Acupuncturists licenced in the US use single use needles that come in sterile packages much like hypodermics in hospitals, they certainly don’t sterilize them in front of you. I can’t even imagine how one would do such a thing, how does this happen in your hypothetical “sterilize in front of you” scenario?
I am a scientist by education and vocation and most of the research I have conducted is in the medical field–I am not a woo-woo person. I went to an acupuncturist when I had begun to lose hope in my husband and I conceiving. It was something that I had heard that had worked for a friend but had serious doubts about the mechanism involved and the effectiveness of treatment. We had spent 2 years of targeted (read: ovulation testing, CM monitoring and timed sex) trying, 6 months of testing and medication none of which was effective. Our doctor told us we could go to IVF which was not an option for us for many reasons or cross our fingers and hope. After 2 months of acupuncture 1X per week I was 4wks pregnant. I can’t explain it, but I know that I am not the only one who has had this result. In my book it is at least worth a try.
I think the most annoying thing about infertility is not so much the infertility itself (at least for me - I am well aware that mileage varies on the subject) but other people.
My husband and I made our decision a long time ago - we’re content with it, and it’s no one’s business, really. If someone asks why we don’t have children I’ll say “It just didn’t happen for us.” and would prefer to leave it there. I can’t count the number of times someone has gushed about adoption, or tried to inform me about this or that treatment (as if we were two stupid to research this ourselves - if we haven’t tried it we must NOT have heard about it!). It’s like they can’t comprehend I’m not a crying, shattered wreck for not having produced offspring. No, really, I’m not, I’m OK with everything, seeing other women with babies doesn’t cause me pain or distress, just get over it. If I’m not upset you shouldn’t be either!
That said - I wish the OP success and happiness in whatever course they chose. I’m also sure someone will try to second guess them, too. But really, I just wish for you to be happy in the end.
Oh, I absolutely agree that there is no evidence that the acupuncture is what helped us, and I certainly can’t point to the mechanism by which it could work. It very will could have been just time and trying–as you say our odds weren’t terrible however after visiting the RE, they weren’t great either. I think I responded more to address the advice that your acupuncturist should sterilize needles in front of you :dubious: and to share my experience with fertility acupuncture.
(That should be "DIDN’T poison me either - slept in this morning and hadn’t had coffee).
Yoga is another one some people swear by. Probably doesn’t hurt your fertility chances, and a good relaxing yoga practice during a stressful time at least gives you some time each day to center yourself.