is ivf next step for me?

[paigelucyyyyxoxox]

hey so i been ttc for 3 years and 3 months and i asked for some advice on another app and people were saying that my next step would be ivf? i have tried everything pretty much. Folic acid, pre seed, someone told me progesterone cream so tried that and i also done 7 rounds of clomid too and nothing has worked but would that be next step for me if that’s the case, think i will have to face facts and be done with it for good because i couldn’t afford it at all its ten grand a round here

Have you and your partner had tests done - hormone tests, pelvic ultrasound, semen analysis? It could be IVF is a good next step but trying to get to the bottom of why you're not conceiving is important if possible before starting on it. NHS sadly doesn't offer very in depth testing and can often just say unexplained infertility, but it might be they've not looked into it enough

You may well qualify for NHS IVF, but yeah privately it is really expensive sadly

@Orangewillowhusbands sperm test was fine, i have had the ultrasound also and blood tests (hormone test) i have pcos and i struggle to ovulate and i didn’t even conceive with the clomid either i was on 100mg but yh dont think we would get it free unfortunately xx

@paigelucyyyyxoxox where are you based and how old are you?

Consider metformin as well if you aren't already taking it. Plus weight loss if relevant.

Could be worth doing a scan a few days after expected ovulation during a clomid cycle to see if you actually are.

@Orangewillow uk near kent but nearest clinic is london i think? and im 25 and thank you i have done all my clomid rounds now so i cant have anymore and what is metformin? and how do i get it ? x

@paigelucyyyyxoxox metformin helps with insulin resistance, hormone imbalance and inflammation, all of which do a number on egg quality. Controlling this is what can restore ovulation.

Almost everyone with PCOS has insulin resistance, which becomes a feedback loop with hormone imbalance. Worsened if someone gains weight (especially abdominal), as fat cells are hormonally active and drive the problem further.

Ask your GP about it. Also for your partner to have a semen analysis if he hasn't already.

If you aren't entitled to IVF because of a previous child or BMI, you are young enough to be able to save up and/ or optimise your health in case that helps with ovulation. Some women with PCOS also find ovulation returns as they get older, as egg reserve/ AMH and androgens fall to more standard levels.

You could try a different ovulation medication. You can talk to a fertility specialist and get more in depth testing done without going through ivf. You can try with a fertility specialist tracking ovulation and helping with a trigger shot and doing IUI. You can do medicated IUI.. still plenty of things you can try before jumping right into IVF. If you dont qualify for nhs your still young enough to save for a couple of years and maybe have cheaper IVF abroad. I would maybe apply via thr nhs first as you just dont know your luck and maybe just get in touch with a FS and start there. Some clinics also offer finance and some also do multi round cycles which work out cheaper then just doing the one cycle.

If your BMI is under 30 and you and your partner don’t smoke, you should be eligible on the NHs? Unless you or your partner already have a child?

Has your husband only had a basic semen analysis? I just posted a thread about our story but if so it might be worth running a dna fragmentation test too. Check for varicocele and definitely run one if he has one.

@sirensongwe have a 7 year old together i got pregnant when i was 17 it is very expensive here it would take so long to save when we have so many bills to pay monthly too i am 13 stone also but fertility specialist said weight isn’t a problem and i was having scans after ovulation they said i did ovulate on it but im actually off the fertility treatment for now as i was getting to upset and emotional about it so took a lil break from the treatment but we are still actively trying x

@sirensongpartners sperm analysis was 76 million so he’s absolutely fine it’s me i’m the issue x

@Miraclemuma03thank you! i have had a look at iui last night it’s 1k a round here which isn’t as expensive as ivf me and husband have spoke about it also so that would be an option for us x

@FarTooManyTulipswe have a 7 year old together x

@magpie234yeah his results were fine we did that last year x

@magpie234but thank you xx

@paigelucyyyyxoxox you don't say your height so it isn't clear what your BMI is but losing about 10% (so a bit over a stone) could start to make a difference. Easier said than done obviously!

@sirensong5”7 x