IVF virgin here!

[drcb83]

Hey All, looking to start IVF in Oct, but my main Q is - when they say you have to be less than 38, is that at the start or does the Hormone and Harvest process take so long it will take me over 38, and I would be out of luck? Should I be starting conversations etc. now with my fertility clinic? We have had tests and I am subfertile but egg count all good. Thanks for any info/ advice!

It depends? Are you having IVF on the NHS? They tend to say that treatment has to be started BEFORE you reach the age limit - you can go over the limit during treatment but can't start treatment after the limit

I am paying, at Bourn Hall.

Sounds like you chose a clinic that has a low age limit to improve their stats for live births! Many clinics treat women into mid 40s especially if your egg count is good. Maybe check other clinics near you to see if any age limits imposed x

I agree with @ChatWithMe Doesn't sound right that you are paying privately but they still have an age limit - most other clinics treat well into 40s - I think at least 45 but they are clear about lack of success rates at that age. It's all to do with success rates and making their numbers look good - there is a clinic Oxfordshire way which is well know for it's amazing success rates but turns out any older women or non straightforward cases are moved to their sister clinic so as not to bring their ratings down x

Might also to be do with if you have signed up to a refund package etc - pretty sure they all have age limits on them

Thanks guys, I don't even know what the process is. So is it....1. they inject me with hormones to make me make lots of eggs 2. Extract eggs 3. Sperm meets egg in petri dish 4. Implant embryo?
Any tips and tricks eg no caffeine? Thanks xx

@drcb83 I would recommend the book It Starts with the egg which has a host of tips etc.

Not sure about the rules in your area / CCG. I managed to get NHS IVF at 39, it had to be started before me being 40

My tips are;
-have no expectations
-lots of water, protein and sleep
-no caffeine is a thing. As is no sex, alcohol or exercise for a lot of it
-be selective about who you tell. Fiancé wanted to chat to everyone, l in contrast didn’t. When the transfer failed he found it tricky to chat to people

Thanks Guys!! Am excited to start!

Baseline scan happens cycle before, day 18 to 21 I think. You would have had blood test and partner have semen analysis. I had a HyCoSy scan to check if my tubes were open but if you're just going straight to IVF this doesn't apply. If sperm issues they can jnject the sperm into the egg - it's ca led ICSI. Your summary of what happens is otherwise correct. Of course you are the one to do the daily injections yourself, not the clinic. It's 4 days of stimming injections then you add a blocker injection from day 5 (stood egg releasing before they're ready to collect). Injections last 12 - 17 days in my own experience. The last night is only a blocker and a trigger (to help eggs mature release when they collect them) done 36 hours before collection. You'll feel a bit site and bloated afterwards but should be fine 5 days later when they hopefully transfer a blastocyst to your womb. Then you take a pregnancy test 11 days later. If it's positive you get a scan 3 weeks later to check if any heartbeat. Exciting but nerve wrecking! Good luck x

Wow! Exciting!! Thanks for that summary :)