs Traditional medicine

Re: Holistic vs Traditional medicine

Thanks
I started the book on the way home tonight and so far really like it.

I guess some of my apprehension about IVF is that I don't have a diagnosis yet. All my tests come back normal, tubes aren't blocked, AF is fairly regular etc. DH's SA came back fine too. The RE said that if he had to guess he'd say there's a problem with my egg quality so I have to do a CD3 test in a few weeks. That will give us more answers.

I reacted so badly to the two months of Clomid that I'm nervous about taking anything stronger. I mean, *I* didn't want to be around me...nevermind getting DH to BD when I was on it.

<sigh>