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Our Infertility Support forum is a space to connect with others in the same position, discuss causes, treatment and IVF, and share infertility stories of hope and success.

Infertility

IVF June 2017

529 replies

Avocadosmoothie · 23/03/2017 20:47

Hello, is anyone due to start IVF In June? My consultant has put me forward to start IVF, my next appointment is April 26th and if I start on long protocol I would start stimms late May and egg retrieval would be mid June. Would love to hear from someone on the same path!

OP posts:
Scottishgirl85 · 24/03/2017 15:34

Yes me! I should be starting stims in late may. We're going abroad to Reprofit in Czech republic. I'm 31 with normal fertility but my husband has severe mfi. They have put me on short protocol, I'm not sure why but I'm just going with it. I have a tendency to get a bit obsessive with research, so trying not to look into anything. I'm due CD1 any day now, then will start the pill on the next CD1 so my cycle can be timed to specific dates. How are you feeling about it all? Which clinic are you with? x

Avocadosmoothie · 27/03/2017 20:13

Scottish is sounds like we could be on exactly the same timetable! I just had CD 1 on 23/03 and will hopefully start IVF late May. We don't have any fertility issues. We're at Manchester Fertility. Shall we stay in touch? How are you feeling about it? To be honest, I am feeling a little negative. All the BFNs really knock your optimism

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Scottishgirl85 · 27/03/2017 21:07

I had CD1 on 25/03 so we're really close! April will be our last ever month trying naturally, it's such a relief. We've been ttc since 2012, we had a miracle baby just before starting ivf first time round, she's just turned 2 and we started trying again not long after she was born given how long it took first time (hope you don't mind me mentioning her) but our chances are so slim that no doctor would recommend we try naturally any longer. It's a relief but at same time I'm terrified and feel I'm already planning the next trip out to Czech after the first doesn't work... Trying to keep calm. Got lots to look forward to before we start such as Easter etc, and super busy at work so hoping my mind stays occupied! Got a doc appointment on Thursday to get the pill, seems like a crazy way to begin fertility treatment!

meadowlark3 · 27/03/2017 21:21

I may be. We have been put forward for IVF and are meeting with our consultant next week for repeat scan and bloods, and were told that we would probably start six weeks after. We are with the NHS. How are you all feeling?

Avocadosmoothie · 27/03/2017 21:33

Scottish - no I think that's lovely you've got a little girl! I know, I feel really weird this month that this is probably our last chance to conceive naturally but on the other hand I am resigned to IVF so I just want to get on with things. Do you know if you always have a month of the pill before IVF? My consultant hasn't mentioned this, but perhaps he will at our next appt...

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Avocadosmoothie · 27/03/2017 21:36

Meadow - that's great, lets all keep in touch! I've got such mixed emotions - disbelief that we're at IVF, negativity that all we've ever known is bfns, excited that we could have a baby this time next year and conflicted about the moral IVF issues - I don't like the fact that it's not natural selection. How are you feeling?

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Scottishgirl85 · 27/03/2017 22:35

I'm not sure how normal going on the pill is, I think in my case it's just to time the cycle. I'm abroad with work mid may and my husband is abroad mid June, so we're squeezing the cycle in the middle! Makes booking flights easier etc. Although I have read about it being good to give your ovaries a rest beforehand as the pill switches them off. I'm also nervous about avoiding natural selection etc, the whole concept of ivf both amazes me and terrifies me. I'm also worried about the medication. I initially opted for low dose stimulation then chickened out and going for standard, as need to feel I'm giving it my all. Will be ordering the drugs in April, I've got the prescriptions all ready to go :-s

meadowlark3 · 29/03/2017 21:17

Hi avocado, yes, I am also in disbelief! I always thought I wouldn't do IVF if I couldn't fall pregnant...just because it seems so invasive and stressful and unnatural. (IF we get pregnant and something was wrong with the baby I would feel so responsible and guilty for meddling with nature...) But then I turned 35 at 12 months TTC and we learned DH has low sperm so this was going to be our only chance, and here we are.

Scottish, will you take annual leave for your cycle? I reckon it's a good sign that you've got DD, as it shows you and your OH can make a baby together, so perhaps that means IVF has a better chance of working?

I am still hopeful (but really quite pessimistic) about us falling before we start IVF...had the hycosy a few weeks ago so would be chuffed if we were in the 40% who get pregnant after that process. We did fall quite quickly after starting TTC but miscarried at five weeks and trying not to let myself believe that's a sign that I've only got bum eggs. DH is much more calm about it which I wish I could bring on board but really feel quite low about it.

Any updates for you both so far? My feelings change by the hour!

Avocadosmoothie · 30/03/2017 08:43

Hi! I had a bit of a wobble last night... my husband was out and I got to thinking about IVF, I think my mind was in overdrive and I didn't have my husband to speak to as a sounding board. Now IVF is getting close, in starting to panic a bit. The more I think about it the more I really don't like the fact it's not natural selection. It's silly but I'm worried now that it might not give us the baby we're supposed to have if you know what I mean. Although who knows if we would get pregnant naturally at all. Another concern I have is that We've not been TTC long enough. Our story is... we decided to have initial tests early after 9 months trying. I know that's early but I though it could help us relax and put our minds at easy. My husband has 3% morphology but he has a good count so the consultant said it shouldn't be a problem. I had all the blood tests and results pointed towards borderline PCOS, but one scan confirmed ovulation. The consultant prescribed me clomid for 3 months (which hasn't worked) and I had a hycosy 2 months ago. Based on the clomid scans I had, he seemed to think the clomid has had little effect on me and at that point suggested thinking about IVF which I initially jumped at because it sounded like progress. I have my appointment booked in April to kick things off but now I'm really unsure if I'm doing the right thing. How long have you both been trying?? We do have some 'borderline' problems but I'm just not sure if IVF is a bit extreme at this point. On the other hand, I don't want to keep trying for say another year and then decided I will have IVF. This would be my first baby and I'm 30 in May. I don't know what to think now!

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Avocadosmoothie · 30/03/2017 08:44

Fingers crossed the hycosy works for you meadow. How many months after the hycosy is fertility supposedly raised?

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Scottishgirl85 · 30/03/2017 12:44

Hi! I feel exactly the same, I'm stressing about the natural selection. The embryologist will just pick a sperm that looks good and go with it, and that will influence the person the baby becomes (if it works of course...) I'm trying to block it out, and remember that our desire for a baby outweighs my concerns.

We've been trying for number 2 for 18 months, which isn't long but with 100,000 sperm and 0% morphology no sane doctor would recommend we continue trying naturally. That makes my decision easier. It's so difficult avocado, nobody will ever know if you'll have success naturally, I think it's normal to just get swept along once investigations start.

Yes meadow it will be annual leave. I'm wondering whether to be honest with work or not, as I may not be able to book the leave until last minute depending on when egg collection is scheduled for. And I'm a rubbish liar! When is your appointment?

As for me, I saw my gp today who is referring us even though we have a child. She seems to think because hubby's issues are a result of testicular cancer that they may make allowances. But I'm 100% sure it won't make a difference, hence going down private route in meantime. I asked her for the pill to help time my cycle for the ivf, and she said it wasn't a good idea to have that on my record since she is referring us, which is a good point! So buying pill from my pharmacist. Seems like a loooong process ahead...

Avocadosmoothie · 30/03/2017 20:16

Fingers crossed for your referral Scottish! I completely understand about your issues making your decision easier. If there isn't really a chance of getting pregnant naturally at least you can be mor comfortable that an IVF baby would be your fate baby!

Another update from me... the last thing I needed to do before my IVF kick off appt next month was to do an AMH test and I got the result back today - 54.66. Although I've not spoken to the doctor about it yet, I can see it is very high and indicative of PCOS. I don't know what to think, does that mean I have a higher chance on clomid or am I even more likely now to need IVF. I don't know 🙁

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meadowlark3 · 01/04/2017 11:20

Hi lovelies, how are you feeling today? Avocado have you had a chance to chat with your doctor about the AMH level yet? Do you know the unit of the measurement? This site (American) puts 54.66 in the normal range if it is pmol, not sure if your consultant would agree: www.blossomclinic.net/2014/09/21/ovarian-reserve-fsh-amh-clonid-challenge/ I would think that if you are 29 and DH's SA is okay, you would be alright to try a bit longer before going to IVF. Is medicated IUI an option for you?

Scottish I'm a rubbish liar too...can't bring myself to do it. I have taken annual leave and told my work I had an appointment. I will likely do it again if we get to EC stage (or maybe get signed off or call out sick?) and just avoid discussing it at work. Though the stories here of massive bloating and spots and other hormone joys might make some people wonder. I have been hopeful we would conceive for a while now so avoided wearing form fitting clothing and I'm sure my colleagues wonder as I'm quite broody. So sorry to hear about your DH's testicular cancer and your struggles TTC #2. I hope that you are able to be referred...it certainly seems like an appropriate exception to me.

I think a lot about the natural selection bit but also feel that if we don't do IVF I would always regret it, even if we aren't able to get pregnant. My DH's SA was borderline on all measures, but the consultant said he would put us forward for ICSI. But I can't help but imagine the images of the needle injecting the sperm into the egg and it makes me think it must be painful for the wee eggs Hmm And of course if something happened to that child (cancer, disability, etc) I would never forgive myself... I also feel particularly fearful of having a successful IVF and another miscarriage, chromosome problem requiring termination, or stillbirth...but I suppose I would fear those things if we got pregnant naturally as well...

Do either of you have anyone to chat with IRL about this? I have two friends who know about our struggles but they are both abroad so I mostly have DH to rely upon. DH's family doesn't know we're trying (nor about our miscarriage) but I am quite certain they wonder. I adore them but am now dreading every family visit as everyone stares at my tummy and watches what I drink...almost worse than just asking us Blush

x

Avocadosmoothie · 01/04/2017 12:31

Hi Meadow! I've not had chance to discuss my AMH result with my consultant yet. From asking around on mumsnet and most of the research I've done, the result seems to be outside of the normal range however, I just took a look at the link you sent and it does looks normal based on the measurements they used!

I really don't know what to do now about IVF. I'm not that far past the 1 year mark (and I would be closer to 2 years TTC if I went ahead in June) but the vast majority of women who can get pregnant naturally would be pregnant by now. My fear is that I wait another year, nothing happens and then I have to do IVF anyway - I would be so frustrated and disappointed that I'd not started earlier.

How many months TTC were you when the NHS put you forward for IVF?

IUI has never been discussed for us. Although my husband does have low morphology (3%), apparently his count counteracts that and it shouldn't be a problem.

I have one friend that I've spoken to about this and she's been really great but she's due to have her second baby this month. She will be a stay at home mum with two under two so I imagine she will have a lot on her hands and I wont get to chat to her as much. I would like to tell more friends so that I have more people to speak to but it's difficult. All my friends with a child had their first baby before their one year wedding anniversary so I've assumed that none of them had fertility issues (could be wrong!). I don't really want to talk to those friends because I'm scared I will get a 'relax and it will happen' type response. As for my close friends without children, I know that none of them are trying for a baby either because they want to wait until they get married or are career focussed right now and I don't think they would understand how I feel.

x

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meadowlark3 · 02/04/2017 10:02

Hi avocado! The IVF decision is quite hard, isn't it? I imagine that even though you are 29, if you haven't gotten pregnant with two years of solid TTC (good timing, etc) than it'd be sensible to start...perhaps wait until you have more information about your results and wait for your birthday to reach a full two years? The benefit for you is that as you are young, conventional wisdom would say you have a bit more time on your side as your egg quality doesn't start to really drop off until you're 35 and then sharply every year after. You will also have more time to try and rest and try again if you have an unsuccessful cycle, but the statistics are often best for women under 35. How does your DH feel about everything?

We were TTC about 13 months when we were put forward for IVF. I asked my GP for bloods at about 6 months TTC (my periods were also a bit wonky after the miscarriage) and when we didn't fall by 11 months, asked the GP to refer. Given my age, it felt right to start the process rolling early. We are a bit of a puzzle as we fell right away (month two TTC) but not again, and the doctor had lots of problems with my hycosy. But they seem confident (overly so?) that we are a good couple for IVF so we will go for it...despite my fears and anxiety about the jabs and natural selection and whatnot.

My friends with children have all fallen right away (two on their honeymoons!) and some even had some unplanned oops babies. I love them and their babies but they are busy being mums and it's hard to chat with them about this. And at our age, our friends are mostly done and their littlest ones are off to nursery, or "child free by choice". We also don't know anyone who has gone through infertility treatment. DH and I have also moved recently so are beginning to build new relationships, and mostly through work at this point, so it seems a bit awkward to bring up our infertility. Though when meeting new people, of course they are surprised that we have been together so long and don't have kids....which always leads to awkward conversations about whether we want any...sigh.... (a brief rant on this: I am asked almost daily as a woman whether I have kids, whether I want them, and whether I plan to have them! Quite unfair, and so much more painful since learning we are infertile-subfertile! Angry)

I hope you have something nice planned for yourself today. When will you have a chance to chat with your doctor about your results?

x

meadowlark3 · 04/04/2017 20:33

Hi avocado and scottish, seems like I may have shut down the thread...apologies for that Blush

Just popping by to share that I've been booked on to start down regulation with buserelin/long protocol at the end of the month. Was quite surprised that it would all happen so quickly but consultant said there was no reason to wait. Now have to sort out what to tell my work...likely can't add in more annual leave next month so perhaps will call out and use sick time. Have either of you told your employers about IVF?

xx

Avocadosmoothie · 04/04/2017 20:42

Hi Meadow, that's great news about starting soon, how are you feeling? A mix of nervous and excited I imagine! Personally, I would do anything to avoid telling my employers about IVF. I would just be uncomfortable with them knowing something that private about me. Although I can see positives - if they were flexible and understanding.....

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Scottishgirl85 · 04/04/2017 21:16

Wow meadow that's so soon!! How do you feel? I will avoid telling work but will if I have to. I'm keen to avoid stress and it may be less stressful to tell the truth, it's just awkward as then the employer knows if it works we'll disappear for a year! My boss knows we struggled with our first so she'll probably suspect. Gosh time is going fast but I still have a month on the pill to go, which starts in about 3 weeks, boo!

Are both of you nhs funded? We're private, I think it will feel very real when we start paying out, first bill be a grands worth of drugs...

Avocadosmoothie · 16/04/2017 23:23

Hi girls, how are you both? How are things going? I'm still in a confused state and wondering whether to go ahead in June or delay a few more months! In answer to your question Scottish... I will be NHS funded in a private clinic. Basically, after kicking off with initial investigatory tests with the NHS, we realised how slow the process would be and decided to progress wth a private clinic. Our NHS funding came through much quicker than we expected and so we have the funding transferred to our private clinic (a process in itself!).

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meadowlark3 · 19/04/2017 12:29

Hi girls, thanks for the updates. I've been avoiding MN a bit as I tend to fall down the rabbit hole and start obsessing...trying to avoid that as we get ready to start the whole process.

We are NHS funded for one go (one fresh, two FET if available.) I am meant to start the buserelin next week, feeling a bit more accepting of the whole process, but also nervous and trying to avoid pessimism. DH and I felt that if we TTC'd naturally for a few more months and nothing happened, we would have wished to start a bit sooner. Still wondering what to tell work, am thinking perhaps I'll say I have ovarian cysts or just general gynae issues that need investigation...

Avocado, I didn't realise you could use NHS funding in a private clinic. When will you be able to begin there? How are you feeling about waiting longer?

Scottish, if you are on the pill, I believe that means you're short protocol? When will you start injecting?

Scottishgirl85 · 19/04/2017 22:45

Hi ladies!
Yes meadow I'll be on the short protocol. My clinic seems to favour that, although I thought it was more suited to older patients or pcos. I got the pill today, first pharmacist didn't accept it as it's from foreign clinic. I almost burst into tears as I need it by weekend if I'm to start stims in May. The thought of losing a month felt really devastating at the time. I looked a bit mental anyway as I went into the pharmacist with an empty buggy as was on way to pick up DD, and I have conjunctivitis at the moment so look like a vampire! Poor pharmacist was a bit fearful of me after I had a go at her! Anyway, Asda pharmacist was brilliant and I've got my pill. Expecting CD1 at weekend then I think I take pill for 3 weeks. It's getting closer ladies!!
Have you made final decision yet avocado? It's so tough knowing when to bite the bullet and go for it.
Xxx

Ging78 · 20/04/2017 08:27

Hi ladies

Thanks for all the useful information on this thread. I'm new to all of this... my first post and getting my head around all this fertility stuff.

I turned 39 last month. We will not be eligible for any nhs funding for fertility as he has a 17 year old son.

I'm scheduled for a laparoscopy and dye test next month for a cyst on my right ovary and possible endometriosis. My periods are awful and I am totally useful for 1/2 days every month.

The other issue is my partner has had 2 sa tests the nhs and one privately. He got morphology readings of 0% 1% and 8% on the private tests. This was after almost totally cutting out drinking and taking specific fertility vitamins.

Our fertility consultant is saying we would benefit from icsi. We are meeting him again next week.

My partner is sceptical about it. I just want to do what I can as soon as I can.

I'm wishing you all the very best of luck with this.

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Avocadosmoothie · 26/04/2017 11:26

Hello! How are you all?

Meadow, I think you might have started by now - how is it going?

We've decided to go ahead in July, only postponing our original plan by one month. The way I feel right now, I wish I could start sooner and wish I hadn't cancelled our initial June apt!

I heard that with a high AMH it's common to have to freeze any eggs retrieved for a month whilst any symptoms of OHSS are managed before transferring back (i.e. a month delay). I'm hoping that won't happen to me, I'm not really sure how likely my high AMH of 56 is to cause this - something I need to ask!

x

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Scottishgirl85 · 27/04/2017 12:22

Meadow how is it going?

Avocado - you sounded like you had doubt in your mind so I think that is a good decision for you. It gives you time to get your head round things.

As for me, I started my first pill last night, so technically I have started!! I very almost postponed, I think I got The Fear! I was researching right up until popping the pill at about 11pm last night! My problem is that we're trying to squeeze the cycle in between me going abroad with work in the second week of May, and my husband going abroad for work in the second week of June. I panicked that we were rushing it, but I think there will never be a good time so just went for it. I will take the pill until 12th May, wait for AF and then start stimulating on Day 2. Then on Day 12-14 egg collection, then 3 or 5 day embryo transfer - if we get that far! So I think I'll be all done by first week of June. I'm slightly panicked about when to book flights and accommodation in Czech Republic, as the timing won't be certain until my next AF comes in mid May. Trying not to stress...

Thomasina76 · 27/04/2017 22:55

Hi all, can I join? We are planning to do our first cycle of IVF in June. We've been TTC for 18 months with no BFN. I am 40, DH is 47 so must be down to egg quality as all tests normal, DH's SA excellent and my AMH is ok for my age though not great (8.6). We have 2 lovely kids each from previous marriages but would dearly love our own baby. We also never thought we would do IVF - we though we would conceive immediately as we did we our other children but just hasn't happened. Also feels like we are pushing our luck a bit as we already have DCs but not together.

My main reservations also revolve around the lack of natural selection and conception. Just can't help thinking it's somehow inferior to conceive this way. I am also worried about the cancer risk relating to the medication, not to mention the entire process itself which doesn't sound easy. Problem is, we keep putting it on which is no good as we are up against it time wise (apparently every month counts at this age). I was waiting for a time when I feel really ready to do it but not sure we will ever get there!

Good luck to everyone!

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