When to decide on IVF

[pumpkinjoy]

Hello-I have just had my first consultation at a fertility clinic. I had to go privately in the end as I was going to wait so long and I initially went to GP in may last year! We have been TTC for 2years 1` month now. Tests have shown there are no apparent problems on either side so we have been branded with the lovely phrase "unexplained infertilty".
I was given 3 options yesterday. Parental induction of ovulation with fertilty drugs, clomid plus artificial insemination with my husband's sperm, and IVF. The best success rates are with IVF with the other options apparently only having 10-15% success. Our view is that we are better off going straight for IVF (would have to be private as year long NHS waiting list)due to better success (and also the financial cost may be lower in the long-run) I would be greatful to anyone who could advise me or has been through similar experiences. I am getting increasingly desperate and just want something to work.

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Hi there - this thread is a little old. [[https://www.mumsnet.com/conception/ivf
If you want to find out about IVF, we’ve got more information here]]. MNHQ

IVF is the most effective method, but its not a particularly pleasant experience and it takes a bit of time since clinics like to fully shut down everything (pretty much putting you into a medicated menopause) before starting the stimulation phase - and yes although the DW's got the brunt of it, the DH's get to suffer a bit as well.

We were fortunate, my DW did not react too badly to either the downreg drugs or the simulation ones other than a few mood swings.

You might have to go through it more than once too - but at least the 2nd time around it is easier (because you know what to expect and can cope better) although still tiring.

If you go IVF, I'd recommend getting them to take the embryo's to blastocyst as that gives the best chances although usually is extra.

We had the same dx and were advised to try IUI with DH's sperm. We had 6 failed attempts. We moved onto IVF and had DD first cycle then DS from a frozen embryo. I bizaarely found IVF easier. You can make arrangements round scans/ tests etc and a proper break between cycles. You can also have a much better idea of where any problems are.

Would ask what tests you have both had done to date within the last six months as some do get missed out. These missed tests can sometimes find out why there is a fertility problem.

Any test result over six months should be discounted. Up to date test results are key.

"Unexplained infertility" as you realise is infact no diagnosis at all, all this means is that they have failed to find out to date what is wrong. Sometimes it is a "diangosis" given to couples when there has not been adequate testing done on both people.

Do you feel you have been adequately investigated?. If not I would seek a second opinion from another clinic. A caveat too re private clinics; some offer poor as well as expensive treatment.

I would skip the clomid if you know that you are ovulating and DH's sperm is fine.

How old are you?

Go for IVF if there's a good success rate.

Thank you so much everyone for your replies and support-it means so much when I know others are dealing with the same thing although still depressing. I just feel that I'd rather go straight for IVF rather than go through alternatives with lower success rates and then have them fail-at which point the financial and emotional cost is increasing.
I am 34 next month and my DH is 37. Our GP was very thorough and did blood tests-day 5 and day 21. My DH ended up performing 3 semen samples. I had swabs taken. At clinic(NHS) I had HSG and cycle monitoring and more blood tests. The consultant at the private clinic also does work at local NHS hospital and has experience of 20 years-I have confidence in him. The success rate at the clinic is 46% in my age grp.
liamsdaddy I havn't come across the term blastocyst-what is this and what does it mean for us? I feel very happy and slightly reassured that people have success stories and just want to do something. Have said to my DH we'll have to BD every day! Don't think that works though-it hasn't before.

Blastocyst is a 5 day old embryo, it's at the point where the embryo is getting ready for implantation.

See also here: www.hfea.gov.uk/blastocyst-transfer.html

Basically, not all fertilised eggs will survive to implantation, for reasons that went over my head when the consultant explained it. But those that are going to die, will usually die within the first 1 - 4 days.

By taking an egg to "blast" you can be more confident it is healthy and they apparently survive the freeze/thaw process better too.

The worst risk is that none of the eggs survive to "blastocyst" stage.

I'm looking forward to embarrassing my DS with his first girlfriend by showing her the "5-day old" picture

Here is my story, I am almost 34, DH is 31. We were trying for a year without success (TTC for 2 years in total) so we went and had some test done, nothing came back except that my husband had slightly slow swimmers but as he was recovering from a flu we put it down to that.

The next step was that we were prescribed clomid for 4 months, I stopped after three as just knew it wasn't working and so began our IVF journey.

First tests at IVF clinic revealed my husbands swimmers were still slightly slow but good quality and plenty of them so they decided on IVF as opposed to ICSI.

TTC is such a roller coaster of emotions when month after month AF arrives with annoying regularity but once we decided on the IVF path I felt like a weight was lifted from my shoulders and I could pass the burden onto someone else I completely relaxed about TTC.

I am currently on the dreaded two week wait after our first IVF attempt, I am due to test next Thursday. The process went well and we had 1 egg implanted (Clinic policy) which was described as "perfect" by the consultant and we have two more in the freezer for future attempts.

To be honest I found the whole process quite therapeutic as we were given a timetable of what drugs to take on specific days and times and it somehow felt we were back in control and actually taking charge of the situation and I know that this is our first attempt but I am so much calmer than I was say this time last year trying naturally.
The staff at the clinic were brilliant and so kind and helpful I have not felt stressed at all due to their professionalism. I was also lucky that I didn't suffer too much side effects of the drugs other than being very tired in the lead up to the egg collection and being terribly bloated and putting on 7lb due to the water retention, but if that is the cross I have to bear to get pregnant then so be it.

I would recommend going straight for IVF, I didn't think the process was anywhere near as bad as I had imagined.

Hope that helps and good luck

Just a little word of caution re the blastocyst transfer story - success rates are usually quoted as higher, and they are per embryo replaced, but per cycle started this is not the case, as not everyone will get embryos which grow to blastocyst. I'd be guided by your clinic on this, as they should only use it for couples who make lots of good quality embryos, otherwise there is a vey high risk that you'll go through everything and have no embryos suitable for transfer (and therefor zero chance of getting pregnant). Not all clinics offer it, either. There are some nice stories but it is not the be-all and end-all of IVF.

good luck NBelle I am starting IVF soon, your post was very helpful.

Thanks DuelingFanjo, if you have any questions feel free to ask, I'm not shy

Hello all-I hope all is good with everyone. NBelle thank you for sharing your story with me. Me and DH have now pretty much decided to go for IVF. A good friend of mine is also following that path so it's reassuring to know we can go through some of the experiences-both good and bad-together. I wish you all the luck for next week-please let me know how you get on. How are you feeling? I've heard the fertility drugs cause quite alot of abdominal pain as the ovaries are enlarged?? All worth it in the end tho if you get a BFP!! Hope you're feeling well and all positive thoughts to you. Also good luck to DuelingFanjo When do you begin your treatment?

Hello hhunter I will ask my consultant about blastocyst-I thought I'd done all the research and internet wandering I needed to but obviously not! It's all so mind blowing it's making my head spin!

In the meantime while I'm waiting for treatment-think I should just make sure am as fit and healthy as possible, relax, enjoy myself,have a bit of pampering and some nice weekends away with DH. Should be going on holiday next month so something to look forward to. Otherwise when I havn't done all the above before-it feels like you're keeping your life on hold for something that MAY/MAYNOT happen. It can get quite sad and easy to get depressed. Anyway-Good luck all and keep me informed of any news

hi there pumpkinjoy

my treatment starts next week, that's when I start the injections anyway. Am getting more scared by the day.

I've been eating really healthily, making sure I get lots of protein etc

Hi Pumpkinjoy, I didn't feel to bad when I was on the stims, I was a little uncomfortable and had a full feeling in the ovary region but nothing that would stop you doing your daily activities. I completely understand what you mean about your life being on hold and trying to make plans. Just now I appreciating lazy weekends as if all goes well they will be a thing of the past.

Good luck for next week DuelingFanjo, don't worry too much about the injections. I had one of those injection pens which were really easy to use, the first one my husband gave me but I had to do the second one myself as he was away, then after that I did them ALL myself. The thought of it is worst than the actual injection, you hardly feel it at all.

Still feeling ok, actually feel a little too ok...maybe a little too normal still have too wait a week.

I will keep you posted with any news.

I'm going for my first consultation at a private clinic in a few weeks. Already have a DS aged 4, so going private our only option for IVF. We've been TTC for over 3 years, so frustrating while friends have all had 2nd and some even 3rd DCs in that time. My initial blood tests ok (though my FSH was only tested recently when i'd decided to go for IVF), DHs swimmers had slightly more 'abnormal forms' than normal. I was offered clomid on NHS, tried it, didn't work but that was all they could offer me. Am now a bit concerned about my day 2 FSH level: it was 12.5 (LH 6.7) the normal range is indicated as

Just an update from me. Did the test this morning and got my BFP, we are delighted. I have a big smiley face, people at work are going to think I am mad

Good luck to everyone else.

Hi Everyone hope you don't mind me joining the thread we have started our first cycle of IVF after TTC 4 & 1/2 yrs and am on day three with Buserelin and Gonal F first blood test to see if they are working this Friday.

NBelle that is fantastic news!!!!

Pumpkinjoy we tried a number of different things before having our IVF treatment and we also have unexplained fertility. We are currently in the process of our first cycle and i have actually found this one more emotional then the previous stages (i think it is mainly to do with knowing that there are no more steps after this). We found that we were able to go on the waiting list for NHS funding and continue with other options such as clomid with ovitrelle injections, they didn't offer IUI because it has the same success rate. We were also told that the waiting list was anywhere from 6 months - 2 years. The appointment date for our first consultation came through within 3 weeks with our apt date within 3 months - which is no time at all considering how long we have been TTC.

DuelingFanjo how are you finding the injections? I find that it's more of a challenge mentally having to do them then it actually is physically doing them

Can I ask if anyone is using a West London Hospital for their IVF cycle?

I'd like to join too - I'm in the same boat.

I'm trying to decide whether or not to abandon my current treatment and book myself in for self funded IVF.

I'm just 41 and have been TTC for about 18 months. I have been referred to a specialist and have had all the relevant blood tests, a hysteroscopy, an MRI and a couple of ultrasounds.

They've found a large fibroid (8cm across in the wall of my uterus), but but say it won't interfere with fertility. They've found no actual cause of infertility but have said that I have a higher BMI than they'd like and that I am quite old. My hormone levels are OK, but have shown I have PCOS and insulin resistance. I'm currently on a 12 month course of Clomid at 100mgs on days 2 - 5.

I am in the middle of month 3 and finding it very hard. I have had no monitoring at all - and worry I could be sitting here for 6 months, taking these powerful pills and having no idea whether or not they're having any impact. I am temping, which I know is not too accurate with PCOS, but it's giving me the illusion of a little control.

My DH hasn't been tested which I find almost unbelievable.

Just before I found this thread, I booked an appointment with Michael Dooley - apparently he's good at fertility. Has anyone heard of him?

Actually, typing this out has clarified my thoughts somewhat. I don't have long. I can't just sit here and do nothing.

Hi Daisydotandgertie If you can get DH to see his/your GP then he can get tested at any point. The sooner the better really - depending on the results it could save you 9 more months of clomid. I'm surprised that after all the tests you have already had that they haven't suggested DH has an analysis

I know. We've asked for it too. It's ridiculous. They say that with 3 chem pgs, it's not necessary.

Maybe we should have another crack at asking the GP - she's been pretty good so far apart from on this.

We had DH's first with the GP although they weren't very helpful with reading the results

If you do have it at least you will know either way and you can rule things out

Let me know how you get on

london - you have a fabulous memory! Am so impressed.

You're right. I am going to have to take this further than I have. My treatment to date (apart from the MRI and prescriptions) has been self led and private but even so, it's not good enough.

I need to find out more about Michael Dooley - I think he's the best person locally (Somerset/Dorset/Wiltshire) - but he also works at The Lister, King Edward VII and on Harley Street which gives me hope he knows what he's doing .

It does feel as though we're very much on our own with this - and while I know I something is happening with the Clomid because I am having pretty much every side-effect listed and can feel my poor old ovaries going bananas - I am not sure it's actually going to fix our problem.

And don't worry about sounding bossy. It's more help than you know. Especially to hear someone else say our treatment isn't up to scratch.