Onto IVF

SafariGal28

Hi everyone,

 I've been an on and off lurker for the past year and had to quit cold turkey because I was becoming consumed with trying to get pregnant. Quick intro: DH and I are both 35 yo. We've been ttc for approximately 2 years and been diagnosed with unexplained infertility. Other than low progesterone, can't figure out what's going on. Been through 3 rounds of clomid, novarel, and TI. Took a couple months off to regroup and de-stress with accupuncture before staring IUI. Attempted IUI for 3 cycles: all with femara and ovidrel, last cycle was back to back IUI. No luck. I've been a wreck every 29 days with AF visits, as I'm so tired of the disappointment and the unknown. We have an appointment with an RE next week to discuss IVF. We are both excited and anxious at the same time. It's so overwhelming reading what the process entails and what to expect. Just wondering if you ladies have any suggestions on questions to ask at our initial visit. 

girloffaith

i'm so sorry you have to go through all of this  BUT i will say that i didn't think IVF cycle was much different than the IUI cycle--just an extra med/shot or two (plus, of course, the actual retrieval which i thought was painless).  but if you're used to follicle monitoring and injectables, you will likely not have a hugely different experience with IVF (minus the whole cost thing....)  stats are much more in your favor  welcome!

babycrazy8

@SafariGal28 omg! We are pretty much in the same boat. Everything you said I've gone through and felt! We are on our 4th IUI, results are on 29 July. However I tested today and it's a BFN. If this fails again we will be moving onto IVF. Such an huge roller coaster, and like you said a wreck every 29 days. I just feel so lost at the moment and helpless. We do everything in our power (month after month) and it just doesn't work. All the best with your IVF discussion. But with some research I've done I think @girloffaith said it very well, hopefully we'll be used to most of the process apart from the retrieval (including hopefully lots of follicles and eggs!) and the transfer. All the best x

jnissa

Hi. I'm so sorry you have to move onto IVF. I've never had an IUI, but I feel like the physical part of the IVF cycle isn't too bad. The emotional part is hard though. 

I'd be sure to try to get an idea of what your protocol will be (just a general one) if they're willing to talk about it so that you can learn more about it. They may want you to redo a bunch of testing, which would suck. Definitely ask about your clinic's success rates and preferences for: day 3 transfer, day 5 transfer, frozen vs. fresh and pdg testing (or something similar). Those can vary a lot by clinic and it's good info to know!

MKLEWIS2010

Hi I am sorry you have to go to IVF also. Hopefully this will bring you that bundle of joy. I am also hoping the RE will run some testing maybe they can find the problem and fix it. Have you ever had an HSG? It seems you have only dealt with an OB and they don't always know as much as an RE. I agree with pp check on the stats of the clinic, as well as ask your doctor how many embryos will they transfer each cycle. My doctor is adamant that she will only transfer one at a time. Also ask them about a teach class to show you all the meds. For me that was helpful I know your coming from IUI so you are used to the injections but this was a great session to ask more questions because you will always have more questions. I never did IUI so I am not too familiar with the protocol you were on. Good luck!

Wicked4589

IVF is a very emotional thing and can be overwhelming. But a good clinic will take all the stress for you. The thought of moving on to IVF was so much more stressful than the actual process. It's very emotional. Especially when you start the injections. But you will become very adjusted to it and it won't be a big deal after a few days. When I was working with my RE with the initial fertility problems, that was worse than the IVF. It just becomes automated. Take notes, ask questions, and don't ever feel like you can't ask your doctor the simplist of questions. You need to be comfortable.