IVF How Long Did You Wait?

[Neda]

Hello Forum!
First time poster here. Sorry to the mods if it's not in the right spot, tried to find the best place.

Short background on me, I was diagnosed with endometriosis march of 2011 after I finally went to a gyn over my period pains. At that point we'd been TTC for 10 months, it's now 10 months after my operation to remove the endometriosis and it looks like I need to go back to my gyn and say what next!

Other half and I have both been given "normal" test results for well, his test, and my FSH ect blood test. GYN said at followup 10 months ( I hadn't realized till now that it's been that long) that they could spin sperm and select the best ? Not sure what that process is called or much of anything at this point.

So, how long did you wait to take the next step? Were you scared? In denial? Wanting to get it over and done with?

For the bio clock watchers I'm over 30, not sure if it makes much difference. Also my older sis has TTC for three+ years.

^_^

[myturn]

I was 33 when I started TTC, and only waited 6 months to 'investigate' when things were not happening. Subsequently found out I have PCOS and my Fertility Specialist (FS) put me on clomid to regulate ovulation - no luck. Would have gone right back to him after the 6 mths with clomid was up, but we got engaged, so I waited till after the honeymoon (which was only another 3 months), but my FS started me on IVF straight away - well I could have done IUI, but I decided to increase my chances by going straight to IVF. I turn 35 this week, so we have been trying for nearly 2 years exactly now... I don't want to wait and see... I want to 'make it happen'....

but everyone needs to get to the place in their own time. I was never scared or worried about IVF - I was upset and annoyed that I had to do it, but it wasn't exactly scary - I found it depressing - but once it started, I became hopeful, and it felt like I was actually "doing" something extra to make it happen.

Now I just want the next cycle to begin, so i can get "back on the wagon" !

good luck with whatever you decide

[Neda]

myturn
Thanks for your response
Did you get a referral to your FS from your GP or GYN? My GP referred me to a GYN who found out after sticking a video camera into my belly button that I had endometriosis, I've been thinking I need to go back to my GYN but just found out he's a consultant for a specific IVF clinic and am not sure he's the most unbiased person to bring this up with :S

[Elocin]

I had been TTC for about 10 months before I saw my Dr... I knew in my heart of hearts that something was wrong.

I asked for a referral to an FS (Feb 10), who organised some tests to check my tubes and get a SA done on DH. My testing came back with bad results - my right tube was completely blocked. It took me a good 6 months to get my head around the news... I went to another FS (IVF specialist) in Oct 2010, had a laparoscopy to have the tube removed in Nov 10 and we started the IVF process in Feb 2011.

I was the same as myturn above... I couldn't just sit around and wait for something to happen. I *knew* something wasn't right, although it was hard to convince the doctor (I may have told a little white lie to get the referral to the first FS).

The thought of IVF scared the beejesus out of me... until I found the right FS. Once I spoke with him, it all just fell into place and become 'easy'.

Good luck hun

[Neda]

Elocin,
guess it's time for me to be brave although I'm not sure what scares me more, the cost or the needles!
Are FS at IVF clinics or are they a separate step?

[RhiChiChi]

When my DH & I decided to have a baby, I went off the pill in April then we headed overseas in July and we were basically not trying/not preventing (NTNP). I feel pg whilst overseas, doing a pg test when I got home (I was 28 yo) I was scared but happy all at once, only to m/c a week or so later. We started actively ttc again, but alas it was not to be again (another m/c). It got to 12 mths of ttc then I went to my GP for a referral to the OBS/GYNO only to fall pg whilst waiting for an appt. This pg resulted in my DD (now 4 yo).

DH & discussed when to started ttc again & given my poor history, we started just after DD turned 1 yo, only to be met with issues again. After 6 mths of ttc & two more m/c I went back to the GYNO/OBS who put me on Clomid for six round (no pg resulted) and then did a lap & dye study which showed nothing. I fell pg about two months after the lap only to m/c again & was referred to a F/S. It was thought the best things to try first was IUI - three rounds and nothing. I found IUI very hit & miss. We took a break before deciding to be referred onto IVF, did a round in November which failed and are now waiting to do another cycle in the New Year. I am now 35.

If I had my time again, I'd probably be more forceful and bypass the OBS/GYNO and go straight to as FS and do IVF. After three years of TTC # 2, I am nearly at breaking point and I know that if the next cycle is not successful I really need to start to seriously consider when I am going to stop TTC for another baby because it is all too time consuming and emotionally draining. I want to have another baby but there comes a point when enough is enough and I need to start living my life with perhaps only one child.

I actually find the IVF process the most easiest in relation to proceedure and how the clinic goes about it. I found Clomid, IUI and naturally TTC much more stressful.
GL with your decision

[Elocin]

Elocin,
guess it's time for me to be brave although I'm not sure what scares me more, the cost or the needles!
Are FS at IVF clinics or are they a separate step?

The first FS I saw worked for an IVF clinic, was a specialist in fertility issues, but would've had to refer me onto another specialist at the IVF clinic had I stayed with her.

The second FS I saw was the guy that I saw the whole way through - initial appt, appt to chat about starting IVF, he did the egg pick up and the transfer.

I don't hate needles, but the thought of so many in a short period of time was enough to make me want to cry. I got my DH to do the needles for me - it kept him involved in the process, as it was something we were doing together, which made it easier.