New To Ivf

[NexTime4Sure]

Hi Everyone

I've often wanted to go onto one of these sites but I guess because we chose to "sit on the fence" and hoped that it all happened "naturally" I didn't really fit in, but anyway we are now on our way through the IVF rollercoaster.

We have been trying for 4 1/2 years and have never fallen pregnant. There is seemingly nothing wrong so far which is incredibly frustrating.

We are starting a Healthy Lifestyles Course next week through Monash IVF, Gold Coast and will do our #1 IVF cycle January 08.

Anyway, just wanted to introduce myself and would love to chat to anyone who is also starting out or any advice would be wonderful.

Just a question - My husband is freaking out about producing a sperm sample on the EC day - does anyone else have this problem??

Cheers!

[barney]

hi there hun well welcome to bb for a start and i wish you all the very best with your ivf in january.
i to am also on my fist cycle of ivf and im finding it all ok not as bad as i thought it would be i am only up to the synarel and doing really well on it with no side effects at all.
you will be fine hun.
as for dh giving his sperm sample he is a bit shy about going into the room on his own but says hell be just fine im sure your dh will be as well best of luk to you and let us no how it all goes for you

[janemichelle]

Hello NexTime4Sure

Hubby and I have also been TTC for approx 4 years. I have never been pregnant and like you all tests indicate there is nothing wrong with us. So I understand how frustrated you must feel.

We have just started IVF and are very excited, fingers crossed it all works.

My Hubby was really freaking out about producing a sperm sample on the Egg Pickup day as well but has since calmed down about it. We live over an hour away from our clinic so he couldn't even collect his Trial Wash sample at home. We ended up staying in a motel the night before so he could collect his sample in the motel room instead of at the clinic. Anyway, after we had our interview with the IVF nurses he realised that he gets off pretty lightly. At least he gets a private room, while us women have to take meds, inject ourselves with needles, possibly suffer side effects and then spread our legs in a room full of people have instruments poking around in our intimate places!

But seriously, I am sure all the guys have apprehension about producing their sample and I think the best way around this is be honest with your nurses about it. They are experienced in making sure your hubby will feel comfortable. Having a tour of the clinic and having a look at the collection rooms beforehand will also make him feel more comfortable as often it is not knowing what to expect that causes the apprehension. If all else fails they can use a frozen sample produced earlier. My clinic also offers a Viagra tablet if they think it will help.

Best of luck to you

Jane

[NexTime4Sure]

Thanks Jane

Because we decided to postpone our first cycle until January, due to work stress, we have only had 1/2 our nurses interview and didn't ask at that point - but do you know whether you can produce a sample at home and take it in on the day of EC or does it have to be done at a specific time?

We are also very excited and scared at the same time. My brother is due to have his second child in December and if I react anyway like I did to the first - I will be on a huge emotional ride already.

Good luck to you also - fingers crossed!!!

[janemichelle]

- but do you know whether you can produce a sample at home and take it in on the day of EC or does it have to be done at a specific time?

It is best if it is a fresh collection. Most sperm tests/samples need to reach the lab within 1 hour of collection. So if you live close by then for the Trail Wash your hubby will be able to do that at home. For the sample to be used on EC day the procedure is normally that the eggs will be collected and then as soon as this is done Hubby will be asked to go collect his sample in the collection rooms. So the timing is pretty crucial for the best results. I guess each clinic would be different but if you just lived around the corner then I guess he could go home and do it and then come back or maybe do it before hand if the trip to the clinic plus the procedure will be under the hour. Frozen samples are really only used if there is just no way he can do it, because results arn't as good with frozen sperm so they say. Sorry, I couldn't give the answer your hubby was probably hoping for!! Maybe look for a motel close by if you think you live too far away and then suggest it to your nurses when you speak to them again.

As we have not yet even had an EC yet though, I may not be the best person to give advice on this. Hopefully some others may be able to share how their hubby's coped with collection at EC.

Best of luck

[dusty]

hi NT4S

welcome to BB, i think you will be well versed and supported on IVF by the time it happens in January. they are a very supportive and generous lot here.

the first cycle (and hopefully your only) is a big learning curve but with the support and advice of your clinic and BB you will learn lots. my advice is to ask lots and lots of questions, before, during and after everything as it eliminates the stress of having unanswered questions during a stressful time. the needles are not bad at all in my experience and i was happy to finally DO something to help along our TTC. plucking my eyebrows is more painful than the jabs.

here is to 2008 being the year you had bub #1!

dusty

[tiggerlinda]

Hello,

Welcome there are lots of help and advise here. I belive a sample can be done at home. I am in Brisbane going through City IVF I hear Monash are very good. Best of luck

[Maz237]

Hi
I am new to this, but am glad to be able to read more about IVF. We have just finished our first cycle of IVF with no success.. I am still unsure as to what went wrong, we were told we had 4 follicles, 2 were good sizes(18 - 21) and 2 were just under, but that they would take them all . After i woke I was told my ovaries had played up and there was no eggs... I was devistated..
I am 39 and have been told i have one last chance and my next cycle would be on the highest dose.. I dont know what to do or think... I want to get a second opinion but i feel like my time is running out..
Does anyone have any suggestions??

[Muppity]

Hi Maz and welcome to BB.

The first IVF cycle is always a bit of a mystery to us and doctors because you never know exactly how your body is going to react to the drugs etc.

If I were in your position I think that I would probably go through my current clinic and do a second cycle and see what they get. But in the mean time I would book in for an appointment with another specialist - where are you? There are probably people here who can recommend someone in your area.

good luck

[bubly babe]

hi to all i am new to ivf too just started my ivf cycle month back. my hubby was having same trouble but my clinic said he can collect his sample at home and deliver it to the clinic on ERval day. hope that helps u can ask ur nurse. i have just started my puregon injection and having nasal spray with that. i have flu like symptoms. I got runny nose, sore throat and cough. hard to sleep at night. has someone else experienced that.....