So you decide to go for IVF-- how long until it happens?

KLake42 · October 2015

I know there's some ramp-up time between the moment you decide to do IVF and the actual retrieval, but about how long did you wait?

I'm reviewing tax returns, and I've just about spent enough on IUIs to be able to start claiming medical expenses on my tax return, and it will work out to a substantial reduction in cost if I do IVF before the end of the year, as opposed to waiting until January (when the clock starts again on getting to the point where I can claim them).

Basically, you can't claim a medical deduction in the U.S. until your medical expenses exceed 10% of your adjusted gross income. I've spent right at 10%. (You also have to itemize, so talk to your tax person before applying my analysis to your taxes.)

I was planning on up to 8 IUIs before making that jump (in the TWW for IUI #6 now), but the prospect of a deeply discounted IVF might impact that decision. Of course, I'll talk to my RE about it next week if I get another BFN, but it would give my racing mind something to chew on if I could hear from you guys.

How long did it take, from decision day to retrieval day?

mskeenan · October 2015

I'm tentatively scheduled to have my retrieval 5.5 weeks after I made the decision . My doc made me get on BCPs for 3 weeks to "calm things down " . I'm not sure if he's buying time because we are waiting to hear from insurance but I've heard BCPs are pretty standard . It does seem like a long time to wait but you should be able to get it done before the end of the year ! I'm not an expert on IVF so I'm not completely sure just sharing my experience . Good luck to you !! I say go for it before the new year !!

alexiskiriluk · October 2015

@mskeenan we were in the last iui together and I too have decided to move to IVF. I am having laparoscopic surgery on Friday to determine whether or not I have endometriosis. Hopefully my retrieval will be the beginning of November. So nervous!!
@KLake42 I am just starting the whole process but from what j understand it is not too much later then the iui process. But this is just what my dr said for my situation. Good luck. And I wouldn't waste any more money on iui. My dr said they would not do more then 3 or 4. Good luck! Hopefully this cycle works out and you don't need to do anything!!

Whiggrrl65 · October 2015

This is all good to know. @KLake42 I'm in your situation and was also thinking about doing IVF this year for tax purposes. My DH is dead set against IVF but if we will get a hefty tax return, it will help fund it.

Of course, fx both of us get our BFPs this IUI cycle and we won't need to worry about making that decision.

tripledaggerWed95976 · October 2015

Mine was about 6 weeks. I had to go on birth control for like 3.5 weeks to wait for the next group cycle to start

blessedwtwins · October 2015

The whole ivf process is about 8 weeks from start of af til the first beta testing. They put you on bcp to regulate your cycle and try to time everything out correctly with egg growth and stimulation.
OP, I'd check with your clinic to see how they do things. Some require additional tests or preapproval from insurance before even starting the process. Then you may be mid cycle and need to wait until af starts. Also, your clinic may have a wait list for ivf if they have too many patients going through the process.

I wish everyone good luck on their journeys and BFPs soon!

HBamama2B · October 2015

^the above is excellent and yes, you have time if DH is comfortable making the switch, but also keep in mind you may pay for the treatment up front (we did) which means even if the actual transfer procedure crossed into January, you would still be able to deduct it I think as our receipt shows the start date of treatment, not the end date.

and 8 IUIs seems like a lot to me... with an IVF cycle you would more than double your chance of pregnancy for most Dx.

Colleen0516 · October 2015

I started the process with @HBamama2B, we were on the same track-- then I had a minor detour.
The time frame from when I made my decision to switch and my start actual date wAs only 3 weeks.
AF came, I started on BC for a few weeks and then went in to do the baseline US and BW. During My baseline US, the doctor found 4 cysts. Apparently the clomid I was on for IUIs caused a number of cysts. I was delayed another 3 weeks and put back on BC.
My point being- you have time, but expect the unexpected, and prepare for it!

My IVF schedule this far:
Aug 29: AF
9/2: Started BC
9/21: started estrace pill
9/25: US (found cysts and my cycle was canceled and reschedule)
9/26: started BC
10/19: US prior to estrace pill to ensure cysts are gone
10/23: start injections if no cysts!

Hope that helps you map out your cycle or cycles!
Best of luck!!!

Rachd110 · October 2015

I'm most likely moving on to IVF. From everything I've read on here, many RE's put you on birth control before starting your IVF cycle. I'm not sure if my RE will make take BCP.

I have my beta from IUI cycle Wednesday. Pretty sure it's going to be BFN due to negative HPT this morning. When I talked to RE last week he said there is plenty of time for me to get IVF cycle in before I go on vacation during Thanksgiving week. He estimated my ER would be the last week of October. That's if AF starts Oct. 12. I still need to discuss more with my RE, but I'm really hoping I don't have to wait to start until l get back from my trip. I also don't want my tww to fall during my vacation. I want to know if I'm pregnant or not before my trip.

mclorn · October 2015

Everyone gave great info! My final IUI beta was June 2nd and then my IVF beta was August 4th (transfer/retrieval July 20th & 25th). 8 weeks start to finish.

twomommiestobe · October 2015

@KLake42 I'm so glad excited you might take the step for ivf! We are waiting until we can both take off work and schedule our consult, but this question is on my mind too!!!

KLake42 · October 2015

Thank you all so much for the info!!! I'm still hopeful about my current IUI cycle, and I know my doctor would support me continuing to try IUIs (I'm gay, so these IUIs have been my first ever attempt to get pregnant). The cost of IVF out of pocket is scary, but once I realized how much it would impact my tax refund, it really reduces the total expense and makes it much more realistic.

twomommiestobe · October 2015

KLake42 said:
Thank you all so much for the info!!! I'm still hopeful about my current IUI cycle, and I know my doctor would support me continuing to try IUIs (I'm gay, so these IUIs have been my first ever attempt to get pregnant). The cost of IVF out of pocket is scary, but once I realized how much it would impact my tax refund, it really reduces the total expense and makes it much more realistic.

You know that I am right here with you! My wife and I are doing reciprocal ivf and it is such an amazing feeling just knowing even having a baby might be possible one day!

LoveBulldogs99 · October 2015

I wish I could say that I'm having the usual 6-8 week time span. I just finished my first month on the BC. Unfortunately, after getting my lab work results, my thyroid stimulating hormone came back too high (4.7 - hypothyroid). Doctor wasn't too happy on how high it was so he told me to see an endocrinologist to get my level down to 2. Met with one two weeks ago and now on a thyroid med. won't go in for labs until the 16th. Crossing my fingers that the med is working and moving me to the right direction. Otherwise, IVF is on hold until I get my level to 2. It's very frustrating considering that my first RE knew of my thyroid issue but never bothered to do anything with it because we only did IUIs. And now here I am on hold and waiting when I thought I October will be our month

(

mclorn · October 2015

As @LoveBulldogs99 has demonstrated, unfortunately I think it is helpful to just be prepared for some set-backs along the way. I ended up getting a potential cyst and had to be on BC an extra week, then a couple weeks later had a potential polyp that almost delayed my transfer.. it is ALWAYS something!

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So you decide to go for IVF-- how long until it happens?

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