New to IVF

Ilky

Hello ladies,

Unfortunately after three unsuccessful clomid + IUI treatments, we have no other option besides going through IVF. I'm hesitant because I feel like there will be too much medication, its invasive and super expensive (insurance doesn't cover anything and it will be about $30K). However, not having any kid of my own is also taunting. So, I feel like I'm forced to go to that route. 

I've been reading a lot about it but havent talked to my RE yet. I was hoping if you ladies who have just started or gone through IVF can share your experience and whether you did fresh vs. frozen, PGS test or none, and your diagnosis (if any) that would be great. Unlike my coworker who did not do any research nor asked any questions to her doctor, I'm a control freak and need to know how each steps works, what each medication is for, whether they are necessary, etc. I lost all hopes so I feel like even after going through it, it still wont work and I will be completely broken. 

MMD1986

IVF can seem a little overwhelming at first, but by the end you'll feel like a pro.

After discovering I had stage four endometriosis, my RE recommended we start the IVF process for the best success rates.

My first cycle was cancelled due to poor response, so the second cycle I was switched to the Microdose Lupron protocol.  I don't have my calendar anymore so I don't remember the exact timeline, but I think the start of medicine through retrieval was about 2 weeks (not counting bcps).

I did Lupron and Menopur shots every morning, and then Lupron, Follistim, and growth hormone shots in the evenings. By the end I was even able to give myself my own shots, something I never thought I'd be able to do.  One tip is keep a calendar/planner and write out the time and dose for each medication and just check them off once done.  It'll help you stay organized so you don't worry that you missed something or messed up a dose.

The egg retrieval process was super simple for me.  I had to be at the doctor's office 36 hours after the trigger shot to prep.  Once they wheeled me back and put me under I was only out for about the amount of time it took my husband to give his sample.   Then we just hung out for probably 30 minutes and then were sent home.  I felt fine after and was even able to go out to lunch with my husband.

The plan was to do a fresh transfer, but that was changed the day of the retrieval because I only had three eggs and my RE said he has had a lot more success with FET recently.  He said 40 out of his last 50 had been successful, so I'll take those odds!  We opted not to do PGS testing due to cost and number of eggs.  The PGS testing is more expensive than the FET at my clinic, so I figured just transfer them.

We actually went in today to sign the paperwork and get the calendar for our FET, which will take place next month.

Sorry for the long post, but there are a lot of steps.  It really is not that bad once you get started!  You should definitely join in on one of the monthly IVF threads, there is a ton of information there and you'll get to chat with ladies on the same timeline as you, which is very helpful!

Ilky

Thank you @MMD1986 very useful information. Yes, the things scares me but I'm trying to get myself used to the idea. When I had 4 follicles I was barely able to walk towards ovulation, I can't even imagine carrying 20 of them! This whole things is emotionally and physically very draining and not knowing what the issue is frustrating. I wish you best of luck next month! If we go forward with this, I will be doing my retrieval next month. 

JaeJayStark

Hi @Ilky! I'm starting IVF so you already know someone here!

cashewchicken

Hi @Ilky!

I've completed 3 rounds of egg retrieval and I'm scheduled for my first frozen embryo transfer in July.  My diagnosis: unexplained, though polycystic ovaries (PCO) might be contributing to my infertility.  I don't have PCOS, I ovulate on my own, but what I found out through 3 cycles of IVF was that I produce many immature eggs, which happens in some patients with PCOS.

One of the things I didn't anticipate at the start of this IVF journey was that I would need 3 cycles of IVF.  People say that the first cycle of IVF is often a trial and error.  An RE will choose a procedure based on what worked for patients with similar profile as you.  But we are all different, and sometimes the cycle that was chosen for you will not work.  Well, that happened to me.  While many will have a success with the first IVF cycle, mine failed. I ended up with very few mature eggs despite retrieving many eggs (22 eggs and 15 eggs for the first and second cycles, respectively).  Actually I ended up trying this procedure twice since the first cycle failed because of an unanticipated problem not related to the stimulation procedure.  For the third cycle, I tried a different protocol and that cycle resulted in 4 PGS-normal embryos.

I did PGS due to my advanced maternal age (just turned 39... ugh) and PCO.  I retrieved a decent number of eggs thanks to PCO and PGS was the only way to weed out the bad from the good.  For cycle #2, I obtained 5 blastocysts, of which none were normal.  Had I not done the PGS testing, I would have wasted the next six months or more transferring the doomed embryos.