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Infertility

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.

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Original poster

Ivf preparation

27 replies

Ohluckyme · 26/08/2018 12:37

Hi all,

I’m most likely going to end up having ivf (tubal issues, past ectopic). Could I ask how you all prepare yourselves for ivf?

I’ve heard ubiqinol (not sure on the spelling sorry) and q10 help with egg quality, what’s the best and correct dose you would recommend?

Best foods to eat and exercise?

And anything else you could think of that might help me 😊

Thanks so much x

OP posts:

physicskate · 26/08/2018 17:55

I basically followed 'it starts with the egg' for three months beforehand. Gave up caffeine and booze entirely and ate lots of veg and protein.

Original poster

Ohluckyme · 26/08/2018 18:00

Thanks for your reply, I’ll look into that x

OP posts:

Guio · 26/08/2018 22:48

Hello,I will have mine in October/November.i have been on holiday so I haven't followed any diet this time but I am planning to do it properly again and have a gluten free diet for the months before the treatment.I am not sure if it will help but I have endo and I heard that is the best anti inflammatory diet.Apart from it no caffeine, no alcohol and taking supplements like ubiquinol (200 mg per day)folic acid and vitamin d

Original poster

Ohluckyme · 27/08/2018 09:21

@Guio thankyou so much for your reply. Where do you buy your ubiquinol from? X

OP posts:

Guio · 27/08/2018 10:01

www.amazon.co.uk/Swanson-Percent-Natural-Ubiquinol-Softgels/dp/B07F94T8LV?tag=mumsnetforum-21 I think the price is quite reasonable as it is normally more expensive.

SpectacularAardvark · 27/08/2018 10:59

Go to the gym and get in the best shape of your life, you'll never have a motivation like it!
I'm a total gym hater, if I can do it, anyone can!

LillyLeaf · 27/08/2018 11:27

thanks for the link, I paid that for 30 capsules. I already eat pretty healthy but I need to up my protein as I don't eat meat, and cut down on sugar (this will be hard). I do need to do more exercise but shouldn't loose any weight. It does feel good to actually be doing something which might improve our chances.

AniSL · 27/08/2018 11:38

Before embarking on any supplements, always check with your clinic that they are ok for you.

I followed the Natural Fertility diet for 3 months leading up to our cycle. Confirmed with my clinic that Ubiquinol, Inositol, L-Arginine and Glutathione was ok to take, they were fine with all of these.

I never used products with SLS etc in them so I didnt have to worry about this. Now I drink carbon filtered water everyday.

WhatelsecouldIbecalled · 27/08/2018 15:37

I will also be prepping as IVF has to be put on hold as DH is away 4 months with work.

I’ve downloaded it starts with the egg thanks @physicskate (and I hope you are getting on ok!) it makes for some interesting reading!

physicskate · 27/08/2018 15:57

Yeah it was my first cycle in June and I'm now incredibly fortunate, lucky and thankful to be 12 weeks.

QuantumWeatherButterfly · 27/08/2018 16:35

When I told my clinic what supplements I was taking (can't remember exactly, but it definitely included Q10), they looked utterly mystified and said as long as I was taking a commercial pre-conception supplement that included folic acid (they recommended the pregnacare one), that was all I needed.

I would agree with pps that said focus on your fitness - cut out/down on alcohol and do plenty of exercise.

Other than that - I did acupuncture. I know there has been a recent study that suggests it is of no help, but I would do it again because I found it so relaxing, and that was very important for me.

We had one round, and it was successful.

QuantumWeatherButterfly · 27/08/2018 16:35

I would agree with pps that said focus on your fitness - cut out/down on alcohol and do plenty of exercise.

Other than that - I did acupuncture. I know there has been a recent study that suggests it is of no help, but I would do it again because I found it so relaxing, and that was very important for me.

We had one round, and it was successful.

AniSL · 27/08/2018 17:46

Quantum that's interesting as my clinic told me not to take a multi, it has been known to increase miscarriage risk. They advised that folic would be fine

QuantumWeatherButterfly · 28/08/2018 09:24

Ani - well, it was 4 years ago, so perhaps advice has changed.

Original poster

Ohluckyme · 28/08/2018 13:06

Thank you all so much for your amazing advise. Lots for me to think about

@physicskate congratulations! Can I ask from having your initial confirmation that you needed ivf treatment how long did it take until you started your round? I’ve got my appointment for results in October and I’m just curious to see how long this all takes (I’m very impatient!) xx

OP posts:

physicskate · 28/08/2018 13:23

Bit complicated - we didn't really follow a super straight path.

We tried 6 months of clomid and it didn't work. We had an appointment in January half way through the clomid that we should start getting used to the idea of IVF as that was the next step my clinic uses. We had an appointment in March saying our next appointment was the 'paperwork' appointment. I asked for a couple more tests (bloods). Paperwork appointment was middle of April and I was 10 days from af. We could have started with that AF, but one of the blood tests showed I could use some thyroxine to lower tsh. I wanted our one NHS cycle to have the best chance of success, so even though the clinic said we could start at the beginning of May (short protocol), we postponed until June...

So as you can see, everyone is totally individual. I'm also in Yorkshire where there is 'no waiting list' according to the clinic.

I do know once the go-ahead is given, others' have had to wait a year on waiting lists. So not only does it depend on YOU but it depends on your ccg.

Original poster

Ohluckyme · 28/08/2018 13:38

physicskate thanks so much for your reply, apparently there isn’t a waiting list where I am and the doctor said he wouldn’t put me on clomid he would just go straight to ivf because of tubal issues. so glad that it all worked in the end for you but it’s such a horrible time and process x

OP posts:

physicskate · 28/08/2018 14:09

Yeah I had a bit of a breakdown in January/ February and left my job (in part) because of it. I just couldn't manage my (very) demanding job (secondary teaching) with all of this. I think, in the end, it helped to get my head round it sooner rather than later. By the time we actually got to IVF I was a bit more ready for it (if one can be). Hell, I even made the decision to postpone it a cycle!!

It was shit and I honestly wouldn't wish that sort of bodily betrayal on anyone... even my worst enemy who bullied me mercilessly through primary school... even Donald Trump... I've not always had the easiest life, but this was by far and away the worst thing I've ever been through. But somehow, you get through it...

And now I'm rambling...

Original poster

Ohluckyme · 28/08/2018 14:20

No I completely understand! I think even now that you’ve got your positive result it must still be a hard thing to come to terms with. I’m not sure I’ll ever get over what I’ve been through so far. I hope it all works out for you x

OP posts:

physicskate · 28/08/2018 14:54

And you.

I did find acupuncture quite helpful for relaxation. I found a fertility acupuncturist through the zita west website.

Original poster

Ohluckyme · 28/08/2018 15:03

Thanks xx

OP posts:

IVFaugust2018 · 28/08/2018 15:23

Hi @Ohluckyme just started my first round of ICSI on the short protocol.
I also read 'it starts with the egg' and followed the nutritional advice from there. My husband and I take Proceive Max supplements from H&B with Ubiquinol 200mg a day and have done since about May. I've also been having fertility acupuncture to try and make my cycles more regular (that's not had an effect) but I've carried on because I just want to do as much as I can to make this work! Since we got the date for the cycle confirmed, I've also been listening to a mindful IVF app that has meditations in a bit to be as calm and stress free as possible.

Ultimately, I know people manage to get pregnant in war zones, but I don't. So Ive done my best to do as much as I can to make this as positive as possible in all senses of the word!

Best of luck on your journey 🍀 xx

WhatelsecouldIbecalled · 28/08/2018 20:56

@physicskate YES!!!! So pleased for you! (I’ve name changed Recently but have followed your journey for a while!)

More healthy eating starts on Monday and have ordered myself some ubiniqol 200s. Here’s hoping I can do everything to make it happen!

stressedtiredbuthappy · 28/08/2018 21:08

Another vote for coq10 got mine from Asda , dirt cheap . Took royal jelly, high strength vit d, high quality fish oils and a good quality pre natal.

Ate lots of fish veg and organic chicken plus plenty of nuts. Also had a holiday a few weeks before ivf started.

Didn't actually stop having a few glasses of red wine a week, wouldn't have had any other type of alcohol, but if it's tubal issues presumably your eggs are ok, so you may not need all this?

However I do believe this all had a positive effect and the thing I swore by most was acupuncture. Absolutely awesome, find one that specialises in fertility, best thing ever and best of luck!!!

By the way I had ivf as a single woman so no actual egg issues, I now have an absolutely fantastic 2yo dd and 4 blastocysts on ice.
Pregnant first time.

physicskate · 28/08/2018 22:39

Thanks @whatelsecouldIbecalled!

We're pleased too. Man it was shite though... not sure I'll ever completely get over it... hopefully I will though. Hopefully we all will...

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