Intro and seeking Gonal-F experiences

MoreTacosPlease · September 2014

Hello There 3TC! I've been bouncing around some boards (TTC after 35, LGBT parenting, etc), so just in case I haven't done an intro here, I thought I'd put one out there.

I'm 37 and TTC #1 with my female partner of four years. Obviously, we went straight to a RE since donor insemination was our only option. I knew that my age would be a factor, but I didn't expect seven carefully timed IUI's (so far) and BFNs every single time. All of my tests/ numbers are good so far (knock on wood), but because of my age, my RE wants to be fairly aggressive to get it done. The first three times we went with a natural cycle, then I moved up to Clomid/ Ovidrel/ with progesterone support. On cycle 7, we switched donors to see if maybe my eggs just weren't getting along with the first one (yes, I know that's not how this works, but I was hoping for a placebo effect- desperate times, desperate measures and all). Still no luck.

So, we had our second WTF consult yesterday and he gave us three options- move on to Letrozole, move up to injectables (Gonal-F) with IUI, or just hop on the IVF train. We'd need some time to save up for IVF or to go in debt up to our eyeballs, so we're holding off on that for now. Between the other two options, he seems to think Gonal-F is the better shot.

Anyone have experiences/ tips/ things to watch out for with Gonal-F? He's planning on almost daily monitoring to adjust levels and check for hyperstim. I've done the once a month Ovidrel shots on myself before, so I'm ok with that part (not thrilled, but I make it work). Any other side effects/ unpleasantness to prepare for?

Pintobean39 · September 2014

I did 3 Gonal f cycles with TI before IVF. I've never tried any other medication so I can't compare. I'm also 40 and my dr didn't play around. The shots don't hurt much, the med is expensive (about $1 per iu) I needed about 200-275 a day. Some ppl are better responders so don't need as much. I think there are less side effects than any of the pills, although I did get a few headaches but a coke fixed that.

Welcome and Good luck!!!

typo31 · September 2014

Welcome! It sounds like you have been through a lot of work already, I hope that whichever treatment plan you pursue next, it is lucky for you.

lovesmonkey · September 2014

I have no experience with Gonal f, but I wanted to say hi and good luck.

ronniesgirl1981 · September 2014

Welcome to 3T. I agree with others that Gonal F is super easy to use especially in the pen form. For an IUI and with no concerns about the health of your ovaries, I can't imagine you'd need that much medicine. Good luck!

ritacita · September 2014

Welcome! I use Gonal F, but not in the pen form. The worst part honestly was mixing it the first time because I was so afraid I was going to mess it up. Having said that, it's almost impossible to mess it up (and if you get the pen form you don't have to worry about that at all). The needles are so thin that I never even feel it, but because of that, the medication does take a while to make it's way through the needle and into my body... that part kind of sucks. All in all, it's pretty easy and I've had virtually no side effects. Possibly some hot flashes, but it's freaking hot here, so it's hard to say

Good luck!

Tiko99 · September 2014

I just wanted to say HI and it sucks that you have to be here, but his is an great group of women.

I'm in a similar position as you. My RE just told me he thinks it's time to move on to injectable after 3 failed clomid+ trigger (2 IUI, 1 TI) cycles. I'm interested to hear what people have to say. Good luck with whatever you decide!

lebradford · September 2014

Welcome!!

I did Follistim instead of Gonal-F, but it was significantly easier than my Clomid cycles (minus the actual injections, which were still pretty easy). Good luck!

daydreamernyc · September 2014

I used gonal f during my IVF cycle along with menopur. I had the pen and it was super easy, a breeze. No pain unlike menopur which can burn a bit right as you are injecting. I would move forward full steam ahead.

Also, as pp said, this drug is not inexpensive. I would weigh that against the decision to not move forward with IVF yet. With the dose I needed for IVF the gonal f was over $2,500. (I can't remember it exactly). Good luck.

MoreTacosPlease · September 2014

Thanks for all the welcomes and shares! On day three and going in tomorrow for my first monitoring session. So far, no headaches and bloat like I had with Clomid (YAY) but a little blurry vision, which I also had with the pills. Thank goodness I live in a city and don't have to drive anywhere- you can call me Squints McGee!