Just had my first IVF appointment and overwhelmed. Can I ask for your experiences please?

[StartOfTheRoad1]

Just that really. Just had my first appointment (via telephone) and went through all the processes and what happens next etc...

It's all a bit overwhelming and lengthy (up to 18months from start to finish apparently and that's once this situation with CV calms down). Can I ask for your experiences please?

Hi there, so sorry you are going through this. I had a lengthy IVF process though not sure it would help you at this stage to hear all my details as everyone's experiences are so different. I have got a lovely baby now if that helps.

My top recommend would be to connect with others. There's a brilliant supportive community on Instagram, have a browse through #ivf etc. Check out the Fertility Network and www.catandalice.com too. That was what helped me the most through the experience.

Lots of luck xx

Mine was over 10 years ago now so a bit rusty.

I'd say ask loads of questions of your team. My first cycle didn't work - I thought it was just bad luck (got to transfer and had something to freeze) but the nurse at my follow up dropped casually into the discussion about my unexpectedly poor response and I was so taken aback so made sure from that point on to keep asking for feedback and not be passive.

I didn't find it physically that bad but mentally v tough so make sure you have support. We kept it pretty quiet with family and friends which suited us but I joined a couple of online forums which were a god send.

Get yourself in good physical shape. I was heavier than I'd hoped and that didn't help.

Find something to laugh about. My dh was great for lightening the mood (sometimes inappropriately) but honestly the day he got the nurse to call him mr supersperm is one I'll always remember.

Not everyone agrees but we'd set a target of how many goes up front and stuck to that. We'd gone through 5 years and multiple losses by the time we got to ivf so we needed an end point.

Good luck with it all. My 2 efforts are downstairs twerking and playing mario cart being stroppy pre teens. Everything crossed that will be you in a decade.

I was almost two years from first appointment to actually being referred. (We were lucky enough to qualify for NHS funded ivf). Once referred everything happened quite quickly, referral was in February and the first appointment at the clinic was in March. Scans and injections throughout April and I was fortunate to succeed in the first attempt. The clinic I was referred to was in a BMI hospital which was lovely, the staff were friendly and very supportive. The whole place was spotless and I felt very comfortable there.

Everyone's experience is different but personally we went through icsi due to male fertility issues and we now have a gorgeous baby if that helps! It did always work first time! So it can happen! Good luck!