Should I try IVF?????

[2ndtimeround]

Hi Stillhoping, I was surfing through and thought I would share with you. I am currently about to go #3 cycle ivf and have 2 angels. My advice to you is this.... If you can and your doctor does it ask for a flea cycle (different clinics have different names) This is a natural cycle instead of 6 weeks that includes the pill it goes for normal cycle. Hormonally it is tougher but emotionally it is better not to mention less needles in the longrun. The first cycle is easier as you have no build up of hormones. Newbies always go in thinking they will only need one and some are really lucky, I hope for you it only takes 1 go but prepare yourself for a long haul financially (mistake I made) not necessarily emotionally (we never really can do that :-)) just in case they say between 1 and 4 attempts is standard. If you do that and you get lucky first go then the pot is much sweeter because you were prepared. Good luck stillhopingand remember that it is with a positive heart that most successes are generated. Cheers Tracey

[CeeJay]

Hi Stillhoping

Sorry to hear that you are having a tough time TTC. I know exactly how you feel about the thought of taking the IVF step.

Heres the SHORT version of our TTC saga...............
My DH & I had been TTC for about 7-8 years before we were finally referred to the IVF clinic ( we had seen a couple of incompetant gynos throughout that time ) The staff at our IVF clinic were all so supportive and it was the best desicion we ever made. We were extremely lucky and were successful on our first attempt, i cant believe i only have 6 weeks to go until we meet our baby

I didnt find IVF difficult at all and would do it again in a second (wish i had the knowledge & guts to have my first attempt years ago) . Sure you can get a bit emotional & hormonal on the drugs etc but i think i only prepares you for pregnancy because the hormones/emotions are much crazier then hahaha !!!!!!!!

If you have any questions you want to ask someone thats been through it all, feel free to ask me ANYTHING.

Good luck with whatever you decide but i say DO IT !! As soon as you start you will never look back

I wish you all the luck in the world

Cheers
Char :biggrin:

[bucca]

Bucca where are you doing IVF? Was your FS one of the specialists with IVF? or did he have to refer you on?

We go to Repromed in Adelaide and they are the IVF specialists here (they are also in Darwin). The FS I see is an IVF specialist and he just monitors the notes the nurses make mainly and gives the final word on treatments however about once a cycle we meet with him to discuss how things are going (bearing in mind a 'cycle' for me is more like 2 months! - stupid drugs and even stupider body not doing anything!).

[Kar]

Stillhoping,

According to a recent survey by the Fertility Society of Australia 1 in 6 couples has had trouble conceiving for the last 3 generations. My advice - if you've already been trying for 2 years and it's not happening - go back and see someone about other options.

The same survey also found that it takes on average about 5-8 years to be diagnosed with endo for the average woman. (An appalling statistic given that it is quite common). Many many couples just delay or get delayed when dealing with infertility. It's all very traumatic. Another study found that subfertilty and infertility issues are right up there as being the most stressful things a person can go through, but that unlike death and divorce - people with kids don't have any idea about the stress of childlessness.

I started IVF at 38 (long story) but miraculously we ended up conceiving naturally on our own while waiting for a FET. I also had a short LP and found vitex and vit B6 helped. IVF is hard but I took that step because I didn't want to be a childless 45 year old and look back and think - gee I wish I had done IVF - it might've worked.

Being pregnant at 40 has its upsides but I would love to have done it at your age instead.

Sending you all lots of babydust....

[stillhoping]

thanks for all the advice everyone. When I next meet with my FS I am hoping he will run through all the options for me and give me as much information as posible so we can make an informed choice. I will ask about the natural cycle as well. My cousin has just completed her 2nd go at IVF and has been successful. She is now 8 weeks along and is saying that being pregnant is harder than the IVF treatment. So that is giving me hope. Unless you have gone through what we all have been through you really don't know how hard it is month after month.

Good luck everyone and thank you all so much. I really love checking all the advice and taking it all in.

[Kar]

Stillhoping -

Congratulations to your cousin.

I can relate to what your cousin is saying. Pregnancy in the first trimester is in some ways harder than IVF because (a) emotionally you are extremely worried about hanging onto the precious baby (unlike most people who appear incredibly blase about the whole thing and have no idea what you are going through), and (b) you can be so tired physically (and possibly sick) it's not funny.

But unlike IVF, pregnancy is offset by the sheer joy and wonder of finally being pregnant. And once you are past 10-12 weeks and everything is ok then you start to relax a little bit.

That's not something that continuing IVF dissappointment gives you. It's just heart-wrenchingly dissappointing. So in that way - IVF is harder than pregnancy.