Back in the saddle again

scorpgirl1120 · October 2013

Alright after my BFN last month I was super upset because I actually thought it worked this time. Currently, I am still waiting for my period (it's 2 1/2 weeks late so far) and I discussed with my Dr about IVF instead this time. Looks like I'm going to give it a try and November 9 is looking like my lucky day. I'm a little nervous about this new process we're going through...I'm hoping someone on here can give me an "honest" representation of how the whole IVF process works. Is it painful when they take out the eggs? When they put them back in? How long after IVF do you find out if it worked? Has it worked the first time for most of you? As a side note: my eggs are plentiful and there are no problems on my end and I'm 31 years old....does this help the outcome? Perhaps I should ask my doc this stuff I know....

In the meantime I have spoke with a therapist and feel so much more positive about TPR than when I started my journey. It really helps to have a more relaxed approach. My dr. has also give me the okay to work out as much as I want (to lose the 15 pounds I've gained since the beginning). Woohoo!!!!

liz4paws · October 2013

Glad to hear you're working toward a plan that is hopeful for you. Are you using donor sperm?

I never made it to ER because my ovaries are total junk. Good luck!

MrsT4 · October 2013

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it sounds like you've only done IUI's up to this point? If so, the main difference between IVF and IUI is the actual egg retrieval procedure (which is almost always done under anesthesia).

I've had 3 egg retrievals myself (my 4th IVF cycle was the DE cycle) and I was never in pain after a retrieval...maybe a little crampy, but I was fine each time. Of course, my experience may be biased b/c I'm DOR and we only got between 3-5 eggs each time, so I was never at risk for OHSS.

The actual transfer feels just like an IUI (no anesthesia) and it is very quick. You typically need to have a full bladder, which is the worst part...at least for me, b/c then you have to stay flat for about 20-30 minutes afterwards. Worst case, you can always ask for a bed pan, in case your bladder can't take the wait, LOL.

It depends on the type of transfer (3-day or 5-day), but typically most places have you wait about 2 weeks for the beta to see if it worked.

I hate to say this, but for many of us, IVF hasn't worked on the first try...but again, it really depends on your diagnosis. You may have better luck if your eggs are good and you're just using donor sperm. I have a few friends IRL who used donor sperm and it worked on the first try for them (one of them was very successful with IUI's and never needed IVF...very luck girl!).

I hope this helps answer some of your questions...but maybe someone using donor sperm would be able to give you a different perspective.

Best of luck as you move forward!!

stinkerbell6879 · October 2013

No experience with ER, but sending you some good T&P's that this cycle goes good for you :-)

scorpgirl1120 · October 2013

Thank you for your input everyone. MrsT4 your information was very helpful. Yes, we tried IUI first (with donor sperm) and now we're changing directions. We will be using donor sperm again. I'm nervous because I had to call in to work 4 days this last IUI cycle because of pain in my ovaries. I don't want to miss out on too much work because of this (I'm a police officer). It makes me feel better to know others don't find it painful.

I'm really hoping this is my birthday present!! And can be our parents' Christmas present!!

singingirl96 · October 2013

HI. I had 5 unsuccessful IUI's and a successful IVF (Donor sperm).

The shots are not bad at all. They are all subcutaneous and they don't really hurt. I can't remember the details all that well since it was two years ago. I think I was doing shots both in the morning and at night. They all went on my belly. The needles are tiny and they're not a big deal at all.

For about a week I had to go in to get ultrasounds to see how well my follicles were growing. That was a pain. But it was mostly just inconvenient.

Egg retrieval was not painful since I was unconscious. It took maybe 30 minutes and it was done. It was very crampy afterwards. I think the more eggs they retrieve the worse the cramps are afterwards. I took it easy and stayed in bed for the day. They retrieved 21 eggs, I think.

The day of the transfer (day 5) went ok. We transferred 1 perfect little embryo. It was very painful for me, but I have all kinds of issues with endo down there. Most people don't experience any pain. I was a little crampy afterwards, but nothing different than an IUI cycle. I stayed in bed the rest of the day.

I POAS on 4dp5dt and saw nothing. On 5dp5dt I saw a faint line. It kept getting darker for the next few days till I got my beta.

He is a happy 15 month old now

I should add that there are no issues on my end either. I have endo, but my RE says that shouldn't keep me from getting pregnant naturally. My husband was the one with the problem (Non-obstructive Azoospermia / Sertoli only cell syndrome), so we used a donor. Yes, the fact that the issue is not with you increases your chances of success. I feel the IUI's didn't work for me because there wasn't a high enough count of sperm. I had low counts (under 10million) every time.

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