First time IVF next month anyone?

[Goodluckjonathan76]

Preparing to do our first cycle of IVF next month after TTC for 18 months. No known fertility issues other than age (I am 40 and DH 47). Still feeling a bit ambivalent about doing IVF at all. Can anyone let me know what I should expect? Which part is the worst? How bad do the injections make you feel? Also, should we go into this cycle assuming it isn't going to work? Stats at our clinic for a live birth are 23% so guess it's more likely that it won't work than it will.

HI OP. I had my first round of IVF in May. My advice would be to not think about too much! take each day as it comes and just get on with it.
expect a lot of injections, appointments, phone calls, trips to the pharmacy and time off work at short notice. good luck

thanks broody. How did it go? Agree - if you overthink it there is a danger you never do it!

Hi all! I think I'll be starting next month. I say think as I'm at the top of the list and have been back and forward recently for all the pre blood tests etc. They aren't telling me much which makes me a little stressed as feel I don't know if I'm coming or going. Appointment on 20th June, hopefully more answers then.

Wow! You're really cracking on Goodluck. My cycle has been postponed as I need to get tested for Zika. However, I spoke to a friend who cycled a few months ago and she said it wasn't that bad at all... (and she even got OHSS).

My cycle was successful. I'm 4w6d so far as so good. Good luck!

I found it physically not too bad (hot flushes on down reg weren't fun, but they were bearable), I was terrified of the stim injections but they were fine after the first one. Post-collection was the most uncomfortable but again, I coped. I think the worst of it is the mental battle. It takes a lot out of you and it feels like you are constantly waiting for the next milestone!! That said, it worked for me and I look back on the whole process with amazement.

In terms of activity, were you able to do normal things throughout? I have quite a physical job and do a lot of exercise.

What happens post-collection? What drugs/injections are you on? My friend mentioned that was the worst part, just wondering why. How do they keep your lining ready without the eggs??

Glasto, that's great news! How old are you, may I ask?

Sounds like it's milestone after milestone - seeing how many eggs you get, then how many fertilise, then how many make it to 5 days, then if it implants, then if you get to 12 weeks etc. What a rollercoaster!

Sorry. I meant BroodyMoody - congrats.

Post-collection is uncomfy for a couple of days because your ovaries are mega swollen and you are a bit sore from the collection procedure. Also, the progesterone starts (I had pessaries) and that brought a lot of bloating for me - and it hasn't gone away yet at almost 16 weeks!

I'm 37 and this is my first ever pregnancy.

Glasto, did you just have pessaries, no injections for progesterone? Do you mind me asking what was the cause of your sub-fertility?

I didn't have a lot of investigations due to my age (they were keen to get going with IVF so I didn't run out the clock on NHS funding).. but the consultant seemed to believe I just wasn't ovulating. I did ovulate on clomid but still no joy after 6 months on that so I suspect maybe some tube blockage but that's self diagnosed.

Yes, just pessaries for me. I only had injections for stims.