IVF - What to expect

[C1umsyGiraffe]

Hello everyone!

We've been recommended to start the IVF process with Bournhall fertility clinic in Wymondham, just wondered what the process was like? I'm completely new to this and there's so much information out there it's over whelming!

Thanks in advance!

@C1umsyGiraffe goodluck with your filling cycle. I had mild ivf with abc ivf. I had around 10 days of stimulating, then retrieval. I'm currently waiting to have a frozen embryo transfer. X

@C1umsyGiraffe good luck for your cycle! I agree there's so much to take in! Do you have any friends that have been through the process before? If so, my advice would be to speak to them - mine were able to distill some of the information in a clearer way!

I am currently having treatment with ABC too. They do "mild" IVF so give you a lower dose of meds. I've done 9 days of stims and my egg collection is on Monday (I'm doing my trigger shot tonight). The injections were daunting at first but I have found it absolutely fine now that I know what I'm doing. I haven't found them painful and I haven't had any side effects. I was very worried starting that I'd feel terrible on the hormone treatment but I've definitely been pleasantly surprised!

That said, I do feel nervous about the egg retrieval - it's the bit I've been most worried about! @Prayingforabubba how was your egg collection? Do you have any tips/advice? How many eggs did you get?

@C1umsyGiraffe aah that's exciting! I was going to go there but opted for bourn hall Cambridge.

Only because I wanted to do egg collection under general anaesthetic rather than sedation but I've read sedation is absolutely fine, I just panic.

I did a long protocol I think. 21 days of microgynon, about 2 weeks Norethisterone, 1 week break & bleed. Then went onto injections for about 10-12 days I think. Did egg collection on the 13/14th day and then transfer 5 days later.

I know it seems like a long time but everything went so quickly!

If you're under the NHS any Frosties you get can be transferred under your first cycles funding 🥰 I didn't know this until our doctor told us as she was doing our first fresh transfer haha

Good luck! X

@loulou2021 good luck with your egg collection tomorrow! Mine was fine. I've had two with create . One at Wimbledon and one at St Paul's. Where are you based? They both went fine and I was physically able to get on with things. I'd suggest for the day of collection, just to take it easy. Lots of snacks, movies and rest! X I was back to work the following day x

@Prayingforabubba thank you! I've got my husband prepped to get the snacks while I am having my egg collection (it will give him something to do 🤣). I'm with the Manchester clinic. Everyone seems lovely. I feel a bit disappointed as it doesn't look like I'll get anywhere near the number of eggs that I expected for my AFC and AMH but we'll see what happens! Where are you in the process now?

My advice is if you have lots of follicles or get lots of eggs to make sure you do a freeze all cycle even though it takes slightly longer. I had 17 eggs but 37 follicles and I currently have OHSS from a fresh transfer. It is the worst thing I've ever had in my life and I've been hospitalised for over a week now. It's totally avoidable if you do a freeze all so if I ever did this again I'd definitely be opting for that no matter what. I didn't find the injections or the actual retrieval bad at all, it all went smoothly until after transfer. Sending you lots of luck!

@loulou2021 my AFC has always been quite good. First round I had 27 follicles but they only retrieved 5 eggs 🙄 second round 26 follicles but retrieved 14 eggs! I had to have a freeze all so currently waiting my af to start my FET.

Wishing you all the best for your retrieval. X

@Ashleighz88 hope you're recovering okay. I had a freeze all and felt super disheartened but it's better to be safe .

@Prayingforabubba wow that's such a big increase from 1st to 2nd cycle. Do you mind me asking what was done differently? Wishing you all the best for your FET? Did you get more embryos to freeze in your 2nd round too? Thanks for sending me your best for tomorrow. Trying to channel positive vibes but it's not easy! X

Thank you all so much!

What are people doing about work? How have you explained the days off? Cause of all the blood tests ive had in the last year I think my boss is getting worried about me 😂 I would tell her because she's really understanding but there's another job I want to apply for in the same place and I don't want it to affect there decision.

@C1umsyGiraffe I told my boss in the end (but asked her not to mention it to the rest of the team). Personally given you need fairly last minute days off for collection and transfer I would've found it difficult not telling (as I have client meetings that I need cover for). I think depending on the job you could potentially get away with not telling them