Newb-ish question.

Jellyfish42 · May 2013

What is the fundamental difference between this board and the IF board? I post some on this one, and lurk a lot. I occasionally go over to IF and lurk around but I feel it inappropriate to intro, mainly because I have not started treatment and I am still in the 'testing' phase. I don't mean this in anyway negative whatsoever, and certainly do not mean to offend, I am simply curious. Both boards exhibit such wonderful and tight knit community.

scbedi · May 2013

I believe the IF board is geared more towards those going through IVF. I may be wrong though.

APotterHead · May 2013

It seems like more people on the IF board on going through IVF. I also lurk there, but rarely post.

RunCC37 · May 2013

The way I understand it, the IF board has posters who are undergoing IVF specifically. The posters on this board are usually trying out other treatments first like meds, injects, and IUIs or going though the testing phase.

katka512 · May 2013

Lurker from IF board...

Almost all the ladies on the IF board have a diagnosis and are undergoing treatment, usually IVF. We're a welcoming group so don't be shy, but you might not find it as helpful if you haven't started treatment. Good luck with everything!

katib77 · May 2013

Way back in the day - there was TTGP and IF. But then there were ladies that hit the 12 month mark and didn't feel right going to IF board because they didn't have a diagnosis. Over time (the last three or four years), the boards have become similar...but for the most part IF is more for IVF gals or those deep into treatment heading down the road to probable IVF. Where as here we have more folks just starting the testing phase, TI with meds, and IUIs. That is not to say people leave this board if they do IVF...often because they've become comfortable here. Or that you have to be deep into treatment or IVF to be on the IF board. It's just the general dynamic of each board. There are many many ladies who cross over to both.

Personally, I lurk over there occasionally but found I just didn't have time to keep up with that many people. But I do believe if I move on to IVF I will finally intro over there and spend more time, simple because they can answer questions with more viewpoints. BUT this has been my "home board" for three years now so it's too hard to leave. Just like people move on to 3T from TTGP because they get tired of the same old questions that newbs have in their first three months of TTC....I'm sure there are some on IF that are happy we get most of the "I've been trying for 12 months, now what?" or "What should I ask an RE at my first appointment"? Just like if there are questions here about assisted hatching, or a certain protocol - I'd refer them to IF to get more answers. But since we have such a common bond - I think our communities are very similar...just mostly at different stages of infertility.