IVF Moms...

If you would...can you tell me what the first few steps are , and what to expect...you can FM me if you want or respond here.

DH and I have attempted 4 IUI's and nothing. This month we are taking off b/c I have left over follies. I am not sure AT ALL what to expect, and if this is the right route for us. We currently do not have any issues, just cannot seem to conceive...Thanks ladies

Re: IVF Moms...

Protocols vary but for me I started bcp for a week then started follistim injections in my stomach every night for ten days or so, all the while going to the doctor weekly for blood work and sonos. During the third week or so I was ready to trigger., which is the injection that prepares your follicles to release. A day after that you have your retrieval and then three tom five days after that you have your transfer. it's a lot but you will make it through. Best of luck!

Re: IVF Moms...

we did about 6 medicated cycles of varying meds and doses before switching to IVF. we actually never did an IUI ever, always ovulation induction meds and timed BD. we got pregnant twice that way but both ended in chemical PG (due to clotting and/or immune factors). we moved on to IVF cause im a typical all or nothing PCOSer - hard to stim just one or two eggs, it was either none or a lot.

as far as protocol it was similar to the PP. BCP for 3 weeks followed by a follistim/ganirelix/luveris protocol with a lupron trigger due to being prone to OHSS. it took about 12 days to stim to trigger. ER retrieved 18 - all were mature and all fertilized with ICSI. we put back 2 perfect embies and have 8 frosties. after ET were a lot more meds - PIO, e2v suppositories, vivelle patches.. at 7dp5dt got a really dark BFP. first sono showed two sacs and one heartbeat. im 32w now with a singleton. you can click here if you would like to read my in-depth IVF journal.

one of the most important parts of process IMO is acceptance that you are doing IVF. if you arent comfortable with the idea it makes it harder to do the injects and deal with the emotional tolls. so make sure its something you are ready for and comfortable with. whatever reasons you have for moving on, im sure they are valid concerns. try to remember that and look at the big picture, the end goal, throughout the process. the day to day minutia of meds and injections can take its toll but keeping in mind that this was my path to helped incredibly. i also did acupuncture and basic meditation for stress relief. both of which i feel helped contribute to a pretty textbook PCOS IVF cycle and BFP.

good luck!

Re: IVF Moms...

Great...thanks for the info ladies.
I just feel at this point I am so upset getting the BFN's and I just really want a
DH seems to be on board as well. I just was throwing around the idea of one more IUI? Or just go right in?
I still dont know, but in my heart I just want a baby.
I am actually OK with all the meds and all its the whole ER and going under that scares me!

How was that part?

Re: IVF Moms...

I agree with everything posted above, except I didn't have to use BC, because my ovaries were quiet to begin with.

Going under is fine. The anesthesiologist starts an IV of fluids once you are in the room and positioned correctly, they start a drip of meds. You wake up in the same bed and same place they started the IV. I was sore for the next 2 or so day for both my retrievals. It all depends on how many follicles you have, how sore you are. I did 4 cycles. Cycle 1-Fresh= pg then mc, cycle 2- frozen= nothing, cycle 3 frozen=pg then mc, cycle 4 fresh= pg
Each time they transfered 2 embryos

Good luck!!!

Re: IVF Moms...

I was scared of the ER too but they just put in an iv and then I was put to sleep. When I woke up they let you know how many they retrieved and you rest for awhile and then go home. While you are in the OR your DH will make his donation. The worst part was the iv because I am a big baby! You will be fine, I did it three times.

Re: IVF Moms...

Well I can't tell you what is best for you, I knew after our second IUI based on the post-wash counts that IVF was really our only option. So talk to your RE about what they think is a good step, but IVF generally has a much higher success rate then IUI so if you feel ready then I'd just go for it!!

It is a bit overwhelming going into it, but once you're actually cycling it goes really quick and it's not so bad. I originally wasn't supposed to be on BCP's but I had a cyst so I was on BCP's for about 4 weeks. Got AF, started Follistim on day 3 (I think), was on Follistim for 9 days (monitored probably 4-5 times during that week), Ganirelix for 2 days, Ovidrel, then ER (which was fine, you go to sleep and wake up in recovery- it's a nice nap!). My transfer was 5 days later, but they sometimes do the transfers 3 days later depending on RE/# of embryos/quality/etc.. And then the 2ww which seems like an eternity- LOL!

Re: IVF Moms...

Great thanks ladies! From what I read...I guess its really not that bad!

Re: IVF Moms...

Its really the best choice if you havent been able to conceive IUI, I did two rounds of IUI and DH sperm didnt want to work too hard to first round IVF was a winner! 3 fertilized, 2 placed in me and 1 little peanut took! Thats all it takes! about 1 1/2 months of injections and meds but all worth it in the end!