My sister called me the other day and was so excited about this spa she found that offered pre-conception massages that are aimed specifically at IVF patients. I was skeptical of course but I got on their website and did some research. When I called, they were very knowledgeable about the whole IVF process and the best times to come in. According to their research, these specific massages can increase your chances of conception by 65%. Now, I haven't actually seen this research yet, but if it can help us with this process - sign me up!!
I'm thinking it's similar to accupuncture during IVF from what I'm reading... "Massage therapy can help facilitate the conception process physically by breaking up adhesions and increasing pelvic blood supply, and emotionally by reducing stress and cortisol levels..whether you are trying naturally or in conjunction with appropriate medical treatment. In fact, research shows the pregnancy rate for women treated with massage techniques prior to their next IVF transfer to be 63% higher than the national average success rate for IVF."
The girls I've talked to at the spa said they recommend 2-3 treatments during your cycle. Once prior to retrieval, once between retrieval and transfer and then just a relaxation massage during the 2ww. So, I've got an appointment this Sunday for my first massage! I'm not sure what to expect but I'm looking forward to it.
Have any of you girls tried something like this?
I listened to my first Circ.le and Blo.om session today, massages scheduled and first Lup.ron shot on Friday. I think we're full speed ahead!
I have never done this specifically, but I do loves me a massage. You'll have to report back about what specifically made it at pre-conception massage. Is it abdominal?
ReplyDeleteYeah, I think it is abdominal... increasing blood flow to your lady parts! lol! They said that it's not really a relaxing massage, so I'm not sure about that part! :)
DeleteNever heard of that but I'm with you, anything that can help the process along, I'd be all for it! Hope you get your miracle this next cycle!!
ReplyDeletesign me up! I'm ready for a massage....(how did you find that place?)
ReplyDeleteMy sister found their website, becomingmomspa(dot)com, I believe. You might check with some local spas to see if they offer something like this. I'm interested to check it out!
DeleteHey there. I am a newbie blogger and new follower. So excited to connect with so many great women experiencing similar journeys. Massages are the one thing that splurge on every month if I can. You should try it...it can't hurt, right? I'd love to hear whether you think it helped.
ReplyDeleteHuh, never heard of it, but I would be all for it! I think I may look that up myself and see if there is anywhere near me that specializes in these massages.
ReplyDeleteLet us know what you think!
MissC
I haven't heard of that either, but it sounds awesome! At the very least you'll be nice and relaxed (which I definitely wasn't during my cycle so far) and it's something fun to look forward too. Maybe I'll try to get a massage this weekend. Can't wait to hear about it and if it helped!!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like the Mayan Womb Massage that a friend told me about and that I tried on my own. My friend swore by it, my IVF doctor laughed at it and I tried it on myself for a while and it was ok.
ReplyDeleteIf it is the same, you can learn how they are doing it this time around and try it onyouself later if you need it. Good luck, in anycase, massage is almost always nice. Good luck, can't wait to hear about your experience.
Actually, there have been several scientific studies done, and acupuncture and massage have not been proven to increase success rates in IVF patients. What the doctors say is "relaxation can't hurt, and if it gives a patient a positive outlook, than what the heck."
ReplyDelete65% of ALL patients who pursue ART will walk away with a live baby after treatment. (that number is actually creeping up to 68%...yeah!) So, they have that right. A person who waves purple chicken bones and chants OH WHAT A GOO SIAM over all of his IVF patients will have a 65% success rate, too, it's built into the ART success rates. Be careful about the numbers that these people quote you. Massage certainly can't hurt, but it is really an unnecessary expense on top of an already expensive process.
You're right girl, I'm not too sold on their percentages and all that but I'm thinking it certainly might help me to relax. I don't think its a miracle cure or anything but I'm hoping I like it. If not, I certainly won't be returning for any follow-up visits! :-)
DeleteMy massage therapist will sometimes sneak some pelvic massage (that sounds dirty) into a full-body massage. The points she works on are painful--definitely not relaxing--and are just inside my hip bones. Good luck with yours!
ReplyDeleteHow are you liking Circle & Bloom?
It seems a little weird at first, I'm not usually into the mind body stuff. But, I definitely think it helps to feel calm and relaxed. Maybe just to forget about all the other things constantly running through our heads for a little while. Have you used it?
DeleteI haven't used C&B but have used Belleruth Naparstek's fertility meditation CD. I found it very calming. It definitely felt weird at first, though!
DeleteHi from ICLW!
ReplyDeleteFertility massage sounds nicer to me than acupuncture. I don't hate needles but I don't love them either. Plus, an excuse for a massage would be great!! We are heading into our first IVF this spring....I might look into that!
I signed up for a membership at my local spa so I go once a month at a discount. My massage therapist has been doing reflexology on my feet specific to fertility. I don't know if it is helping, but it feels really good. I hope it helps you relax. I am going this week to relax and get my mind off stuff.
ReplyDeleteMy wife chose a fertility massage over acupuncture since she doesn’t like needles. Fertility massages are known to dial down anxiety levels. Since stress affects conception, going through this therapy proved to be effective in our case. How did it go with you? =)
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Quentin Edberg