Ivf/iui

sandiego715 · November 2015

Hi-
Ive had 3 empty sacs...no babies. Still waiting to miscarry a 3 rd time. Today my husband and I went to genetic center to get blood drawn for chromosome testing. After, we went to Hematologist to learn we have MTHFR. First, the genetic counselor I felt didn't know much. She said if We had a chrosomal translocation that we would do ivf. I asked what is difference from iui and ivf and she didnt know. Anyway, if anything is positivr we will be referred to an RE specialist. Second, hematologist said I just need folic acid and aspirin. She couldn't truly explain MTHFR. I just felt Unsatisfied today and didnt feel sure of anything. My questions are: has anyone had something like this? Why ivf not iui? Mthfr? Sory for the long note. Just feel helpless

HBamama2B · November 2015

I'm so sorry for your struggles. I don't have mthfr but I know that it is a fairly common cause of recurrent miscarriage and that you're not alone. I'm sure others on here who have the Dx will share their stories.

MTHFR affects the body's ability to carry and develop an embryo and also impacts egg quality. Depending on your specific condition (there are different types) you will likely be recommended both a vitamin/medicine regimen and IVF. Why IVF over IUI? Bc they can control for egg quality and perform genetic testing on the embryo in IVF. They can't do this in IUI. Both IVF and increased supplements/meds are important to make sure you have a good quality embryo that will develop normally as mthfr can lead to higher risks of neural tube defects (requires sustained higher folic acid prior to TTC for prevention) or downs (requires PGS or PGD testing to identify abnormal eggs).

The good news is that while for many couples it can take a long time to recieve this Dx, once they do there are concrete steps to help get pregnant and maintain a healthy pregnancy through delivery. Best wishes for you! GL and FX!

suchaglencoco · November 2015

@HBamama2B did a great job, as usual, explaining things.

***loss and bfp mentioned

I just want to add that after our long journey of trying to conceive, suffering through losses and last miscarriage, that was conceived through ivf, we requested genetic testing on ourselves. I was told I have the MTHFR mutation and was immediately put on a folic acid and baby aspirin regimen. I then did research on some of the symptoms of this mutation and found myself checking a lot of boxes (fatigue, anxiousness, headaches, etc)! After a few weeks of taking the pills, all of them diminished if not completely subsided.

After a few months of my body healing and recovering, we did a frozen ivf cycle and got a bfp with twins. We are now 33 weeks along. I don't know if the folic acid and baby aspirin are the reason this one is sticking, but if they are, it was such an easy fix.

I hope you get a referral to a RE soon and that they can not only answer your questions, but also help you bring home a little one. Good luck on your journey.

sandiego715 · November 2015

I wish the hematologist would have said this. She just said aspirin and i know it cant just be aspirin. Im wonder if I take my prenatal which already has folic acid but more folic acid on top of it too? So frustrating. I cant wait to miscarry this already and know my genetic results and be referred to an RE specialist because time is passing by. Thank you for this!

sandiego715 · November 2015

Thank you for this! Are you taking folic acid on top of you prenatal that already has folic acid? Any other meds? Did you get ivf other than the reason of mthfr like a chromosomal mutation in you or you partner?

sandiego715 · November 2015

@suchaglencoco

sandiego715 · November 2015

@HBMama2B

HBamama2B · November 2015

@sandiego715 I think it's additional folic acid above what's in your prenatal that they usually prescribe, but @suchaglencoco can offer better insight to the specifics.

@suchaglencoco congratulations! So happy your long journey has found success. Just a tiny bit of time and your little rainbows will be in your arms! So happy for you!

KidShrink · November 2015

@sandiego715 : I don't know the syndrome you have, but thought I'd pitch in on the folic acid. For no particular reason other than being VERY thorough, my GP got me on a prenatal called PregVit, which has 5mg on Folic Acid (much higher than regular penatals; it's also divided into two doses to maximize calcium and iron absorption - taken at the same time, they compete with each other). I get this through a prescription (which then also means my insurance covers part of the cost); it's not available OTC, at least in Canada. I'm sure an RE would have good recommendations, but you can always check with them whether something like PregVit or similar would be more beneficial than a regular prenatal vitamin. Good luck!

suchaglencoco · November 2015

sandiego715 said:
Thank you for this! Are you taking folic acid on top of you prenatal that already has folic acid? Any other meds? Did you get ivf other than the reason of mthfr like a chromosomal mutation in you or you partner?

Yes, I take my 2 MG of folic acid on top of the prenatal 400 mcg, every day. Those two and the baby aspirin are all I take at this point.

Thank you @HBamama2B! It's a little scary to have it all coming together so soon after our long struggles.

J+A2008 · November 2015

My prenatal has 800 mcg of folic acid and i take an additional 800 mcg of just folic acid a day. I had taken the 800 in vitamin form for the year before beginning TTC and when the doctor had me start prenatals they said continue with the other, it wont hurt too have more....

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