Has anyone else done IVF for a 3rd DC? Same partner, 1st 2 DC naturally conceived

[haribofan]

I am getting quite ahead of myself here but wanted to throw this question out there to see if anyone has been in the same position. I have 2 DC, 5 and 3. I am 34, DH is 38. I have PCOS and cycles can be long but I conceived my DC naturally though DC2 was after 2 months on metformin. This time around I am on my 10th cycle ttc. I know I should be patient and MANY other couples try for much longer but I am starting to consider whether I would try IVF if we don't get pg in the next few months. I am pretty sure we would get pg eventually but it may take a couple of years and I'd ideally not like such a big age gap. The other issue is whether a clinic would agree to give me IVF after having 2 DC- does anyone know? I'm currently on my first cycle of clomid and not having a good day today so probably getting things a bit out of proportion! However have been thinking about the IVF possibility for a while. Please let me know what you think.

Hi,

IVF is not the first option of choice for PCOSers due to the increased risk of ovarian hyperstimulation on this treatment. Other treatments can and should be tried first of all. If clomid is unsuccessful (after six months) then other treatments can and should be tried. Injectible drugs are one option, another possible one is ovarian diathermy surgery whereby the cystic follicles are punctured with an electrical laser or needle. This can cause spontaneous ovulation and reduce LH levels. I have PCOS and conceived following surgery.

It goes without saying that your man should be tested (and should have been already tested) to ensure there are no male factor problems. If he has not been tested I would start asking the clinic concerned some awkward questions.

A clomid/metformin combination can work well for some PCOSers but clomid should be used with caution in PCOSers as it can increase the production of LH (which is something that many PCOSers have an excess of to start with). Therefore PCOSers should be monitored whilst on clomid as it is quite powerful stuff and you should be monitored with blood tests and/or internal ultrasounds. Its main job is to work the ovaries harder. No monitoring is a no-no as you have no idea of whether the clomid is working or not otherwise (and clomid resistance can occur in some PCOSers).

Verity's website may be helpful to you and its www.verity-pcos.org.uk

Attila we are quite a way on with much of this already.

DH has been tested. His motility wasn't super at 48% but not too bad and all the other figures were good. He has also gone onto Wellman tablets and brazil nuts etc since then. He has been tested when ttc before as well.

I have been on metformin now for a couple of months and as I said, I'm on cycle 1 of clomid having had follicle tracking scans, a trigger shot and will have a blood test for prog. too. My bloods are ok, LH was very low 1.5 and FSH was 6.6 I think. Prog levels have ranged from 35 to 75 when I've had then tested (no drugs cycles). But it just isn't happening. I'm convinced it's to do with my lack of ewcm, I get a bit but it's for like an hour each cycle! Have used pre-seed for 3 months- nada. Do I really have to do 6 cycles of clomid before trying something else? I have read that it mostly works (if it's going to) withing 3 cycles.