How to get 2nd opinions...?

[StillHoping27]

Hi everyone

My first post so apologies if this is on a thread elsewhere..

I've just finished my first cycle of IVF which unfortunately didn't work. I seem a bit of an odd case.. I'm 28 and so all the nurses and consultants keep saying I have age on my side, however my amh is 8.1 so low for my age and my Mum went through an early menopause so definitely feel like my time is restricted.

I was on a long protocol, but didn't repond to the menopur. Ended up on the maximum dose and still only 4 follicles. I was tempted to not go ahead with the egg collection (aka the most expensive part) and instead try again to get more follicles. But I was assured that 'you only need 1'. I ended up with 3 eggs and only 1 fertilized so no frozen.

They've recommended I try a short protocol. I'm not too sure on the difference (I think this is without the buserelin and obviously 'shorter'?) but I really want to get opinions from other consultants to see if there's anything else I can do to boost my chances.

I've read about so many different medications that can potentially help implantation, but my clinic doesn't seem keen on anything 'new'. I can't help but think they have a one size fits all approach. But I want to throw the kitchen sink at it!

We're going private again as I can't get NHS until 3 years TTC (I'm at 2.5 years currently but don't want to waste any more time), so want to give myself the best shot as money is running out.

I've been emailing other practices to try and speak to other consultants for their opinion but having no luck!

Does anyone have any advice on how to go about getting 2nd/3rd opinions. Even if it's just to reassure me that I'm doing the right thing.

Any help much appreciated :)

I have lower than average AMH for my age (35) and also wanted to have short protocol mild ivf as had a tough few years with multiple miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies

I did mine with Create who specialise in low AMH and mild ivf

Yes the difference is you don't do the down reg bit so it's super quick and no side effects - I was on injections for 10 days and that was it. I did a freeze all round. My egg quality wasn't great though so starting another round next month also with Create

It does make it cheaper too

I'd go to the free open evenings - every clinic has them and you usually get a free consultation with the specialists on the evening and see what the options are

Also try DHEA supplements - they are good for women who don't create many eggs x

Hey @itwasalovelydreamwhileitlasted thanks for replying to me. So sorry to hear about your difficulties :(

Saw an ad on Facebook for Create so I'll book onto one of their open evenings.

I've just started self-medicating with Dhea and CoQ10. A bit apprehensive about the dhea but feel like I've got nothing to lose. Will mention it to the consultant before my next cycle. Have you found it's made a difference? X

Hi there,

Sorry to hear of your struggles. I had a quick question, how does your GP know how long you have been TTC for? Is it from when you first went to talk to them or do you tell them when you are there how long you have been trying for?

Hey @willithappen

You tell them how long you've been actively trying for. If I'm honest, I lied and added 6 months. I heard to get the tests you need to be trying for at least a year (this might change depending on age), but I had a gut feeling something was wrong after around 5/6 months so just told them it had been a year 🙈.

Thanks!

I definitely agree go with your gut feeling. You know your body more than anyone else!

I have been with my partner five years now, never used contraception the entire time and nothing. He has a sperm test a week tomorrow at the fertility clinic in Aberdeen so at least we might get answers. They have never asked us how long we have been trying for though.

I'm terrified of all the outcomes that it could be, but from what I'm reading if it's male factor there are more chances of fixing that than if female?