@chindimples04 I'm glad things can't back normal but I can definitely understand your frustration with wanting to know the reason behind difficulty ttc. I agree with what everyone else has said with the musical next step being a SA for YH.
@runningoncookies FX for happy with pizza!! Glad the TWW has been good so far!
@misshelen86 crossing everything for you and your lining check!! Sending you all the positive vibes.
@krash_ ooof that sounds so uncomfortable. Also the getting distracted by leftover pie struggle is real!!
@laura-kay it's so hard not to Google everything medical. Hopefully those follies are good sizes for day 6.
@acleverusername so happy to hear everything went great for your IUI today! I hope your TWW flies by.
@laura-kay sounds like you're a fast responder, just like me. I wouldn't worry about that! When is your next u/s?
@gingermama29 LOL at "the musical next step"... ukalele's going to your head?
TTC History TTC#2
Me: 41; MH: 40 | Met 02/2009 | Started Dating 08/2017 | Married 02/02/2020 Mar 2024 | consult to get established with a new reproductive immunologist (Alan Beer Center) Apr/May 2024 | required testing & waiting for a protocol May 2024 | protocol given / decided to go back to my old reproductive immunologist, Dr. Jubiz Jun / Jul 2024 | more testing, incl. SIS, ultrasound, and endometrial biopsy Jul 2024 | Dx chronic endometritis; 14 days of 100mg of doxy given Sep 2024 | Repeat endometrial biopsy; still + for chronic endometritis. 2 more antibiotics + an antiviral Oct 2024... currently awaiting a hysteroscopy (10/28) to check uterine cavity + check for endometritis
TTC #1
Me: 36, MH: 34 | Met 02/2009 | Started Dating 08/2017 | Married 02/02/2020 TTC #1 02/2020 - 07/2022 2009 | Dx PCOS; likely a misdiagnosis 07/14/20 | Dx Hashimoto's Thyroditis 07/21/20 | 1st RE appointment 07/2120 - 08/20/20 | so much testing; no signs of PCOS 08/20/20 | Dx Unexplained; AMA 09/08/20 | IUI #1 Clomid + Trigger + Prometrium | BFN 09/30/20 | Urology consult; more testing required 10/2020 | Clomid + OPK + TI + Prometrium | BFN 10/26/2020 | Starting 2nd IUI cycle, with Letrazole and with a new RE / different clinic 11/03/2020 | New Dx "poor egg quality"; IUI cancelled in favor of Trigger + TI + Prometrium | BFN 11/26/2020 | Combo IUI (Clomid + Menopur) + Trigger + Prometrium | BFN 12/20/2020 | Combo IUI (Clomid + Gonal-F) + Trigger | IUI Cancelled due to thin lining; TI only | BFN 01/14/2021 | Combo IUI (Letrazole + Menopur) + Trigger | BFN 02/06/2021 | Switched to a new RE (TEW) ; trying naturally until we complete additional testing 03/14/2021 | Hybrid Double IUI, with Zymot (Letrazole, Gonal-F) + Trigger + Endometrin | Ovulated 4 mature eggs but still a BFN ☹️ 04/07/2021 | Natural cycle while we regroup | BFN 04/09/2021 | Employer announces fertility benefits starting 05/01/2021! | Search for a new doctor who accepts insurance 05/10/2021 | New RE consult & plan for IVF 05/13/2021 | Mid-luteal IVF cycle #1 interrupted; had to get cancer genetic screening done to make sure I didn't have the same SDHA gene mutation as MH. 06/10/2021 | Aygestin priming IVF cycle #1; opted to Cx after 9 days of stims since only 5-6/12 follicles responded 07/26/2021 | Attempt #2 at IVF cycle #1 (mid-luteal start): 8 retrieved, 8 MII, 6 fert (1 PN3), 3 Day 5 & 6 blasts: 3AA, 3AA, 6AB; 3 euploid 08/09/2021 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC | Shockingly, a BFP! EDD: 5/25/202 | CP at 4w4d 09/23/2021 | IVF cycle #2 (mid-luteal start): 14 retrieved, 13 MII, 11 fert, 5 Day 5 & 6 blasts: 2 x 3AA, 2 x 3AB, 3BB; 2 euploid 11/12/2021 | IVF cycle #3 (mid-luteal start): cancelled due to ovaries being on vacation 12/20/2021 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC + Pregmune Immunology Testing; BFN 01/22/2022 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC + understanding uncovered immunological issues; BFN 02/18/2022 | Mock transfer cycle! ERA, ReceptivaDx, EMMA/ALICE; start Prednisone to address NK activity 03/16/2022 | Final, "Hail Mary" super-ovulation + TI cycle before FET; BFP! EDD: 12/21/2022 | MMC 05/08/2022 05/20/2022 | D&C; recovering... 06/21/2022 | Trying naturally until October 2022 07/21/2022 | BFP! EDD 04/02/2023; 👦🏼 born on 4/5/2023
@acleverusername Yay! I’m so happy your IUI went well. FX for you!
@laura-kay That’s great you already have 2 dominant follies. FX for your next U/S!
Me: 35 DH: 35 TTC since 9/2018
Dx: MFI 10/19- First RE visit 2/20- DH had surgery for bilateral varicoceles 7/20- IUI with 5 mg letrozole- BFN 9/20- IVF. 9 eggs retrieved, 9 mature, 8 fertilized with ICSI, 7 blasts, 4 PGT-A normal 11/20- Mock transfer/ERA 12/20- FET #1- transferred one 4AB- BFN 3/21- FET #2- transferred one 3AB- BFP! Due Dec 2021 12/21- Baby girl born!
TL; DR. Found another study to potentially participate in (a Phase 3 clinical trial). This one covers the cost of an IVF round, including all medication and ICSI. It's based in Chicago. If you're interested in creative ways to fund fertility, check out ClinicalTrials.gov to see if there are studies that match your criteria. Details about how I stumbled upon this in spoiler.
Dear IF ladies, as you well know, I've often complained about how expensive IVF is in the Bay Area and of our intention to go out of state if it comes to that because it's probably > 5K cheaper elsewhere. In conjunction with having that plan (for us, out of state would be AZ since we can fly there, and we have a place to stay as my FIL has a winter house there he's not using this year because of Covid). However, at the same time, I've been looking for other creative ways to fund our treatment. I heard about the research at the Philadelphia clinic through another forum that I'm a member of. But that got me thinking... they're got to be other clinics who do this, right?
I spent a good portion of one evening googling combinations of IVF + Research + clinics but didn't really come up with any lists of clinic with research arms, let alone a list of fertility clinics that recruiting patients for studies. I did, however, come across ClinicalTrials.gov (well, I actually knew about this website from before), but this time, I clued in to the fact that you could search / filter on Infertility and "Recruiting Participants." I spent another several evening going through all of the studies listed, and emailing the contacts listed for any that I thought I qualified for.
Needless to say, I didn't get a reply for every inquiry. As well, some studies were fairly small and rewards for participating were justifiably small. However, I did find one study in Chicago that was/is conducting a Phase III clinical trial. Participants of this study would be compensated with a free IVF cycle, including ER, medications and ICSI. I didn't hear back from them for about a week, after which they sent me a pre-screening questionnaire; they told me once completed, someone would get back to me within 7-10 business days. All of this was in the beginning of November, and when I didn't heard from them by 3rd week of November, I kind of decided that I didn't make the cut. However, yesterday, when I got back from our IUI, I discovered a reply from them saying that I've pre-qualified for the study and that the next step would be to schedule an intake appointment with one of the physicians at the clinic. I'll be doing that next week.
The point of my long post is that if any of you are looking for creative ways to fund your fertility treatments, and don't mind being a guinea pig, then this one way to do it. Here's the link to ClinicalTrials.gov query with infertility studies in the US that are currently recruiting participants. There are actually quite a few studies focused on DOR/low AMH. Obviously, these are all over the US, so willingness to travel would be crucial if this is something that interests you. However, comparatively speaking, there is way more research happening on the east coast than on the west coast.
TTC History TTC#2
Me: 41; MH: 40 | Met 02/2009 | Started Dating 08/2017 | Married 02/02/2020 Mar 2024 | consult to get established with a new reproductive immunologist (Alan Beer Center) Apr/May 2024 | required testing & waiting for a protocol May 2024 | protocol given / decided to go back to my old reproductive immunologist, Dr. Jubiz Jun / Jul 2024 | more testing, incl. SIS, ultrasound, and endometrial biopsy Jul 2024 | Dx chronic endometritis; 14 days of 100mg of doxy given Sep 2024 | Repeat endometrial biopsy; still + for chronic endometritis. 2 more antibiotics + an antiviral Oct 2024... currently awaiting a hysteroscopy (10/28) to check uterine cavity + check for endometritis
TTC #1
Me: 36, MH: 34 | Met 02/2009 | Started Dating 08/2017 | Married 02/02/2020 TTC #1 02/2020 - 07/2022 2009 | Dx PCOS; likely a misdiagnosis 07/14/20 | Dx Hashimoto's Thyroditis 07/21/20 | 1st RE appointment 07/2120 - 08/20/20 | so much testing; no signs of PCOS 08/20/20 | Dx Unexplained; AMA 09/08/20 | IUI #1 Clomid + Trigger + Prometrium | BFN 09/30/20 | Urology consult; more testing required 10/2020 | Clomid + OPK + TI + Prometrium | BFN 10/26/2020 | Starting 2nd IUI cycle, with Letrazole and with a new RE / different clinic 11/03/2020 | New Dx "poor egg quality"; IUI cancelled in favor of Trigger + TI + Prometrium | BFN 11/26/2020 | Combo IUI (Clomid + Menopur) + Trigger + Prometrium | BFN 12/20/2020 | Combo IUI (Clomid + Gonal-F) + Trigger | IUI Cancelled due to thin lining; TI only | BFN 01/14/2021 | Combo IUI (Letrazole + Menopur) + Trigger | BFN 02/06/2021 | Switched to a new RE (TEW) ; trying naturally until we complete additional testing 03/14/2021 | Hybrid Double IUI, with Zymot (Letrazole, Gonal-F) + Trigger + Endometrin | Ovulated 4 mature eggs but still a BFN ☹️ 04/07/2021 | Natural cycle while we regroup | BFN 04/09/2021 | Employer announces fertility benefits starting 05/01/2021! | Search for a new doctor who accepts insurance 05/10/2021 | New RE consult & plan for IVF 05/13/2021 | Mid-luteal IVF cycle #1 interrupted; had to get cancer genetic screening done to make sure I didn't have the same SDHA gene mutation as MH. 06/10/2021 | Aygestin priming IVF cycle #1; opted to Cx after 9 days of stims since only 5-6/12 follicles responded 07/26/2021 | Attempt #2 at IVF cycle #1 (mid-luteal start): 8 retrieved, 8 MII, 6 fert (1 PN3), 3 Day 5 & 6 blasts: 3AA, 3AA, 6AB; 3 euploid 08/09/2021 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC | Shockingly, a BFP! EDD: 5/25/202 | CP at 4w4d 09/23/2021 | IVF cycle #2 (mid-luteal start): 14 retrieved, 13 MII, 11 fert, 5 Day 5 & 6 blasts: 2 x 3AA, 2 x 3AB, 3BB; 2 euploid 11/12/2021 | IVF cycle #3 (mid-luteal start): cancelled due to ovaries being on vacation 12/20/2021 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC + Pregmune Immunology Testing; BFN 01/22/2022 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC + understanding uncovered immunological issues; BFN 02/18/2022 | Mock transfer cycle! ERA, ReceptivaDx, EMMA/ALICE; start Prednisone to address NK activity 03/16/2022 | Final, "Hail Mary" super-ovulation + TI cycle before FET; BFP! EDD: 12/21/2022 | MMC 05/08/2022 05/20/2022 | D&C; recovering... 06/21/2022 | Trying naturally until October 2022 07/21/2022 | BFP! EDD 04/02/2023; 👦🏼 born on 4/5/2023
@gingermama29 I totally understand! I have several language keyboards as well - so when it switches to those accidentally, autocorrect really messes things up.
So I had my ultrasound and bloodwork monitoring visit today. Turns out that this is our last monitoring visit, and we are planning to have the IUI procedure on Monday!
This is a lot faster than I expected. We have three primary follicles - one at 19mm, one at 15mm and one at 14mm. My estradiol is at ~730. The doctor suggested having the trigger shot today so that we limit the risk of high multiples. I was expecting at least 3-4 monitoring visits, so I was not thinking that we would have our trigger shot tonight (after 2 monitoring visits). I'm hoping all works well with this. At least it looks like my body is responding to the treatment.
We actually have one full Gonal-F Rediject pen left - we originally expected to be using more than we needed. I'm keeping it in the fridge on the off chance that this doesn't work. It's $1000 a pen, so I definitely don't want to waste it. I'm hoping though that a second round isn't needed at all. FX!
@laura-kay yay! That’s amazing! With E2 at 730, you likely have 2-3 mature eggs already! Good luck on Monday!
In terms of the gonal-f one, first of all, yes - I hope you don’t need it!!! You can try reselling it at a small discount on an local IVF Fertility Facebook group (there’s a big one in Northern California and I’ve seen ppl do that.) Or, if you’re feeling generous, you can try donating to a cause like Single Mother By Choice. I’m not sure if they issue donation receipts but if this becomes a problem you need to solve (and I hope that it does!!!) it’s worth looking into!
TTC History TTC#2
Me: 41; MH: 40 | Met 02/2009 | Started Dating 08/2017 | Married 02/02/2020 Mar 2024 | consult to get established with a new reproductive immunologist (Alan Beer Center) Apr/May 2024 | required testing & waiting for a protocol May 2024 | protocol given / decided to go back to my old reproductive immunologist, Dr. Jubiz Jun / Jul 2024 | more testing, incl. SIS, ultrasound, and endometrial biopsy Jul 2024 | Dx chronic endometritis; 14 days of 100mg of doxy given Sep 2024 | Repeat endometrial biopsy; still + for chronic endometritis. 2 more antibiotics + an antiviral Oct 2024... currently awaiting a hysteroscopy (10/28) to check uterine cavity + check for endometritis
TTC #1
Me: 36, MH: 34 | Met 02/2009 | Started Dating 08/2017 | Married 02/02/2020 TTC #1 02/2020 - 07/2022 2009 | Dx PCOS; likely a misdiagnosis 07/14/20 | Dx Hashimoto's Thyroditis 07/21/20 | 1st RE appointment 07/2120 - 08/20/20 | so much testing; no signs of PCOS 08/20/20 | Dx Unexplained; AMA 09/08/20 | IUI #1 Clomid + Trigger + Prometrium | BFN 09/30/20 | Urology consult; more testing required 10/2020 | Clomid + OPK + TI + Prometrium | BFN 10/26/2020 | Starting 2nd IUI cycle, with Letrazole and with a new RE / different clinic 11/03/2020 | New Dx "poor egg quality"; IUI cancelled in favor of Trigger + TI + Prometrium | BFN 11/26/2020 | Combo IUI (Clomid + Menopur) + Trigger + Prometrium | BFN 12/20/2020 | Combo IUI (Clomid + Gonal-F) + Trigger | IUI Cancelled due to thin lining; TI only | BFN 01/14/2021 | Combo IUI (Letrazole + Menopur) + Trigger | BFN 02/06/2021 | Switched to a new RE (TEW) ; trying naturally until we complete additional testing 03/14/2021 | Hybrid Double IUI, with Zymot (Letrazole, Gonal-F) + Trigger + Endometrin | Ovulated 4 mature eggs but still a BFN ☹️ 04/07/2021 | Natural cycle while we regroup | BFN 04/09/2021 | Employer announces fertility benefits starting 05/01/2021! | Search for a new doctor who accepts insurance 05/10/2021 | New RE consult & plan for IVF 05/13/2021 | Mid-luteal IVF cycle #1 interrupted; had to get cancer genetic screening done to make sure I didn't have the same SDHA gene mutation as MH. 06/10/2021 | Aygestin priming IVF cycle #1; opted to Cx after 9 days of stims since only 5-6/12 follicles responded 07/26/2021 | Attempt #2 at IVF cycle #1 (mid-luteal start): 8 retrieved, 8 MII, 6 fert (1 PN3), 3 Day 5 & 6 blasts: 3AA, 3AA, 6AB; 3 euploid 08/09/2021 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC | Shockingly, a BFP! EDD: 5/25/202 | CP at 4w4d 09/23/2021 | IVF cycle #2 (mid-luteal start): 14 retrieved, 13 MII, 11 fert, 5 Day 5 & 6 blasts: 2 x 3AA, 2 x 3AB, 3BB; 2 euploid 11/12/2021 | IVF cycle #3 (mid-luteal start): cancelled due to ovaries being on vacation 12/20/2021 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC + Pregmune Immunology Testing; BFN 01/22/2022 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC + understanding uncovered immunological issues; BFN 02/18/2022 | Mock transfer cycle! ERA, ReceptivaDx, EMMA/ALICE; start Prednisone to address NK activity 03/16/2022 | Final, "Hail Mary" super-ovulation + TI cycle before FET; BFP! EDD: 12/21/2022 | MMC 05/08/2022 05/20/2022 | D&C; recovering... 06/21/2022 | Trying naturally until October 2022 07/21/2022 | BFP! EDD 04/02/2023; 👦🏼 born on 4/5/2023
@acleverusername Thanks! I’ll keep that in mind in case (hopefully!) we need to solve that problem.
I feel all over the place now emotionally. I’m excited, nervous, anxious to let myself be excited, realistic that there really is a much greater chance that it won’t work, and yet hopeful that it will work this time.
@laura-kay I’m with you girl! On the one hand, it’s so exciting and encouraging that our bodies responded so well to the medication. On the other hand, that does change the fact that IUI success rate is still only 10-15%.
The way to realistically look at it is that stims + IUI only solves one variable in the equation: ovulation. There is still no way to know if there is an issue with fertilization or implantation. But, for now... remain positive that you’ve done something. It’s a process of elimination really.
I have a question for vitamin experts: @kiki047 how much Vitamin E are you currently taking? Also, @keikilove have you ever supplemented with Selenium? My issue is that I added both Selenium (200mcg) and Vitamin E (536mg) at the end of October and I’ve been noticing that my hair has been “falling out” in chunks (mostly noticeable when I wash my hair). I went down a rabbit hole last night and realized that I’m probably over dosing on the selenium. Also not sure about Vit E. But those are definitely the 2 vitamins that are known to cause hair loss if consumed if excess.
TTC History TTC#2
Me: 41; MH: 40 | Met 02/2009 | Started Dating 08/2017 | Married 02/02/2020 Mar 2024 | consult to get established with a new reproductive immunologist (Alan Beer Center) Apr/May 2024 | required testing & waiting for a protocol May 2024 | protocol given / decided to go back to my old reproductive immunologist, Dr. Jubiz Jun / Jul 2024 | more testing, incl. SIS, ultrasound, and endometrial biopsy Jul 2024 | Dx chronic endometritis; 14 days of 100mg of doxy given Sep 2024 | Repeat endometrial biopsy; still + for chronic endometritis. 2 more antibiotics + an antiviral Oct 2024... currently awaiting a hysteroscopy (10/28) to check uterine cavity + check for endometritis
TTC #1
Me: 36, MH: 34 | Met 02/2009 | Started Dating 08/2017 | Married 02/02/2020 TTC #1 02/2020 - 07/2022 2009 | Dx PCOS; likely a misdiagnosis 07/14/20 | Dx Hashimoto's Thyroditis 07/21/20 | 1st RE appointment 07/2120 - 08/20/20 | so much testing; no signs of PCOS 08/20/20 | Dx Unexplained; AMA 09/08/20 | IUI #1 Clomid + Trigger + Prometrium | BFN 09/30/20 | Urology consult; more testing required 10/2020 | Clomid + OPK + TI + Prometrium | BFN 10/26/2020 | Starting 2nd IUI cycle, with Letrazole and with a new RE / different clinic 11/03/2020 | New Dx "poor egg quality"; IUI cancelled in favor of Trigger + TI + Prometrium | BFN 11/26/2020 | Combo IUI (Clomid + Menopur) + Trigger + Prometrium | BFN 12/20/2020 | Combo IUI (Clomid + Gonal-F) + Trigger | IUI Cancelled due to thin lining; TI only | BFN 01/14/2021 | Combo IUI (Letrazole + Menopur) + Trigger | BFN 02/06/2021 | Switched to a new RE (TEW) ; trying naturally until we complete additional testing 03/14/2021 | Hybrid Double IUI, with Zymot (Letrazole, Gonal-F) + Trigger + Endometrin | Ovulated 4 mature eggs but still a BFN ☹️ 04/07/2021 | Natural cycle while we regroup | BFN 04/09/2021 | Employer announces fertility benefits starting 05/01/2021! | Search for a new doctor who accepts insurance 05/10/2021 | New RE consult & plan for IVF 05/13/2021 | Mid-luteal IVF cycle #1 interrupted; had to get cancer genetic screening done to make sure I didn't have the same SDHA gene mutation as MH. 06/10/2021 | Aygestin priming IVF cycle #1; opted to Cx after 9 days of stims since only 5-6/12 follicles responded 07/26/2021 | Attempt #2 at IVF cycle #1 (mid-luteal start): 8 retrieved, 8 MII, 6 fert (1 PN3), 3 Day 5 & 6 blasts: 3AA, 3AA, 6AB; 3 euploid 08/09/2021 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC | Shockingly, a BFP! EDD: 5/25/202 | CP at 4w4d 09/23/2021 | IVF cycle #2 (mid-luteal start): 14 retrieved, 13 MII, 11 fert, 5 Day 5 & 6 blasts: 2 x 3AA, 2 x 3AB, 3BB; 2 euploid 11/12/2021 | IVF cycle #3 (mid-luteal start): cancelled due to ovaries being on vacation 12/20/2021 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC + Pregmune Immunology Testing; BFN 01/22/2022 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC + understanding uncovered immunological issues; BFN 02/18/2022 | Mock transfer cycle! ERA, ReceptivaDx, EMMA/ALICE; start Prednisone to address NK activity 03/16/2022 | Final, "Hail Mary" super-ovulation + TI cycle before FET; BFP! EDD: 12/21/2022 | MMC 05/08/2022 05/20/2022 | D&C; recovering... 06/21/2022 | Trying naturally until October 2022 07/21/2022 | BFP! EDD 04/02/2023; 👦🏼 born on 4/5/2023
Re: IF Testing/Treatment w/o 11/30
@runningoncookies FX for happy with pizza!! Glad the TWW has been good so far!
@misshelen86 crossing everything for you and your lining check!! Sending you all the positive vibes.
@krash_ ooof that sounds so uncomfortable. Also the getting distracted by leftover pie struggle is real!!
@laura-kay it's so hard not to Google everything medical. Hopefully those follies are good sizes for day 6.
@acleverusername so happy to hear everything went great for your IUI today! I hope your TWW flies by.
@acleverusername wonderful news! So glad it went well!
@gingermama29 LOL at "the musical next step"... ukalele's going to your head?
TTC History
TTC#2
Mar 2024 | consult to get established with a new reproductive immunologist (Alan Beer Center)
Apr/May 2024 | required testing & waiting for a protocol
May 2024 | protocol given / decided to go back to my old reproductive immunologist, Dr. Jubiz
Jun / Jul 2024 | more testing, incl. SIS, ultrasound, and endometrial biopsy
Jul 2024 | Dx chronic endometritis; 14 days of 100mg of doxy given
Sep 2024 | Repeat endometrial biopsy; still + for chronic endometritis. 2 more antibiotics + an antiviral
Oct 2024... currently awaiting a hysteroscopy (10/28) to check uterine cavity + check for endometritis
TTC #1
TTC #1 02/2020 - 07/2022
2009 | Dx PCOS; likely a misdiagnosis
07/14/20 | Dx Hashimoto's Thyroditis
07/21/20 | 1st RE appointment
07/2120 - 08/20/20 | so much testing; no signs of PCOS
08/20/20 | Dx Unexplained; AMA
09/08/20 | IUI #1 Clomid + Trigger + Prometrium | BFN
09/30/20 | Urology consult; more testing required
10/2020 | Clomid + OPK + TI + Prometrium | BFN
10/26/2020 | Starting 2nd IUI cycle, with Letrazole and with a new RE / different clinic
11/03/2020 | New Dx "poor egg quality"; IUI cancelled in favor of Trigger + TI + Prometrium | BFN
11/26/2020 | Combo IUI (Clomid + Menopur) + Trigger + Prometrium | BFN
12/20/2020 | Combo IUI (Clomid + Gonal-F) + Trigger | IUI Cancelled due to thin lining; TI only | BFN
01/14/2021 | Combo IUI (Letrazole + Menopur) + Trigger | BFN
02/06/2021 | Switched to a new RE (TEW) ; trying naturally until we complete additional testing
03/14/2021 | Hybrid Double IUI, with Zymot (Letrazole, Gonal-F) + Trigger + Endometrin | Ovulated 4 mature eggs but still a BFN ☹️
04/07/2021 | Natural cycle while we regroup | BFN
04/09/2021 | Employer announces fertility benefits starting 05/01/2021! | Search for a new doctor who accepts insurance
05/10/2021 | New RE consult & plan for IVF
05/13/2021 | Mid-luteal IVF cycle #1 interrupted; had to get cancer genetic screening done to make sure I didn't have the same SDHA gene mutation as MH.
06/10/2021 | Aygestin priming IVF cycle #1; opted to Cx after 9 days of stims since only 5-6/12 follicles responded
07/26/2021 | Attempt #2 at IVF cycle #1 (mid-luteal start): 8 retrieved, 8 MII, 6 fert (1 PN3), 3 Day 5 & 6 blasts: 3AA, 3AA, 6AB; 3 euploid
08/09/2021 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC | Shockingly, a BFP! EDD: 5/25/202 | CP at 4w4d
09/23/2021 | IVF cycle #2 (mid-luteal start): 14 retrieved, 13 MII, 11 fert, 5 Day 5 & 6 blasts: 2 x 3AA, 2 x 3AB, 3BB; 2 euploid
11/12/2021 | IVF cycle #3 (mid-luteal start): cancelled due to ovaries being on vacation
12/20/2021 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC + Pregmune Immunology Testing; BFN
01/22/2022 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC + understanding uncovered immunological issues; BFN
02/18/2022 | Mock transfer cycle! ERA, ReceptivaDx, EMMA/ALICE; start Prednisone to address NK activity
03/16/2022 | Final, "Hail Mary" super-ovulation + TI cycle before FET; BFP! EDD: 12/21/2022 | MMC 05/08/2022
05/20/2022 | D&C; recovering...
06/21/2022 | Trying naturally until October 2022
07/21/2022 | BFP! EDD 04/02/2023; 👦🏼 born on 4/5/2023
@laura-kay That’s great you already have 2 dominant follies. FX for your next U/S!
TTC since 9/2018
10/19- First RE visit
2/20- DH had surgery for bilateral varicoceles
7/20- IUI with 5 mg letrozole- BFN
9/20- IVF. 9 eggs retrieved, 9 mature, 8 fertilized with ICSI, 7 blasts, 4 PGT-A normal
11/20- Mock transfer/ERA
12/20- FET #1- transferred one 4AB- BFN
3/21- FET #2- transferred one 3AB- BFP! Due Dec 2021
12/21- Baby girl born!
I spent a good portion of one evening googling combinations of IVF + Research + clinics but didn't really come up with any lists of clinic with research arms, let alone a list of fertility clinics that recruiting patients for studies. I did, however, come across ClinicalTrials.gov (well, I actually knew about this website from before), but this time, I clued in to the fact that you could search / filter on Infertility and "Recruiting Participants." I spent another several evening going through all of the studies listed, and emailing the contacts listed for any that I thought I qualified for.
Needless to say, I didn't get a reply for every inquiry. As well, some studies were fairly small and rewards for participating were justifiably small. However, I did find one study in Chicago that was/is conducting a Phase III clinical trial. Participants of this study would be compensated with a free IVF cycle, including ER, medications and ICSI. I didn't hear back from them for about a week, after which they sent me a pre-screening questionnaire; they told me once completed, someone would get back to me within 7-10 business days. All of this was in the beginning of November, and when I didn't heard from them by 3rd week of November, I kind of decided that I didn't make the cut. However, yesterday, when I got back from our IUI, I discovered a reply from them saying that I've pre-qualified for the study and that the next step would be to schedule an intake appointment with one of the physicians at the clinic. I'll be doing that next week.
The point of my long post is that if any of you are looking for creative ways to fund your fertility treatments, and don't mind being a guinea pig, then this one way to do it. Here's the link to ClinicalTrials.gov query with infertility studies in the US that are currently recruiting participants. There are actually quite a few studies focused on DOR/low AMH. Obviously, these are all over the US, so willingness to travel would be crucial if this is something that interests you. However, comparatively speaking, there is way more research happening on the east coast than on the west coast.
TTC History
TTC#2
Mar 2024 | consult to get established with a new reproductive immunologist (Alan Beer Center)
Apr/May 2024 | required testing & waiting for a protocol
May 2024 | protocol given / decided to go back to my old reproductive immunologist, Dr. Jubiz
Jun / Jul 2024 | more testing, incl. SIS, ultrasound, and endometrial biopsy
Jul 2024 | Dx chronic endometritis; 14 days of 100mg of doxy given
Sep 2024 | Repeat endometrial biopsy; still + for chronic endometritis. 2 more antibiotics + an antiviral
Oct 2024... currently awaiting a hysteroscopy (10/28) to check uterine cavity + check for endometritis
TTC #1
TTC #1 02/2020 - 07/2022
2009 | Dx PCOS; likely a misdiagnosis
07/14/20 | Dx Hashimoto's Thyroditis
07/21/20 | 1st RE appointment
07/2120 - 08/20/20 | so much testing; no signs of PCOS
08/20/20 | Dx Unexplained; AMA
09/08/20 | IUI #1 Clomid + Trigger + Prometrium | BFN
09/30/20 | Urology consult; more testing required
10/2020 | Clomid + OPK + TI + Prometrium | BFN
10/26/2020 | Starting 2nd IUI cycle, with Letrazole and with a new RE / different clinic
11/03/2020 | New Dx "poor egg quality"; IUI cancelled in favor of Trigger + TI + Prometrium | BFN
11/26/2020 | Combo IUI (Clomid + Menopur) + Trigger + Prometrium | BFN
12/20/2020 | Combo IUI (Clomid + Gonal-F) + Trigger | IUI Cancelled due to thin lining; TI only | BFN
01/14/2021 | Combo IUI (Letrazole + Menopur) + Trigger | BFN
02/06/2021 | Switched to a new RE (TEW) ; trying naturally until we complete additional testing
03/14/2021 | Hybrid Double IUI, with Zymot (Letrazole, Gonal-F) + Trigger + Endometrin | Ovulated 4 mature eggs but still a BFN ☹️
04/07/2021 | Natural cycle while we regroup | BFN
04/09/2021 | Employer announces fertility benefits starting 05/01/2021! | Search for a new doctor who accepts insurance
05/10/2021 | New RE consult & plan for IVF
05/13/2021 | Mid-luteal IVF cycle #1 interrupted; had to get cancer genetic screening done to make sure I didn't have the same SDHA gene mutation as MH.
06/10/2021 | Aygestin priming IVF cycle #1; opted to Cx after 9 days of stims since only 5-6/12 follicles responded
07/26/2021 | Attempt #2 at IVF cycle #1 (mid-luteal start): 8 retrieved, 8 MII, 6 fert (1 PN3), 3 Day 5 & 6 blasts: 3AA, 3AA, 6AB; 3 euploid
08/09/2021 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC | Shockingly, a BFP! EDD: 5/25/202 | CP at 4w4d
09/23/2021 | IVF cycle #2 (mid-luteal start): 14 retrieved, 13 MII, 11 fert, 5 Day 5 & 6 blasts: 2 x 3AA, 2 x 3AB, 3BB; 2 euploid
11/12/2021 | IVF cycle #3 (mid-luteal start): cancelled due to ovaries being on vacation
12/20/2021 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC + Pregmune Immunology Testing; BFN
01/22/2022 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC + understanding uncovered immunological issues; BFN
02/18/2022 | Mock transfer cycle! ERA, ReceptivaDx, EMMA/ALICE; start Prednisone to address NK activity
03/16/2022 | Final, "Hail Mary" super-ovulation + TI cycle before FET; BFP! EDD: 12/21/2022 | MMC 05/08/2022
05/20/2022 | D&C; recovering...
06/21/2022 | Trying naturally until October 2022
07/21/2022 | BFP! EDD 04/02/2023; 👦🏼 born on 4/5/2023
@gingermama29 I totally understand! I have several language keyboards as well - so when it switches to those accidentally, autocorrect really messes things up.
We actually have one full Gonal-F Rediject pen left - we originally expected to be using more than we needed. I'm keeping it in the fridge on the off chance that this doesn't work. It's $1000 a pen, so I definitely don't want to waste it. I'm hoping though that a second round isn't needed at all. FX!
In terms of the gonal-f one, first of all, yes - I hope you don’t need it!!! You can try reselling it at a small discount on an local IVF Fertility Facebook group (there’s a big one in Northern California and I’ve seen ppl do that.) Or, if you’re feeling generous, you can try donating to a cause like Single Mother By Choice. I’m not sure if they issue donation receipts but if this becomes a problem you need to solve (and I hope that it does!!!) it’s worth looking into!
TTC History
TTC#2
Mar 2024 | consult to get established with a new reproductive immunologist (Alan Beer Center)
Apr/May 2024 | required testing & waiting for a protocol
May 2024 | protocol given / decided to go back to my old reproductive immunologist, Dr. Jubiz
Jun / Jul 2024 | more testing, incl. SIS, ultrasound, and endometrial biopsy
Jul 2024 | Dx chronic endometritis; 14 days of 100mg of doxy given
Sep 2024 | Repeat endometrial biopsy; still + for chronic endometritis. 2 more antibiotics + an antiviral
Oct 2024... currently awaiting a hysteroscopy (10/28) to check uterine cavity + check for endometritis
TTC #1
TTC #1 02/2020 - 07/2022
2009 | Dx PCOS; likely a misdiagnosis
07/14/20 | Dx Hashimoto's Thyroditis
07/21/20 | 1st RE appointment
07/2120 - 08/20/20 | so much testing; no signs of PCOS
08/20/20 | Dx Unexplained; AMA
09/08/20 | IUI #1 Clomid + Trigger + Prometrium | BFN
09/30/20 | Urology consult; more testing required
10/2020 | Clomid + OPK + TI + Prometrium | BFN
10/26/2020 | Starting 2nd IUI cycle, with Letrazole and with a new RE / different clinic
11/03/2020 | New Dx "poor egg quality"; IUI cancelled in favor of Trigger + TI + Prometrium | BFN
11/26/2020 | Combo IUI (Clomid + Menopur) + Trigger + Prometrium | BFN
12/20/2020 | Combo IUI (Clomid + Gonal-F) + Trigger | IUI Cancelled due to thin lining; TI only | BFN
01/14/2021 | Combo IUI (Letrazole + Menopur) + Trigger | BFN
02/06/2021 | Switched to a new RE (TEW) ; trying naturally until we complete additional testing
03/14/2021 | Hybrid Double IUI, with Zymot (Letrazole, Gonal-F) + Trigger + Endometrin | Ovulated 4 mature eggs but still a BFN ☹️
04/07/2021 | Natural cycle while we regroup | BFN
04/09/2021 | Employer announces fertility benefits starting 05/01/2021! | Search for a new doctor who accepts insurance
05/10/2021 | New RE consult & plan for IVF
05/13/2021 | Mid-luteal IVF cycle #1 interrupted; had to get cancer genetic screening done to make sure I didn't have the same SDHA gene mutation as MH.
06/10/2021 | Aygestin priming IVF cycle #1; opted to Cx after 9 days of stims since only 5-6/12 follicles responded
07/26/2021 | Attempt #2 at IVF cycle #1 (mid-luteal start): 8 retrieved, 8 MII, 6 fert (1 PN3), 3 Day 5 & 6 blasts: 3AA, 3AA, 6AB; 3 euploid
08/09/2021 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC | Shockingly, a BFP! EDD: 5/25/202 | CP at 4w4d
09/23/2021 | IVF cycle #2 (mid-luteal start): 14 retrieved, 13 MII, 11 fert, 5 Day 5 & 6 blasts: 2 x 3AA, 2 x 3AB, 3BB; 2 euploid
11/12/2021 | IVF cycle #3 (mid-luteal start): cancelled due to ovaries being on vacation
12/20/2021 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC + Pregmune Immunology Testing; BFN
01/22/2022 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC + understanding uncovered immunological issues; BFN
02/18/2022 | Mock transfer cycle! ERA, ReceptivaDx, EMMA/ALICE; start Prednisone to address NK activity
03/16/2022 | Final, "Hail Mary" super-ovulation + TI cycle before FET; BFP! EDD: 12/21/2022 | MMC 05/08/2022
05/20/2022 | D&C; recovering...
06/21/2022 | Trying naturally until October 2022
07/21/2022 | BFP! EDD 04/02/2023; 👦🏼 born on 4/5/2023
I feel all over the place now emotionally. I’m excited, nervous, anxious to let myself be excited, realistic that there really is a much greater chance that it won’t work, and yet hopeful that it will work this time.
The way to realistically look at it is that stims + IUI only solves one variable in the equation: ovulation. There is still no way to know if there is an issue with fertilization or implantation. But, for now... remain positive that you’ve done something. It’s a process of elimination really.
I have a question for vitamin experts: @kiki047 how much Vitamin E are you currently taking? Also, @keikilove have you ever supplemented with Selenium? My issue is that I added both Selenium (200mcg) and Vitamin E (536mg) at the end of October and I’ve been noticing that my hair has been “falling out” in chunks (mostly noticeable when I wash my hair). I went down a rabbit hole last night and realized that I’m probably over dosing on the selenium. Also not sure about Vit E. But those are definitely the 2 vitamins that are known to cause hair loss if consumed if excess.
TTC History
TTC#2
Mar 2024 | consult to get established with a new reproductive immunologist (Alan Beer Center)
Apr/May 2024 | required testing & waiting for a protocol
May 2024 | protocol given / decided to go back to my old reproductive immunologist, Dr. Jubiz
Jun / Jul 2024 | more testing, incl. SIS, ultrasound, and endometrial biopsy
Jul 2024 | Dx chronic endometritis; 14 days of 100mg of doxy given
Sep 2024 | Repeat endometrial biopsy; still + for chronic endometritis. 2 more antibiotics + an antiviral
Oct 2024... currently awaiting a hysteroscopy (10/28) to check uterine cavity + check for endometritis
TTC #1
TTC #1 02/2020 - 07/2022
2009 | Dx PCOS; likely a misdiagnosis
07/14/20 | Dx Hashimoto's Thyroditis
07/21/20 | 1st RE appointment
07/2120 - 08/20/20 | so much testing; no signs of PCOS
08/20/20 | Dx Unexplained; AMA
09/08/20 | IUI #1 Clomid + Trigger + Prometrium | BFN
09/30/20 | Urology consult; more testing required
10/2020 | Clomid + OPK + TI + Prometrium | BFN
10/26/2020 | Starting 2nd IUI cycle, with Letrazole and with a new RE / different clinic
11/03/2020 | New Dx "poor egg quality"; IUI cancelled in favor of Trigger + TI + Prometrium | BFN
11/26/2020 | Combo IUI (Clomid + Menopur) + Trigger + Prometrium | BFN
12/20/2020 | Combo IUI (Clomid + Gonal-F) + Trigger | IUI Cancelled due to thin lining; TI only | BFN
01/14/2021 | Combo IUI (Letrazole + Menopur) + Trigger | BFN
02/06/2021 | Switched to a new RE (TEW) ; trying naturally until we complete additional testing
03/14/2021 | Hybrid Double IUI, with Zymot (Letrazole, Gonal-F) + Trigger + Endometrin | Ovulated 4 mature eggs but still a BFN ☹️
04/07/2021 | Natural cycle while we regroup | BFN
04/09/2021 | Employer announces fertility benefits starting 05/01/2021! | Search for a new doctor who accepts insurance
05/10/2021 | New RE consult & plan for IVF
05/13/2021 | Mid-luteal IVF cycle #1 interrupted; had to get cancer genetic screening done to make sure I didn't have the same SDHA gene mutation as MH.
06/10/2021 | Aygestin priming IVF cycle #1; opted to Cx after 9 days of stims since only 5-6/12 follicles responded
07/26/2021 | Attempt #2 at IVF cycle #1 (mid-luteal start): 8 retrieved, 8 MII, 6 fert (1 PN3), 3 Day 5 & 6 blasts: 3AA, 3AA, 6AB; 3 euploid
08/09/2021 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC | Shockingly, a BFP! EDD: 5/25/202 | CP at 4w4d
09/23/2021 | IVF cycle #2 (mid-luteal start): 14 retrieved, 13 MII, 11 fert, 5 Day 5 & 6 blasts: 2 x 3AA, 2 x 3AB, 3BB; 2 euploid
11/12/2021 | IVF cycle #3 (mid-luteal start): cancelled due to ovaries being on vacation
12/20/2021 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC + Pregmune Immunology Testing; BFN
01/22/2022 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC + understanding uncovered immunological issues; BFN
02/18/2022 | Mock transfer cycle! ERA, ReceptivaDx, EMMA/ALICE; start Prednisone to address NK activity
03/16/2022 | Final, "Hail Mary" super-ovulation + TI cycle before FET; BFP! EDD: 12/21/2022 | MMC 05/08/2022
05/20/2022 | D&C; recovering...
06/21/2022 | Trying naturally until October 2022
07/21/2022 | BFP! EDD 04/02/2023; 👦🏼 born on 4/5/2023