Kind help for someone who is now ready to start IVF

[Gkb90]

Hi everyone,

I’ve been floating around the conception board for quite some time now but have now moved over to here as I am about to start my IVF journey and looking for some kind guidance on starting

Me and DH have been trying to conceive for our first baby almost 3 years now, have done multiple rounds on letrozole and guided cycles but had no luck. We are currently under the ‘unexplained infertility’ umbrella and now we are ready to move forward and try IVF for our miracle baby

Please let me know any advice you have upon starting this journey please, any recommended vitamins to take etc all your help will be greatly appreciated

Thank you from one hopeful mum to be to another xx

Hi @Gkb90

I don't have a lot of advice from experience, but since I find myself in the same position as you, at least I wanted to offer some sense of kinship - regardless the support we get, it can feel very lonely.

Two years ago I had my little girl at 22w 6d, too little to make it past the hour. I was 42 at the time, It had been such an easy, natural conception. In the end I had an internal infection that didn't show face until I was in labour.

It took me so long to not be utterly traumatised by the idea of IVF, plus had some surgeries in the meantime too. Now, 2 years later and with almost no chances to see a baby with my genes in the world, I've been lurking around the forums. Mumsnet was such a source of comfort and support through the most horrible days of our lives, the kindness of strangers was incredible.

But to the point! Last week we had our baseline scan and the consultation with our local clinic. No surprises - low AMH, only 2 follicles this month they could see, otherwise all good. They poor doctor had to apologise as he realised he wasn't talking with a couple with unexplained infertility, but with an older grieving mother (can I even call myself that?) who maybe just needs to do this for closure.

So here we are too! I've been having some vitamins for the last 3 months, but not sure if they've done much? Vit C, B and D, folic acid, Omega 3 and Myo-Inositol (still a mystery to me what it does xD).

Panicking about every single step of the way seem to be the situation, but I guess this is due to lack of experience and of hope perhaps too. In any case, I wish you all the best and hopefully someone with more experience and something helpful to offer finds this. :)

All the luck!

Hi,
Unfortunately I am not one of the lucky ones meaning I haven't been successful yet after 3 rounds and 4 embryo transfers but here are some tips:

• surround yourself with people that really DO care about you, because unfortunately you will hear a lot of opinions and some may be hurful;
• don't be afraid to ask your doctors for clarifications and anything you might have in mind;
• don't compare your journey with other people's experiences or statistics. Every person is different and what works for someone might not work for you;
• very often the first round of IVF is more of a trial round since they don't your body's response to medication so don't be discouraged by the numbers you get.
• no supplement helped me improve my outcome, so I am not a huge fan of taking many suplements except for vitamin D and Folate. I did take ubiquinoil during two of the rounds but it didn't do much;
• in case you might face failures try and push for more tests, change of medication and protocols and generally fight for your right to receive the best treatment available;
• try to sleep well, keep yourself busy, hydrate and eat a high protein diet during stimulation and after egg collection. Have that slice of cake if you want to and don't be too hard on yourself, it won't do any harm;
• try and get used to the idea that unfortunately you have little control over the outcome and that you have done enough. Trust me, you have done your best and you have come so far!

Good luck! 🍀

Good luck op with your future ivf jorney , but I just wanted to add the be ready for the rollercoaster of emotions ivf brings you , from depression anxiety to happiness , so many hurdles to get through . So many ups and downs . Every step of the way can go wrong or right . From the lining of the uterus being thick enough to having the trasfer and all being okay hormone wise . Finding out good news about how your embryos are doing in lab and big cry’s when results are not what you expected . I had 17 embryos fertilised on day 1 and ended up with only 5 on day 5 . One of my ivf fresh trasfer went all smoothly until it was trasfer day and they tested my hormone levels and they were too high and got sent home on my trasfer day already dressed up in my gown too ready for trasfer ! So many sad days and some happier days :) it might go perfect for you ofcourse but just be aware that you might have some stressful nights and days when starting ivf :) good luck again and wishing you the best xx

Good luck OP. There are unfortunately no vitamins or homeopathic treatments etc that have good quality evidence to suggest they help improve outcomes. Echo others that psychological well being is challenged during this process, for some more than others. Good to think about coping strategies/who you can talk to/when professional help may be useful. Lastly, Robert Winston's 'the essential fertility guide' is an excellent, pragmatic book that is highly recommend reading as you start this journey. It can help you avoid lots of common pitfalls, wasted money and unrealistic expectations. Good luck.

Thank you all for your kind words, I really appreciate it. I wish they prepped us more on how fertility journeys can go earlier on in life. It’s been a tough journey so far and can only prep myself more for another. Wishing you all the best of luck in the world too ❤️

@Gkb90 you got some excellent advice there. I have just completed my second cycle and what has helped was:

• focus on your own situation and body. I am in my early 40s and having a low ovarian reserve is absolutely natural and normal. It helps me manage my expectations and know my body is doing what it’s meant to do.
• There are so many steps to the process that it helps to focus in the part that you are in and do what you can in that moment, even if it is just rest and seeking calmness.
• Ultimately IVF is a helping hand no guarantees. All we can do is try our best and you are doing just that.

Wishing you and all of us the best of luck and the capacity to remain whole throughout this process.