What to expect during IVF process?

[cherrytreecottage]

Hi,

Sorry, I'm new to posting and although I've spoken to various clinics and researched online, I was looking for some first hand experiences on what I could expect during IVF process.

As background: 31, TTC for 5 years. Ovulate regularly, all test results came back normal as did DHs (34) HyCosy showed no issues so diagnosed with "unexplained infertility".

DH has a child from previous relationship so not entitled to any NHS IVF care in our area.

We're now going ahead with self funded IVF, and due to have our tests done again through the clinic soon. (Our previous tests were too long ago to be valid). It's only after these tests will we get the consultation to discuss our options. However, I wondered what can I expect after this - the stuff they don't necessarily tell you about?

For instance;

1. how long after consultation would it be before first cycle?
2. what side effects do the medication have on you?
3. if unsuccessful on first cycle, how long do you have to wait to start the next?
4. Due to our age and previous test results; we may be accepted into their "refund plan" - purchasing 3 cycles in advance with 100% refund (minus tests and medication) if no live baby is born. Does anyone have experience with this sort of plan? Surely there's a catch? Again; won't get info on this until consultation.
5. Opting to go with CARE fertility so any experiences there would be really helpful.

Thanks in advance

Sorry you're having to go through this but plenty of support for you here. I can't answer specific questions on the clinic but can help you with the rest of them.

1. technically the next day if you're in the right place with your cycle and have had all your tests. typically it's about a month or so as long as all your tests etc. you usually need to have an STD and general health test first.

1. personally i felt great on them. other people can feel a bit rough - emotional, bloated and worst case scenario a little nauseous but i don't think the latter is common.

1. usually a full cycle so about 4-6 weeks later. they can do them back to back cycles but generally like to give your body a rest first.

Hi @Bells3032 thank you so much for this information, that's really helpful. I'm fully prepared for this to be a gruelling process, but getting others insights is really great.

Hi @cherrytreecottage

I'm currently on my first round of IVF due to tubal issues (lost both tubes last year to ectopic pregnancies)

We are self funding our IVF too.

After my first consultation, I had to get a baseline scan and blood tests (thyroid/ rubella test)
I started my protocol probably around 2 weeks after that.

The medication initially made me feel a little nausea now and then but during the last few days of it I felt horrendous (I know not everyone feels this way) but I felt tired, headaches, bloated.
Egg retrieval was very straightforward.

I wish people had told me that the injections aren't the hard part - it's the waiting for the phone calls to see how many eggs fertilised, how many made it to day 3, day 5. That was the hard part.

I'm due to go for a transfer in 3 weeks. I don't have anymore advice, but just to trust in the process - the doctors know what they are doing and you just have to go with it and try and be as relaxed as possible

Good luck xx

@coffeewithmilk thank you so much for the reply! I'm imagining the injections being the tough part as you said, so it's great to have advice on preparing for the emotions in between.
Wishing you so much luck with your cycle

@cherrytreecottage

Hi,

Sorry, I'm new to posting and although I've spoken to various clinics and researched online, I was looking for some first hand experiences on what I could expect during IVF process.

As background: 31, TTC for 5 years. Ovulate regularly, all test results came back normal as did DHs (34) HyCosy showed no issues so diagnosed with "unexplained infertility".

DH has a child from previous relationship so not entitled to any NHS IVF care in our area.

We're now going ahead with self funded IVF, and due to have our tests done again through the clinic soon. (Our previous tests were too long ago to be valid). It's only after these tests will we get the consultation to discuss our options. However, I wondered what can I expect after this - the stuff they don't necessarily tell you about?

For instance;

1. how long after consultation would it be before first cycle?
2. what side effects do the medication have on you?
3. if unsuccessful on first cycle, how long do you have to wait to start the next?
4. Due to our age and previous test results; we may be accepted into their "refund plan" - purchasing 3 cycles in advance with 100% refund (minus tests and medication) if no live baby is born. Does anyone have experience with this sort of plan? Surely there's a catch? Again; won't get info on this until consultation.
5. Opting to go with CARE fertility so any experiences there would be really helpful.

Thanks in advance

Hi, I am new to all of this too.

I started my first lot of injections at beginning of April and I must say it's been one hell of a rollercoaster already!
I have had every side effect possible! 🤦🏻‍♀️

Headaches, felt bloated, nauseous, I am an emotional wreck the majority of the time but the worst side effect for me is memory loss. I feel like i am losing my mind! 🤣

I think it was about 4 weeks after our consultation we were able to book in the dates to start the treatment.

It's good to have people to chat to! :)

1, for us it was as soon as my next period started, as we had all tests completed

2, I felt fine on the injections, a little uncomfortable as I neared egg collection as ovaries swell. Felt sick on progesterone pessaries and oestrogen tablets, but bearable as motivation is high.

3, my first fresh transfer failed then I had to wait a month (1 cycle) before a frozen transfer. My understanding is frozen transfers they could do back to back.

1. Our clinic didn’t offer this so I’m unsure, my understanding is that this is only offered if they think you’ve got a good chance of a baby, otherwise they’d be out of business pretty quick! Our first round, second transfer was successful, so this would have been a waste of money, for us.

5, We went with OXRM who were fantastic.

Wishing you lots of luck xx