IVF

I'm sure this is posted somewhere, but what do you know about this? What is the process? How long does it take from start to finish? This will be a HUGE option for DH and I since he had a vasectomy 5yrs ago before he met me and was married to another women. We are considering a reversal, but we also understand that after 5yrs the odds are not in our favor. We are starting to look at IVF and I have some questions. Any info would be very appreciated!!! TIA!!

Message edited 6/22/2007 12:20:29 AM.

Re: IVF

Wow, this is a big question...

Well, I just went for my IVF interview, so I sort of have the process down, although I haven't lived it yet.

I've added another part to the process called PGD, which is preimplantation genetic diagnosis which actually tests the embryos before they implant them for genetic disorders. But that's because I have a hereditary genetic disorder, so you probably won't be doing that.

So, first things first. I went in for the IVF interview where they discuss the entire process with you. Some offices may vary, but this is what I have to do:

First they put you on birth control pills for 3 weeks. Then at about a week before the end of the pills they put you on this medication called Lupron which suppresses the production of LH (I think) which causes you to ovulate. During this time I need to go for a water sono and have IVF orientation classes and injection classes. We are also told we must meet with a social worker to discuss the stresses of IVF. DH also needs to go for a semen analysis.

Then they start you on the stimulation medication (my doctor is using Gonal F in conjunction with another medication) and I'm staying on the Lupron. Then the monitor you A LOT. You may even have to go every day. They have you on stimulants usually 10-12 days. Then you get an HCG shot which triggers you to ovulate. Then you go in for the egg retrieval. My doctor is doing half ICSI and half regular. ICSI is where they take your DH's sperm and directly inject it into the egg. My doctor does a 3 day transfer, but because I'm doing the PGD, it will probably be a day 4 or day 5 transfer. That means that the eggs and sperm have 3 days to become embryos. They will look at the eggs and grade them for quality and then put in between 2 and 3 (depending on your age and embryo quality). During the wait for the embryos to grow, you're on progesterone shots. Once you have your transfer you're on progesterone suppositories for 2 weeks until they give you a pregnancy test.

Now, I'm sure I'm leaving out some steps but this is basically what I was told. I haven't been through it yet and it sounds overwhelming, but I think once you get going it just kind of runs a course. So, the entire process will take approximately 2 months.

Good luck to you in whatever you decide!

Re: IVF

I've been through ivf twice. It is just like Laurenexp said. You are on pills for a couple of weeks. Once that is done, you start the injections (I was on Gonal F and low dose HcG). I was on those for 11 days.
During this time period, you do have to go in for morning monitoring almost every day. About 36 hours before the retrieval, you take your trigger shot. Then is the retrieval process. You will be under anesthesia. Afterwards, I felt only mild cramping. Three-five days later is the transfer. There is no [pain involved here.
The whole process does seem overwhelming at first. But once you get into the groove, it becomes very routine.
Please forum mail me if you have any other questions.

Re: IVF

i did IVF and went for my consult in May-- I went to columbia in NYC loved them. started all the pre IVF testing and then started the IVF process with the injectables in JUly and i found out i was pregnant with twins august 6..it happened very fast for us. LIke you my husband also had an issue so everything worked on the 1st shot with me.