@ndz2018 That's great! FX for a good PGS testing report!
@kristokekerooni@beachbunnyxo123@adirat I saw that article too. It is incredibly crazy and mind-blowing to think about! Science is incredible. And it is really weird to think about if you potentially have 2 embryos, they could be twins if you transfer at the same time or they could be several years apart, and it just comes down to one decision and some implanting luck.
@redpuma119 All the options others have listed are the options my RE gave me too. There were really a lot more options than I thought, and until I talked to him, I also didn't know that they could do a mini-IVF to try not to stim you as much or that they would only fertilize a certain number if requested. He also noted for "donating to science", there were 2 specific avenues you could request. You could specify to donate for lab research where they would practice freezing and unfreezing and any other lab work they do within the clinic, or you could donate to other scientific research. My RE was also very open about all the options available and simply noted the risks associated with each and the reasons why you might choose one or another.
@Redpuma119 Feel free to PM me I had all those same questions and concerns about IVF, DH and I believe life begins at conception and all life should be valued and protected. Typically, with IVF the goal is to make as many embryos as possible to give you as many chances to get pregnant as possible. We weren't comfortable creating more embryos than we could parent (even though there are really awesome options for placing embryos up for adoption, we wanted to avoid that if possible).
We had 6 failed IUIs and when discussing IVF options with our RE, she was kind of dismissive of our concerns about having excess embryos. Ultimately we switched to a different doctor, who understood our values and was more than willing to tailor our treatment plan so that we felt morally comfortable with it.
We choose Mini IVF, since I didn't have any known infertility problems other than mild endometriosis (we mainly had MFI). Mini IVF is really just a low-stim IVF, with the goal of retrieving a smaller number of eggs (our goal was 5-8) rather than trying to max out egg production (A typical successful IVF retrieval is 15-25 eggs). The drugs I was on were actually the same as I have seen many women on for hybrid/injectable IUI cycles (High dose letrozole and low dose Gonal-F). Lower stim IVF is lower risk for OHSS, and requires less monitoring (it's also cheaper).
While our goal was retrieve around 5-8 eggs, and only fertilize the best 5... I responded really well to the low-stim method and my doctor retrieved 13 eggs! (11 mature). This was way more than we felt comfortable fertilizing, so we opted to freeze 6 eggs and fertilize 5 eggs. You can read my sig for the outcome of that cycle if you want.
If mini IVF isn't an option, you could always elect a standard IVF cycle, decide how many eggs you are comfortable fertilizing, and freeze the extra eggs. Some clinic are better at egg freezing than others (our clinic told us to expect about 10-20% egg loss from freezing).
I hope hearing our story helps; I was thankful when someone told me that other options were out there for a couple like us who had concerns about the standard approach. I hope you are able to find a doctor in your area that will respect your concerns and help you decide a treatment plan you're comfortable with.
Me 34 DH 36 Married since July 2010 MFI (High DNA Fragmentation) & Mild endometriosis
TTC #1 since June 2015 Aug 2016 - May 2017 6 IUI's with letrozole - BFN April 2017 - laparoscopy to remove mild endo June 2017 - Mini IVF letrozole 12.5mg, Gonal-F 75IU - Cancelled early ovulation, no eggs retrieved. Aug/Sept 2017 - Mini IVF letrozole 12.5mg, Gonal-F 75IU, cetrotide - 13 eggs retrieved, 11 mature 5 eggs ICSI'd 6 eggs frozen - 1 day 5 blast transfered, 2 expanded blast frozen - BFP! May 2018 - Baby girl born - Our Joy
TTC #2 since July 2019 July 2019 - FET - BFN Jan 2020 - FET - canceled due to family health issues Mar 2020 - FET - low beta - chemical pregnancy July 2020 - ICSI'd remaining 6 eggs - 3 fertilized - 2 survived to early blast stage, transfered both - Chemical Pregnancy
@madspunk@ReesaAnne16 thank you for your help! I'll be honest, when I first started looking into this I almost didn't "care" what happened. I'd be okay donating or giving them to another couple. Or so I thought... it sounds like for the most part drs are pretty helpful and unbiased. Thanks again to everyone!!!
lefty has 11: all under ten, most under 7 righty has 8: 4 less than 7, 3 under 10 and one at 11
Thats a follicle count of 19! I've never had one close to that much!! Now my right is plumping faster, so a bunch of those may never catch up, but I'm doing better than last time (for now) and this is amazing! I started crying after. I'm so hopeful and that terrifying, but I'm hopeful.
@redpuma119 Obviously, I hope you never get to IVF, but if you do, be aware that fragile x substantially reduces your response to stims, even with good/normal AMH or AFC. Most research on fragile x for women under 30 identifies 10 eggs as "successful." Just another crappy thing about it
@kiwi2628 freaking awesome count! Sending you lots of growing vibes!
AFM we had dinner and a theatre night last night - which meant doing injections during our journey home. Pulling my tights and pants down in the car in a lay by to inject on time was hilarious! Luckily no police came by - explaining injecting would have been interesting
Thanks again everyone for the Ganirelix reaction tip. Yesterday was a lot better in an area with better blood flow, though still some local reaction. I get my overall BW check with my Rheumatologist next week, and combined with some other symptoms I think it will show high immune system activity again leading to me upping those meds which we were trying to avoid in case it further diminishes my response to stims...
Me 43 DH 45 Married 12/2016 TTC #1 since 04/2015 AMA, DOR (AMH 0.65, AFC 2-4) and autoimmune issues (RA, APS), low TSH, adenomyosis 7 retrievals, 3 transfers
Jun19 FET BFP, due date 7th March 2020, DD born Feb20
Sep17 IVF1 - 1ER, 1F, 1ET, BFN Nov17 IVF2 - 1ER, 0F Jan18 IVF3 - 3ER, 1F, 1ET, BFN Feb18 - second opinion and additional testing Apr18 IVF4 - cancelled (E2 too high) May/Jun18 IVF4 - 4ER, 0M, 1F, 1 frozen day 3 (not best quality) Jun/Jul18 IVF5 - 5 ER, 3M, 2F, 2 frozen day 3 (not best quality) Jul/Aug18 IVF6 - 4ER, 3M, 2F, 2 frozen day 3 (good quality) Aug/Sep18 IVF7 - cancelled (cyst) Sep/Oct18 IVF7 - 3ER, 3M, 2F, 2 frozen Day 3 (excellent quality) Oct18 IVF8 - Cancelled (cyst and too low TSH) Oct18-Jan19 bringing TSH under control Feb19 ERA and hysteroscopy Mar19 Investigation for fibroid and adenomyosis Apr19 adenomyosis confirmed, polyps removed Jun19 FET after 2 months Lupron, autoimmune protocol, transferred two day 3 frozen embryos
Sep17 - Pergoveris 10-17 Sep, Orgalutran 15-18 Sep, Ovitrelle 18 Sep, ER 20 Sep for 2 follies, 1 mature egg, fertilized, ET 1x 2d 4-cell embryo 22/09, 05/10 BFN Nov17 IVF2 - Pergoveris 2-14 Nov, Orgalutran 5-14 Nov, Ovitrelle 15 Nov, ER 17 Nov for 3 follies, 1 mature egg, did not fertilize Jan18 IVF3 - Pergoveris 30 Dec - 8 Jan, Orgalutran 5-8 Jan, Ovitrelle 9 Jan, ER 11 Jan 3 eggs, 2 mature, 1 fertilized, ET 1x 4d 12-cell embryo 15/01, 24/01 BFN May/Jun18 IVF4 - Rekovelle 25-29 May, Menogon 30May - 2Jun, Zomacton 25 27 29 31 May and 2Jun, Cetrotide 30May - 3Jun, Gonasi 3Jun, ER 5Jun 4 eggs, none mature, two matured overnight, 1 fertilized with ICSI, Frozen day 3 but not good quality Jun/Jul18 IVF5 - Rekovelle 21-24 June, Menogon 25Jun-3Jul, Puregon 4-5Jul, Zomacton 21 23 25 27 29 Jun, Cetrotide 25Jun-5Jul, Gonasi 6Jul, ER 8Jul 5 eggs, 3 mature, 2 fertilized with ICSI, 2 frozen day 3 but not good quality Jul/Aug18 IVF6 - Rekovelle 26-29 Jul, Menogon 30Jul-7Aug, Buserelin 26Jul-7Aug, Zomacton 26 28 30 Jul 1 3 Aug, Gonasi 7Aug, ER 9Aug 4 eggs, 3 mature, 2 fertilized (normal IVF), 2 frozen day 3 good quality Sep/Oct18 IVF7 - Menogon 19-30Sep, Buserelin 19-30Sep, Zomacton 19 21 23 25 27 Sep, Ovitrelle 1 Oct, ER 3 eggs, 3 mature, 2 fertilized with ICSI, 2 frozen day 3 excellent quality
Fav Quote: The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return
@emmasemm I'm sorry to hear you might have to up the rheum meds...maybe now that you have two follicles going, you'll be all set anyway and sneak in those embryos before any impact from the meds. My fingers are always crossed for you
@adirat my fingers are super duper crossed for you this weekend too!!!
Me 43 DH 45 Married 12/2016 TTC #1 since 04/2015 AMA, DOR (AMH 0.65, AFC 2-4) and autoimmune issues (RA, APS), low TSH, adenomyosis 7 retrievals, 3 transfers
Jun19 FET BFP, due date 7th March 2020, DD born Feb20
Sep17 IVF1 - 1ER, 1F, 1ET, BFN Nov17 IVF2 - 1ER, 0F Jan18 IVF3 - 3ER, 1F, 1ET, BFN Feb18 - second opinion and additional testing Apr18 IVF4 - cancelled (E2 too high) May/Jun18 IVF4 - 4ER, 0M, 1F, 1 frozen day 3 (not best quality) Jun/Jul18 IVF5 - 5 ER, 3M, 2F, 2 frozen day 3 (not best quality) Jul/Aug18 IVF6 - 4ER, 3M, 2F, 2 frozen day 3 (good quality) Aug/Sep18 IVF7 - cancelled (cyst) Sep/Oct18 IVF7 - 3ER, 3M, 2F, 2 frozen Day 3 (excellent quality) Oct18 IVF8 - Cancelled (cyst and too low TSH) Oct18-Jan19 bringing TSH under control Feb19 ERA and hysteroscopy Mar19 Investigation for fibroid and adenomyosis Apr19 adenomyosis confirmed, polyps removed Jun19 FET after 2 months Lupron, autoimmune protocol, transferred two day 3 frozen embryos
Sep17 - Pergoveris 10-17 Sep, Orgalutran 15-18 Sep, Ovitrelle 18 Sep, ER 20 Sep for 2 follies, 1 mature egg, fertilized, ET 1x 2d 4-cell embryo 22/09, 05/10 BFN Nov17 IVF2 - Pergoveris 2-14 Nov, Orgalutran 5-14 Nov, Ovitrelle 15 Nov, ER 17 Nov for 3 follies, 1 mature egg, did not fertilize Jan18 IVF3 - Pergoveris 30 Dec - 8 Jan, Orgalutran 5-8 Jan, Ovitrelle 9 Jan, ER 11 Jan 3 eggs, 2 mature, 1 fertilized, ET 1x 4d 12-cell embryo 15/01, 24/01 BFN May/Jun18 IVF4 - Rekovelle 25-29 May, Menogon 30May - 2Jun, Zomacton 25 27 29 31 May and 2Jun, Cetrotide 30May - 3Jun, Gonasi 3Jun, ER 5Jun 4 eggs, none mature, two matured overnight, 1 fertilized with ICSI, Frozen day 3 but not good quality Jun/Jul18 IVF5 - Rekovelle 21-24 June, Menogon 25Jun-3Jul, Puregon 4-5Jul, Zomacton 21 23 25 27 29 Jun, Cetrotide 25Jun-5Jul, Gonasi 6Jul, ER 8Jul 5 eggs, 3 mature, 2 fertilized with ICSI, 2 frozen day 3 but not good quality Jul/Aug18 IVF6 - Rekovelle 26-29 Jul, Menogon 30Jul-7Aug, Buserelin 26Jul-7Aug, Zomacton 26 28 30 Jul 1 3 Aug, Gonasi 7Aug, ER 9Aug 4 eggs, 3 mature, 2 fertilized (normal IVF), 2 frozen day 3 good quality Sep/Oct18 IVF7 - Menogon 19-30Sep, Buserelin 19-30Sep, Zomacton 19 21 23 25 27 Sep, Ovitrelle 1 Oct, ER 3 eggs, 3 mature, 2 fertilized with ICSI, 2 frozen day 3 excellent quality
Fav Quote: The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return
@kiwi2628 yes!!!! I’m so glad the new protocol seems to be working better!!
TTC History
Me: 35 DH: 34 Married 07/2012 DD born 07/2014 DD2 born 10/2018 DS born 10/2022
IF history: TTC #2 since January 2016 June-Aug 2017: 3 IUIs w/Clomid = BFN Sept 2017: Dx w/Endometriosis Oct 2017: IUI w/Letrozole = BFN Nov 2017: IUI w/Letrozole = BFN Dec 2017: pre-IVF testing Jan-Feb 2018: IVF--17 eggs retrieved, 13 fertilized, 9 frozen and 1 transferred on 2/10 = BFP on 2/19!!! EDD 10/29/2018 FET Oct 2021: BFP on 10/31! MC at 5 weeks FET Feb 2022: BFP on 2/15! EDD 10/29/22
TTC #1 since September 2014 Diagnoses: RPL, Endometriosis, MFI
(count, morph, DNI, DNAS, multiple bilateral subclinical varicoceles), low
progesterone Check out my Infertility blog Check out my Infertility Instagram
Loss History (TW):
BFP: 3 May 2015, loss confirmed 4 June 2015 BFP: 15 August 2015, loss confirmed 23 August 2015 BFP: 16 November 2015, loss confirmed 22 November 2015 BFP: 18 July 2016, loss confirmed same day BFP: 04 March 2018, loss confirmed 23 March 2018 BFP: 12 June 2018, TWINS; D&C 06 July 2018
TTC History (TW):
3 losses in 2015 Met with OBGYN in January 2016 Me: all clear, H: OAT November 2016: HSG = All
Clear!
January 2017: H tested again, High DNA fragmentation and stainability
February 2017: Clomid + TI + Progesterone = BFN
March 2017: Clomid + HCG + IUI + Progesterone = SA/wash: zero count on attempt
#1, <1,000 on attempt #2= BFN
Varicocele Embolization- 5 May 17 December 2017 SA: Zero improvement after embolization January IVF- 25 retrieved, 11 mature, 8 fertilized, 3 frozen day fives (3AA, 3AA, 3AA), 1 frozen day 6 (5BB), 1 frozen day 7 (3CC) Three PGS normal (3AA, 3AA, 5BB), one inconclusive (3AA) FET #1: 27 February 2018, 3AA & 5BB, one stuck! BFP 04 March 2018.... Loss confirmed 23 March 2018 May 2018: SHG/SIS = all clear "beautiful uterus" FET #2: 04 June 2018, 3AA PGS normal embryo, 3AA PGS hatching inconclusive embryo. BFP: 12 June 2018, EDD 20 February 2019 Ultrasound, 25 June 2018: There are two! Lost Baby A 02 July 2018 Baby B not growing, D&C 06 July 2018 Laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, chromotubation: 23 July 2018: blocked right tube, heavily inflamed, covered in endo. Removed right tube. Removed more endo from uterus, tubes, ovaries. Endo remains on bladder and bowel.
Next Up:
TTC Naturally, possibly IUIs for remainder of 2018. ER#2 ~Jan 2019
@kiwi2628 yes! Hope Tuesday brings good news, too!
@emmasemm car injections sound hilarious. Glad you have a good sense ignoring humor about this! FX everything works out between this and your other meds
AFM - monitoring went well, and they actually gave me updates as they went this time. Yay! Even seemed shocked that the other nurse hadn’t. Follie sizes ranging from 10-17, and they want to see me again tomorrow morning. I assume that means it’s getting close?
Went in for monitoring this morning, and I have one follie on the left at 17 and one on the right at 22. The potential problem is that the 13mm cyst I had at baseline was also on the right, so it's possible that it grew into the 22mm follie they're seeing now. I'm worried that that's the case and there's no mature egg in it. They want me to trigger tonight, but I'm wondering if I should push to wait a day so the 17mm follie can grow a bit more. Thoughts?
@beachbunnyxo123 no not yet! the wait is killing me. I can only organize and reorganize my meds and socks so many times before I go crazy. I based O off of historical O days, so I’m sure I’m just a tad off from not confirming. So frustrating! I’m ready to get this show on the road.
CD1 for you though!! Eeeeeeeek! Can’t wait to hear all the details in tuesday! Crossing my finger for a great AFC and a clean uterus!
TTC #1 since September 2014 Diagnoses: RPL, Endometriosis, MFI
(count, morph, DNI, DNAS, multiple bilateral subclinical varicoceles), low
progesterone Check out my Infertility blog Check out my Infertility Instagram
Loss History (TW):
BFP: 3 May 2015, loss confirmed 4 June 2015 BFP: 15 August 2015, loss confirmed 23 August 2015 BFP: 16 November 2015, loss confirmed 22 November 2015 BFP: 18 July 2016, loss confirmed same day BFP: 04 March 2018, loss confirmed 23 March 2018 BFP: 12 June 2018, TWINS; D&C 06 July 2018
TTC History (TW):
3 losses in 2015 Met with OBGYN in January 2016 Me: all clear, H: OAT November 2016: HSG = All
Clear!
January 2017: H tested again, High DNA fragmentation and stainability
February 2017: Clomid + TI + Progesterone = BFN
March 2017: Clomid + HCG + IUI + Progesterone = SA/wash: zero count on attempt
#1, <1,000 on attempt #2= BFN
Varicocele Embolization- 5 May 17 December 2017 SA: Zero improvement after embolization January IVF- 25 retrieved, 11 mature, 8 fertilized, 3 frozen day fives (3AA, 3AA, 3AA), 1 frozen day 6 (5BB), 1 frozen day 7 (3CC) Three PGS normal (3AA, 3AA, 5BB), one inconclusive (3AA) FET #1: 27 February 2018, 3AA & 5BB, one stuck! BFP 04 March 2018.... Loss confirmed 23 March 2018 May 2018: SHG/SIS = all clear "beautiful uterus" FET #2: 04 June 2018, 3AA PGS normal embryo, 3AA PGS hatching inconclusive embryo. BFP: 12 June 2018, EDD 20 February 2019 Ultrasound, 25 June 2018: There are two! Lost Baby A 02 July 2018 Baby B not growing, D&C 06 July 2018 Laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, chromotubation: 23 July 2018: blocked right tube, heavily inflamed, covered in endo. Removed right tube. Removed more endo from uterus, tubes, ovaries. Endo remains on bladder and bowel.
Next Up:
TTC Naturally, possibly IUIs for remainder of 2018. ER#2 ~Jan 2019
@darkstar42 well it’s either going to be Woohoo for two follies this month, or I think you’re right to be suspicious of the one on the right... Even if you trigger tonight, the 17mm might be mature enough... but if you wait another day the 22mm might be over cooked anyhow even if it is a “good” one... but it might not... When will they do your IUI? How many hours after trigger? And what did your RE suggest or did you only see the tech? I guess they also checked your Estrogen levels too.
@beachbunnyxo123 sorry for CD1 but yay to getting the IVF roadshow going! @kristokekerooni sorry you’re still waiting - before my first IVF cycle my cycle was 5 days longer than normal... keeping you waiting when you’re keen to start AND messing with your head, yeah thanks body!
@halfanewt hope your monitoring today goes well. I see triggers when biggest is anywhere 18-22mm. So depending on how many are close to your biggest maybe they’ll keep you an extra day, maybe you’ll trigger tonight. I’m hoping to be ready to trigger Monday night for Weds retrieval - but I will know more at my monitoring in the morning
Me 43 DH 45 Married 12/2016 TTC #1 since 04/2015 AMA, DOR (AMH 0.65, AFC 2-4) and autoimmune issues (RA, APS), low TSH, adenomyosis 7 retrievals, 3 transfers
Jun19 FET BFP, due date 7th March 2020, DD born Feb20
Sep17 IVF1 - 1ER, 1F, 1ET, BFN Nov17 IVF2 - 1ER, 0F Jan18 IVF3 - 3ER, 1F, 1ET, BFN Feb18 - second opinion and additional testing Apr18 IVF4 - cancelled (E2 too high) May/Jun18 IVF4 - 4ER, 0M, 1F, 1 frozen day 3 (not best quality) Jun/Jul18 IVF5 - 5 ER, 3M, 2F, 2 frozen day 3 (not best quality) Jul/Aug18 IVF6 - 4ER, 3M, 2F, 2 frozen day 3 (good quality) Aug/Sep18 IVF7 - cancelled (cyst) Sep/Oct18 IVF7 - 3ER, 3M, 2F, 2 frozen Day 3 (excellent quality) Oct18 IVF8 - Cancelled (cyst and too low TSH) Oct18-Jan19 bringing TSH under control Feb19 ERA and hysteroscopy Mar19 Investigation for fibroid and adenomyosis Apr19 adenomyosis confirmed, polyps removed Jun19 FET after 2 months Lupron, autoimmune protocol, transferred two day 3 frozen embryos
Sep17 - Pergoveris 10-17 Sep, Orgalutran 15-18 Sep, Ovitrelle 18 Sep, ER 20 Sep for 2 follies, 1 mature egg, fertilized, ET 1x 2d 4-cell embryo 22/09, 05/10 BFN Nov17 IVF2 - Pergoveris 2-14 Nov, Orgalutran 5-14 Nov, Ovitrelle 15 Nov, ER 17 Nov for 3 follies, 1 mature egg, did not fertilize Jan18 IVF3 - Pergoveris 30 Dec - 8 Jan, Orgalutran 5-8 Jan, Ovitrelle 9 Jan, ER 11 Jan 3 eggs, 2 mature, 1 fertilized, ET 1x 4d 12-cell embryo 15/01, 24/01 BFN May/Jun18 IVF4 - Rekovelle 25-29 May, Menogon 30May - 2Jun, Zomacton 25 27 29 31 May and 2Jun, Cetrotide 30May - 3Jun, Gonasi 3Jun, ER 5Jun 4 eggs, none mature, two matured overnight, 1 fertilized with ICSI, Frozen day 3 but not good quality Jun/Jul18 IVF5 - Rekovelle 21-24 June, Menogon 25Jun-3Jul, Puregon 4-5Jul, Zomacton 21 23 25 27 29 Jun, Cetrotide 25Jun-5Jul, Gonasi 6Jul, ER 8Jul 5 eggs, 3 mature, 2 fertilized with ICSI, 2 frozen day 3 but not good quality Jul/Aug18 IVF6 - Rekovelle 26-29 Jul, Menogon 30Jul-7Aug, Buserelin 26Jul-7Aug, Zomacton 26 28 30 Jul 1 3 Aug, Gonasi 7Aug, ER 9Aug 4 eggs, 3 mature, 2 fertilized (normal IVF), 2 frozen day 3 good quality Sep/Oct18 IVF7 - Menogon 19-30Sep, Buserelin 19-30Sep, Zomacton 19 21 23 25 27 Sep, Ovitrelle 1 Oct, ER 3 eggs, 3 mature, 2 fertilized with ICSI, 2 frozen day 3 excellent quality
Fav Quote: The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return
@emmasemm Thanks for weighing in. Right now I'm supposed to trigger between 6pm and 8pm tonight, and the IUI is scheduled for 11:15 on Tuesday, so 39 hours after trigger (though they have no problem with me doing the trigger later so it's closer to a 36 hour window, I asked). I saw the u/s tech and the nurse, but supposedly the doctor is looking things over. I'll only hear back from someone if she wants to change the plan. They did not check estrogen, because the letrozole acts by reducing estrogen levels, so apparently the bw is inaccurate. The clinic is closed now, but I can still get through to a doc if I need to. Right now I'm debating going ahead with the trigger or calling them to ask for more information on what the risks of waiting a day would be.
Re: IF Testing and Treatment - weekly thread 01/01
@kristokekerooni @beachbunnyxo123 @adirat I saw that article too. It is incredibly crazy and mind-blowing to think about! Science is incredible. And it is really weird to think about if you potentially have 2 embryos, they could be twins if you transfer at the same time or they could be several years apart, and it just comes down to one decision and some implanting luck.
@redpuma119 All the options others have listed are the options my RE gave me too. There were really a lot more options than I thought, and until I talked to him, I also didn't know that they could do a mini-IVF to try not to stim you as much or that they would only fertilize a certain number if requested. He also noted for "donating to science", there were 2 specific avenues you could request. You could specify to donate for lab research where they would practice freezing and unfreezing and any other lab work they do within the clinic, or you could donate to other scientific research. My RE was also very open about all the options available and simply noted the risks associated with each and the reasons why you might choose one or another.
Feel free to PM me
I had all those same questions and concerns about IVF, DH and I believe life begins at conception and all life should be valued and protected. Typically, with IVF the goal is to make as many embryos as possible to give you as many chances to get pregnant as possible. We weren't comfortable creating more embryos than we could parent (even though there are really awesome options for placing embryos up for adoption, we wanted to avoid that if possible).
We had 6 failed IUIs and when discussing IVF options with our RE, she was kind of dismissive of our concerns about having excess embryos. Ultimately we switched to a different doctor, who understood our values and was more than willing to tailor our treatment plan so that we felt morally comfortable with it.
We choose Mini IVF, since I didn't have any known infertility problems other than mild endometriosis (we mainly had MFI). Mini IVF is really just a low-stim IVF, with the goal of retrieving a smaller number of eggs (our goal was 5-8) rather than trying to max out egg production (A typical successful IVF retrieval is 15-25 eggs). The drugs I was on were actually the same as I have seen many women on for hybrid/injectable IUI cycles (High dose letrozole and low dose Gonal-F). Lower stim IVF is lower risk for OHSS, and requires less monitoring (it's also cheaper).
While our goal was retrieve around 5-8 eggs, and only fertilize the best 5... I responded really well to the low-stim method and my doctor retrieved 13 eggs! (11 mature). This was way more than we felt comfortable fertilizing, so we opted to freeze 6 eggs and fertilize 5 eggs. You can read my sig for the outcome of that cycle if you want.
If mini IVF isn't an option, you could always elect a standard IVF cycle, decide how many eggs you are comfortable fertilizing, and freeze the extra eggs. Some clinic are better at egg freezing than others (our clinic told us to expect about 10-20% egg loss from freezing).
I hope hearing our story helps; I was thankful when someone told me that other options were out there for a couple like us who had concerns about the standard approach. I hope you are able to find a doctor in your area that will respect your concerns and help you decide a treatment plan you're comfortable with.
MFI (High DNA Fragmentation) & Mild endometriosis
Aug 2016 - May 2017 6 IUI's with letrozole - BFN
April 2017 - laparoscopy to remove mild endo
June 2017 - Mini IVF letrozole 12.5mg, Gonal-F 75IU - Cancelled early ovulation, no eggs retrieved.
Aug/Sept 2017 - Mini IVF letrozole 12.5mg, Gonal-F 75IU, cetrotide - 13 eggs retrieved, 11 mature
5 eggs ICSI'd 6 eggs frozen - 1 day 5 blast transfered, 2 expanded blast frozen - BFP!
May 2018 - Baby girl born - Our Joy
TTC #2 since July 2019
July 2019 - FET - BFN
Jan 2020 - FET - canceled due to family health issues
Mar 2020 - FET - low beta - chemical pregnancy
July 2020 - ICSI'd remaining 6 eggs - 3 fertilized - 2 survived to early blast stage, transfered both - Chemical Pregnancy
lefty has 11: all under ten, most under 7
righty has 8: 4 less than 7, 3 under 10 and one at 11
Thats a follicle count of 19! I've never had one close to that much!! Now my right is plumping faster, so a bunch of those may never catch up, but I'm doing better than last time (for now) and this is amazing! I started crying after. I'm so hopeful and that terrifying, but I'm hopeful.
Me: 36 DH 38
Married Sept 2014
TTC Since Nov 2015
IVF Cycle 1 - 0 eggs
IVF Cycle 2 - 3 embryos
FET 1 (transferred 1 embryo) - BFN
FET 2 (transferred 2 embryos- BFN
IVF Cycle 3 - 1 embryo
FET 3 (transferred 1 embryo) - BFN
Donor Egg Retrieval 2/19/18 -4 embryos that didn't make it to freeze
Donor Egg Retrieval 4/30/2018 - 6 eggs - 5 embryos frozen Day 3
FET 4 (with donor eggs) (transferred 1 embryo) -BETA 7/10 - BFN
Hysteroscopy & Endo Scratch
FET 5 (with donor eggs) (transferred 2 embryos)-BETA 9/10 - BFN
Final FET (#6) (with donor eggs) (transferred 2 embryos) BETA 10/15 BFP!!
EDD: June 24, 2019 Baby O born June 26, 2019
@redpuma119 Obviously, I hope you never get to IVF, but if you do, be aware that fragile x substantially reduces your response to stims, even with good/normal AMH or AFC. Most research on fragile x for women under 30 identifies 10 eggs as "successful." Just another crappy thing about it
@adirat that IS crappy. Also, I've been thinking about you!!! Fx!
When will you go back for another check?
@50Wife next monitoring is Tuesday. Currently thinking a Saturday ER... I am hoping I either do it on Friday or Sunday though for scheduling purposes.
AFM we had dinner and a theatre night last night - which meant doing injections during our journey home. Pulling my tights and pants down in the car in a lay by to inject on time was hilarious! Luckily no police came by - explaining injecting would have been interesting
Thanks again everyone for the Ganirelix reaction tip.
Yesterday was a lot better in an area with better blood flow, though still some local reaction. I get my overall BW check with my Rheumatologist next week, and combined with some other symptoms I think it will show high immune system activity again leading to me upping those meds which we were trying to avoid in case it further diminishes my response to stims...
Married 12/2016
TTC #1 since 04/2015
AMA, DOR (AMH 0.65, AFC 2-4) and autoimmune issues (RA, APS), low TSH, adenomyosis
7 retrievals, 3 transfers
Nov17 IVF2 - 1ER, 0F
Jan18 IVF3 - 3ER, 1F, 1ET, BFN
Feb18 - second opinion and additional testing
Apr18 IVF4 - cancelled (E2 too high)
May/Jun18 IVF4 - 4ER, 0M, 1F, 1 frozen day 3 (not best quality)
Jun/Jul18 IVF5 - 5 ER, 3M, 2F, 2 frozen day 3 (not best quality)
Jul/Aug18 IVF6 - 4ER, 3M, 2F, 2 frozen day 3 (good quality)
Aug/Sep18 IVF7 - cancelled (cyst)
Sep/Oct18 IVF7 - 3ER, 3M, 2F, 2 frozen Day 3 (excellent quality)
Oct18 IVF8 - Cancelled (cyst and too low TSH)
Oct18-Jan19 bringing TSH under control
Feb19 ERA and hysteroscopy
Mar19 Investigation for fibroid and adenomyosis
Apr19 adenomyosis confirmed, polyps removed
Jun19 FET after 2 months Lupron, autoimmune protocol, transferred two day 3 frozen embryos
Nov17 IVF2 - Pergoveris 2-14 Nov, Orgalutran 5-14 Nov, Ovitrelle 15 Nov, ER 17 Nov for 3 follies, 1 mature egg, did not fertilize
Jan18 IVF3 - Pergoveris 30 Dec - 8 Jan, Orgalutran 5-8 Jan, Ovitrelle 9 Jan, ER 11 Jan 3 eggs, 2 mature, 1 fertilized, ET 1x 4d 12-cell embryo 15/01, 24/01 BFN
May/Jun18 IVF4 - Rekovelle 25-29 May, Menogon 30May - 2Jun, Zomacton 25 27 29 31 May and 2Jun, Cetrotide 30May - 3Jun, Gonasi 3Jun, ER 5Jun 4 eggs, none mature, two matured overnight, 1 fertilized with ICSI, Frozen day 3 but not good quality
Jun/Jul18 IVF5 - Rekovelle 21-24 June, Menogon 25Jun-3Jul, Puregon 4-5Jul, Zomacton 21 23 25 27 29 Jun, Cetrotide 25Jun-5Jul, Gonasi 6Jul, ER 8Jul 5 eggs, 3 mature, 2 fertilized with ICSI, 2 frozen day 3 but not good quality
Jul/Aug18 IVF6 - Rekovelle 26-29 Jul, Menogon 30Jul-7Aug, Buserelin 26Jul-7Aug, Zomacton 26 28 30 Jul 1 3 Aug, Gonasi 7Aug, ER 9Aug 4 eggs, 3 mature, 2 fertilized (normal IVF), 2 frozen day 3 good quality
Sep/Oct18 IVF7 - Menogon 19-30Sep, Buserelin 19-30Sep, Zomacton 19 21 23 25 27 Sep, Ovitrelle 1 Oct, ER 3 eggs, 3 mature, 2 fertilized with ICSI, 2 frozen day 3 excellent quality
Fav Quote: The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return
Married 12/2016
TTC #1 since 04/2015
AMA, DOR (AMH 0.65, AFC 2-4) and autoimmune issues (RA, APS), low TSH, adenomyosis
7 retrievals, 3 transfers
Nov17 IVF2 - 1ER, 0F
Jan18 IVF3 - 3ER, 1F, 1ET, BFN
Feb18 - second opinion and additional testing
Apr18 IVF4 - cancelled (E2 too high)
May/Jun18 IVF4 - 4ER, 0M, 1F, 1 frozen day 3 (not best quality)
Jun/Jul18 IVF5 - 5 ER, 3M, 2F, 2 frozen day 3 (not best quality)
Jul/Aug18 IVF6 - 4ER, 3M, 2F, 2 frozen day 3 (good quality)
Aug/Sep18 IVF7 - cancelled (cyst)
Sep/Oct18 IVF7 - 3ER, 3M, 2F, 2 frozen Day 3 (excellent quality)
Oct18 IVF8 - Cancelled (cyst and too low TSH)
Oct18-Jan19 bringing TSH under control
Feb19 ERA and hysteroscopy
Mar19 Investigation for fibroid and adenomyosis
Apr19 adenomyosis confirmed, polyps removed
Jun19 FET after 2 months Lupron, autoimmune protocol, transferred two day 3 frozen embryos
Nov17 IVF2 - Pergoveris 2-14 Nov, Orgalutran 5-14 Nov, Ovitrelle 15 Nov, ER 17 Nov for 3 follies, 1 mature egg, did not fertilize
Jan18 IVF3 - Pergoveris 30 Dec - 8 Jan, Orgalutran 5-8 Jan, Ovitrelle 9 Jan, ER 11 Jan 3 eggs, 2 mature, 1 fertilized, ET 1x 4d 12-cell embryo 15/01, 24/01 BFN
May/Jun18 IVF4 - Rekovelle 25-29 May, Menogon 30May - 2Jun, Zomacton 25 27 29 31 May and 2Jun, Cetrotide 30May - 3Jun, Gonasi 3Jun, ER 5Jun 4 eggs, none mature, two matured overnight, 1 fertilized with ICSI, Frozen day 3 but not good quality
Jun/Jul18 IVF5 - Rekovelle 21-24 June, Menogon 25Jun-3Jul, Puregon 4-5Jul, Zomacton 21 23 25 27 29 Jun, Cetrotide 25Jun-5Jul, Gonasi 6Jul, ER 8Jul 5 eggs, 3 mature, 2 fertilized with ICSI, 2 frozen day 3 but not good quality
Jul/Aug18 IVF6 - Rekovelle 26-29 Jul, Menogon 30Jul-7Aug, Buserelin 26Jul-7Aug, Zomacton 26 28 30 Jul 1 3 Aug, Gonasi 7Aug, ER 9Aug 4 eggs, 3 mature, 2 fertilized (normal IVF), 2 frozen day 3 good quality
Sep/Oct18 IVF7 - Menogon 19-30Sep, Buserelin 19-30Sep, Zomacton 19 21 23 25 27 Sep, Ovitrelle 1 Oct, ER 3 eggs, 3 mature, 2 fertilized with ICSI, 2 frozen day 3 excellent quality
Fav Quote: The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return
Married 07/2012
DD born 07/2014
DD2 born 10/2018
DS born 10/2022
IF history:
TTC #2 since January 2016
June-Aug 2017: 3 IUIs w/Clomid = BFN
Sept 2017: Dx w/Endometriosis
Oct 2017: IUI w/Letrozole = BFN
Nov 2017: IUI w/Letrozole = BFN
Dec 2017: pre-IVF testing
Jan-Feb 2018: IVF--17 eggs retrieved, 13 fertilized, 9 frozen and 1 transferred on 2/10 = BFP on 2/19!!! EDD 10/29/2018
FET Oct 2021: BFP on 10/31! MC at 5 weeks
FET Feb 2022: BFP on 2/15! EDD 10/29/22
Diagnoses: RPL, Endometriosis, MFI (count, morph, DNI, DNAS, multiple bilateral subclinical varicoceles), low progesterone
Check out my Infertility blog
Check out my Infertility Instagram
BFP: 15 August 2015, loss confirmed 23 August 2015
BFP: 16 November 2015, loss confirmed 22 November 2015
BFP: 18 July 2016, loss confirmed same day
BFP: 04 March 2018, loss confirmed 23 March 2018
BFP: 12 June 2018, TWINS; D&C 06 July 2018
Met with OBGYN in January 2016
Me: all clear, H: OAT
November 2016: HSG = All Clear!
January 2017: H tested again, High DNA fragmentation and stainability
February 2017: Clomid + TI + Progesterone = BFN
March 2017: Clomid + HCG + IUI + Progesterone = SA/wash: zero count on attempt #1, <1,000 on attempt #2= BFN
Varicocele Embolization- 5 May 17
December 2017 SA: Zero improvement after embolization
January IVF- 25 retrieved, 11 mature, 8 fertilized, 3 frozen day fives (3AA, 3AA, 3AA), 1 frozen day 6 (5BB), 1 frozen day 7 (3CC)
Three PGS normal (3AA, 3AA, 5BB), one inconclusive (3AA)
FET #1: 27 February 2018, 3AA & 5BB, one stuck! BFP 04 March 2018.... Loss confirmed 23 March 2018
May 2018: SHG/SIS = all clear "beautiful uterus"
FET #2: 04 June 2018, 3AA PGS normal embryo, 3AA PGS hatching inconclusive embryo.
BFP: 12 June 2018, EDD 20 February 2019
Ultrasound, 25 June 2018: There are two!
Lost Baby A 02 July 2018
Baby B not growing, D&C 06 July 2018
Laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, chromotubation: 23 July 2018: blocked right tube, heavily inflamed, covered in endo. Removed right tube. Removed more endo from uterus, tubes, ovaries. Endo remains on bladder and bowel.
ER#2 ~Jan 2019
@adirat Thinking of you, too!
@emmasemm Ugh, I am sorry for the rheumatological issues
@emmasemm car injections sound hilarious. Glad you have a good sense ignoring humor about this! FX everything works out between this and your other meds
@adirat Fx for you!
AFM - monitoring went well, and they actually gave me updates as they went this time. Yay! Even seemed shocked that the other nurse hadn’t. Follie sizes ranging from 10-17, and they want to see me again tomorrow morning. I assume that means it’s getting close?
@emmasemm oh the things we will do for TTC!
@halfanewt I’m glad they kept you updated this time!
@KristoKekerooni where you at girl? Cd 1 yet? Hoping we are cycle buddies!
CD1 for you though!! Eeeeeeeek! Can’t wait to hear all the details in tuesday! Crossing my finger for a great AFC and a clean uterus!
Diagnoses: RPL, Endometriosis, MFI (count, morph, DNI, DNAS, multiple bilateral subclinical varicoceles), low progesterone
Check out my Infertility blog
Check out my Infertility Instagram
BFP: 15 August 2015, loss confirmed 23 August 2015
BFP: 16 November 2015, loss confirmed 22 November 2015
BFP: 18 July 2016, loss confirmed same day
BFP: 04 March 2018, loss confirmed 23 March 2018
BFP: 12 June 2018, TWINS; D&C 06 July 2018
Met with OBGYN in January 2016
Me: all clear, H: OAT
November 2016: HSG = All Clear!
January 2017: H tested again, High DNA fragmentation and stainability
February 2017: Clomid + TI + Progesterone = BFN
March 2017: Clomid + HCG + IUI + Progesterone = SA/wash: zero count on attempt #1, <1,000 on attempt #2= BFN
Varicocele Embolization- 5 May 17
December 2017 SA: Zero improvement after embolization
January IVF- 25 retrieved, 11 mature, 8 fertilized, 3 frozen day fives (3AA, 3AA, 3AA), 1 frozen day 6 (5BB), 1 frozen day 7 (3CC)
Three PGS normal (3AA, 3AA, 5BB), one inconclusive (3AA)
FET #1: 27 February 2018, 3AA & 5BB, one stuck! BFP 04 March 2018.... Loss confirmed 23 March 2018
May 2018: SHG/SIS = all clear "beautiful uterus"
FET #2: 04 June 2018, 3AA PGS normal embryo, 3AA PGS hatching inconclusive embryo.
BFP: 12 June 2018, EDD 20 February 2019
Ultrasound, 25 June 2018: There are two!
Lost Baby A 02 July 2018
Baby B not growing, D&C 06 July 2018
Laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, chromotubation: 23 July 2018: blocked right tube, heavily inflamed, covered in endo. Removed right tube. Removed more endo from uterus, tubes, ovaries. Endo remains on bladder and bowel.
ER#2 ~Jan 2019
Even if you trigger tonight, the 17mm might be mature enough... but if you wait another day the 22mm might be over cooked anyhow even if it is a “good” one... but it might not...
When will they do your IUI? How many hours after trigger?
And what did your RE suggest or did you only see the tech? I guess they also checked your Estrogen levels too.
@beachbunnyxo123 sorry for CD1 but yay to getting the IVF roadshow going!
@kristokekerooni sorry you’re still waiting - before my first IVF cycle my cycle was 5 days longer than normal... keeping you waiting when you’re keen to start AND messing with your head, yeah thanks body!
@halfanewt hope your monitoring today goes well. I see triggers when biggest is anywhere 18-22mm. So depending on how many are close to your biggest maybe they’ll keep you an extra day, maybe you’ll trigger tonight. I’m hoping to be ready to trigger Monday night for Weds retrieval - but I will know more at my monitoring in the morning
Married 12/2016
TTC #1 since 04/2015
AMA, DOR (AMH 0.65, AFC 2-4) and autoimmune issues (RA, APS), low TSH, adenomyosis
7 retrievals, 3 transfers
Nov17 IVF2 - 1ER, 0F
Jan18 IVF3 - 3ER, 1F, 1ET, BFN
Feb18 - second opinion and additional testing
Apr18 IVF4 - cancelled (E2 too high)
May/Jun18 IVF4 - 4ER, 0M, 1F, 1 frozen day 3 (not best quality)
Jun/Jul18 IVF5 - 5 ER, 3M, 2F, 2 frozen day 3 (not best quality)
Jul/Aug18 IVF6 - 4ER, 3M, 2F, 2 frozen day 3 (good quality)
Aug/Sep18 IVF7 - cancelled (cyst)
Sep/Oct18 IVF7 - 3ER, 3M, 2F, 2 frozen Day 3 (excellent quality)
Oct18 IVF8 - Cancelled (cyst and too low TSH)
Oct18-Jan19 bringing TSH under control
Feb19 ERA and hysteroscopy
Mar19 Investigation for fibroid and adenomyosis
Apr19 adenomyosis confirmed, polyps removed
Jun19 FET after 2 months Lupron, autoimmune protocol, transferred two day 3 frozen embryos
Nov17 IVF2 - Pergoveris 2-14 Nov, Orgalutran 5-14 Nov, Ovitrelle 15 Nov, ER 17 Nov for 3 follies, 1 mature egg, did not fertilize
Jan18 IVF3 - Pergoveris 30 Dec - 8 Jan, Orgalutran 5-8 Jan, Ovitrelle 9 Jan, ER 11 Jan 3 eggs, 2 mature, 1 fertilized, ET 1x 4d 12-cell embryo 15/01, 24/01 BFN
May/Jun18 IVF4 - Rekovelle 25-29 May, Menogon 30May - 2Jun, Zomacton 25 27 29 31 May and 2Jun, Cetrotide 30May - 3Jun, Gonasi 3Jun, ER 5Jun 4 eggs, none mature, two matured overnight, 1 fertilized with ICSI, Frozen day 3 but not good quality
Jun/Jul18 IVF5 - Rekovelle 21-24 June, Menogon 25Jun-3Jul, Puregon 4-5Jul, Zomacton 21 23 25 27 29 Jun, Cetrotide 25Jun-5Jul, Gonasi 6Jul, ER 8Jul 5 eggs, 3 mature, 2 fertilized with ICSI, 2 frozen day 3 but not good quality
Jul/Aug18 IVF6 - Rekovelle 26-29 Jul, Menogon 30Jul-7Aug, Buserelin 26Jul-7Aug, Zomacton 26 28 30 Jul 1 3 Aug, Gonasi 7Aug, ER 9Aug 4 eggs, 3 mature, 2 fertilized (normal IVF), 2 frozen day 3 good quality
Sep/Oct18 IVF7 - Menogon 19-30Sep, Buserelin 19-30Sep, Zomacton 19 21 23 25 27 Sep, Ovitrelle 1 Oct, ER 3 eggs, 3 mature, 2 fertilized with ICSI, 2 frozen day 3 excellent quality
Fav Quote: The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return