IVF How Long Did You Wait?

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.

^_^

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 :)

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

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 :goodluck:

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?

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

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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?

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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.

Hi there - I would think all FS's work out of specific clinics, but remember, they want to get you pregnant, it's in their interests to do that as their success rates bring in 'new' business. Personally, I think having the same GYN and FS would be a bonus (assuming you feel comfortable with this person). I went straight to an FS (referral from GP) after trying for a year. Straight onto clomid for upteen cycles, then onto IUI and then onto IVF. Being conservative with your approach is dependant on your medical problems, but in hindsight a lot of people (including me) wish they had gone straight to IVF, but this is an entirely personal choice. Clomid and IUI works for lots of people, just not me. The needles weren't that bad at all, but am over blood tests! I don't have PCOS or endo, so for me being conservative initially made sense, however it took me years (over three) to get pregnant and I started at 30. My desire was always for more than one child, so the earlier I got onto the issue, the more likely I was to be able to have #2. Goodluck with your decision, and if you have any more Q's we are here to help you :)

FWIW, I also found IVF much easier than I imagined it to be. One or two needles a day, a few scans, a blood test, the big day is egg pick up day (which wasn't too bad to be honest) and then transfer day (also, kinda a non event medically). It was the excitement and expectation that was harder. Best of luck with IVF or whichever treatment you end up going with.

When my DH and I decided to TTC a baby together I just "knew" it would be a while. My first took 2 years to have so I was kind of expecting 2 years to concieve.

But when I got to around 5 months TTC I thought it might be a good idea to see a GP and maybe he could suggest something. I didn't know what just anything. He ran BT and it showed I have PCOS so I had a referal to a OB/GYN. I had an appointment with the OB/GYN for the July and started clomid that very day. We did 4 clomid cycles and had a chemical pregnancy in the September 09 (I didn't know it was a chemical at the time. I thought it was a dodgy HPT. Thank you BB for educating me lol) I kept going with the clomid as I was booked in for a lap in February 2010. I fell pregnant on clomid cycle 7 the cycle of my lap. But sadly had a M/C and had to have a D&C. I did 1 last clomid cycle 2 months after my M/C just to keep my cycle regular because by this stage I was over the whole TTC thing and wanted to get results so we skipped IUI and headed straight into IVF. This resulted in our DD. We are now into our first FET in the hopes of a sibling for DD.

I found IVF less stressful than the other treatments because I was actively doing something. Weather it be jabbing with needles or multiple FS appointments. I felt we were being pro active as opposed to taking a pill and waiting for AF or a BFP. I thought I'd struggle with injecting myself but I didn't. I don't like it but it is all worth it in the end. Overall it took us 18 months to get our DD. I really feel if I had waited any longer to seek help we may still be TTC. If your over 30 don't wait start investigations now. The best thing I ever did!

Everyone has their own journey with TTC. How fast or pro active is entirely up to you. I wish you all the best.

10 months, two miscarriages, went to GP for immunology testing as we were about to get married and wanted to check if something may be up with my bloods causing the losses - was diagnosed with PCOS and sent to gyne. lap/ovarian drilling/3 rounds of clomid and gyne said i was beyond his help (thanks) and referred me to FS. that was the only referral i got from specialist - it lasted three months - i then got one from the GP which, from memory, was able to be for a much longer time (i don't believe it had an end date on it)

the needles aren't that bad - i found other people freaked about them while i didn't. i was sitting down doing my nightly jab one night and my brother was around - he didn't realise what i was doing, looked over, seen the needle, and near fainted as i jabbed myself lol. i honestly rarely felt the needles. there was a batch of one of the meds that seemed to have a blunt (ish) needle so i mentioned to my nurse and she got the next ones from another batch, which were much better. i'm not someone that is keen on needles, but i'm not phobic about them...

My fertility specialist is also a GYO/OBS, so whatever happens I have all areas covered :-) lol My GP referred me to him in ther first place, and as he is linked with MIVF it has worked well. So I've had all procedures (including a Lap/D&C etc as well as IVF) through him. I kinda like that.
i think it's probably right that they will all be a bit biased - but either way you have to speak to a FS, and they will be linked with some centre - so.... you may just have to go with whatever. I suppose the other option is to go your regular GP and talk through the pros and cons of each service and pick a FS based on that discussion -- I just went to whomever my GP suggested - no questions asked lol.

seriously though I agree with the others, you can't feel the needles -- seriously! I was very surprised. The worst I had was an itchy reaction to one of the injections, but the needle itself - easy. In fact it was really good that the nurses made me do a practice 'stab' before I left their office and I think that was essential! It meant I was not scared when it came to it. And I am glad I do the needles myself cause then I know I am in control of them - but you can always get DH/DP to do them for you ;)

Bite the bullet sweetie, it will be fine!

Thank you ladies!

Hearing the needles aren't quite that bad is good, I'm sure I'll be fine in the end, it's just the thought of it. I noticed most clinics don't mention the fact that you have to self inject off their website....Had I not been told I'd have assumed I'd be getting a pill. That would have come as a bit of a shock. I like the idea of doing a practice stab myturn, I will have to remember that if I end up getting to that point.

One more month, we'll let our health fund tick over, get all the holiday stuff over and done with and I'll make my appointment for January.

Enjoy the break and I hope you are pregnant very quickly in the new year :). Really IVF was good because we were being so proactive... can't really be more proactive than that. Enjoy it :) It is not often you get to see your future children before they are conceived, immediately after conception and as a 5 day old blasty :D.

Hi Neda,
I wanted to wish you all the best and to let you know it may not be ivf that is reccomended straight away. It really does depend on your indivdual situation. For me and my DH we are doing the IVF drugs, but at a lower does and then timed sexual intercourse (tsi). What this is doing is gining us an opportunity to be more accurate in catching the egg, whilst not going straight into such invasive treatment. The reason this was suggested was my cycles are all over the place, but theoretically if I was ovulating there is no real reason why I shouldn't get preg. With that said there is no garuntee we won't have to move on to IUI or IVF, but as we are still in out 20's we have time to play for a while (plus DH freaks about IUI and IVF so this is a nice stepping stone). So its still the injections but as the other girls said they really aren't that bad. I was so scared to begin with and this time round Im actually looking forward to starting! Good luck.

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FWIW, I also found IVF much easier than I imagined it to be. One or two needles a day, a few scans, a blood test, the big day is egg pick up day (which wasn't too bad to be honest) and then transfer day (also, kinda a non event medically). It was the excitement and expectation that was harder. Best of luck with IVF or whichever treatment you end up going with.

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I agree with what Maruschke has said. We didn't do IVF for fertility reasons so I can't comment much for you about that side of things, but when it came to the actual IVF process I found it easier than I thought it would be as well. Once the ball got rolling things moved very fast for us. I started with daily injections of one med, then twice daily when the second med was introduced. The needs are really tiny (insulin sized needles) and they are in either individual syringes with a preset amount of med in them, or in "pen" syringes with the dose pre-set, so you don't have to sit there drawing up meds into syringes and getting nervous while you do that. I found the very first needle the hardest. I sat there going "ok, one, two, three, go....." and then just not moving, lol. I think I did my count down about 5 times before I actually did the first injection. Then laughed at myself because it was a real non-event haha.

For me personally I found egg pickup the hardest. I had quite severe pain for the couple of days after both my egg pickups. It was worse after my second egg pickup and I was still having pain about 4 days later. Then I freaked out when I was in the shower and something stringy came out from inside me. Luckily I worked in a medical field before having kids and I recognised it at stitch material. After feeling inside myself I found that there was also another stitch still inside me. I rang my clinic the next day and they checked my records and found out that they had forgotten to tell me that I had had some additional bleeding during my procedure which required internal stitches. The said it was a major fail on their behalf and were very apologetic as you can imagine. Apparently that sort of bleeding is pretty uncommon, and it's "unheard of" for the patient not to be told about it when in recovery.

I think, for me, the hardest thing by far is recurrent bfns. I am sure any ivf veteran will tell you it gets harder and harder each cycle. Hopefully, you won't have to worry about that though!

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I think, for me, the hardest thing by far is recurrent bfns. I am sure any ivf veteran will tell you it gets harder and harder each cycle. Hopefully, you won't have to worry about that though!

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:hug:

Part of the insult that is endometriosis is it makes it harder to conceive. As DH (honestly I thought that stood for designated hitter, it's a baseball term :lol:) has humorously (in his mind anyway) reminded me over the past few days I have a 'hostile work environment' :rolleyes:. Combined with the "normal" test results on the two of us and I have a feeling just meds isn't going to work.

Having read a bit more about IUI I can see that it might be a good starting point, it's a lot of information and I thought it was all called by the same blanket term. Good grief do I have a lot to learn! I'm not sure the endometriosis is going to make it possible, I'm sure my gyn will be able to explain more even though he did say I was good to go naturally after the surgery. IUI would be nice since it's cheaper, and a little less full on.

~ Mylitta ~ can I just say you made me lol for real with your one two three go! I think I'd do the same thing! I've heard that the egg retrieval thing can be bad, I'd be so upset if they failed to tell me I'd needed stitches! I would totally freak out if I had strings coming out of me unexpected.

nothing2lose
It took me all of 2 BFNs before I stopped testing. I just couldn't take it anymore. The worse was two months ago when I was in the hospital over a heart issue when my husband piped up before a chest xray to ask if I should take a test to check. Of course it came out neg. At least at home you can curl up and have a little bit of a cry. Now I just let my evil wicked despicable AF tell me the news.

Neda, you said you'd get Christmas out of the way, and get an appointment in January - but bear in mind that it can sometimes take several months to get in to see some specialists. You might consider calling now to make the appointment for January. And check whether he'd do the FS stuff as well, because if not, you can get a referral from your GP, which lasts 12 months, as opposed to a referrral from the gynae to the FS, which only lasts 3 months (from Medicare's point of view.)

Pholi
That's what I meant :doh: I'd wait for this months evil AF but at least call and make an appointment for early january. Since I'm due the end of the month it's going to be a pretty stressful wait! My gyn consults for lifefertility (they promise an appointment in 5 days) so I guess he might be a decent place to start since I've had a few other people tell me good things about them. My gp wanted me to talk to him about a lump that she didn't feel comfortable operating on so I've been meaning to go anyway... If for some reason I do happen to get that elusive BFP this month I can always cancel!

We've been ttc for 2 years now, and started seeing a FS almost a year ago. After about half a year of ovulation tracking and 1 natural IUI cycle I had a laparoscopy and the FS found endo. After this we had another 2 months ovulation tracking and 1 IUI cycle and am still not pregnant.
We have now decided to make another appointment with the FS and will be discussing IVF then. This will be end of Feb, possibly end of March start IVF. I am a bit scared, but was that as well with the lap and I was also really worried about the needles but after having had a "practice" run with the IUI medication I don't know why I really stressed about it. I survived all this, so IVF here we come... (unless of course we fall pregnant naturally in the next few months, we can but hope ;) hi hi there is still some optimism deep down inside me)

me4ever good luck!
I know what you mean about that optimism deep down :) I have it too, but this past month it was hard to find. I was still hoping it'd happen but a big part of me said it wouldn't. I didn't even 'feel pregnant' like I sometimes (always!) do.

I have my appointment next week. I'm hoping I can try a cycle of IUI before going full IVF. I'm also hoping that they do decide to do another laparascopy and find a bit more endo, because I still feel there's way too much pain going on. I doubt that they will chose to though, since no doc is going to admit he didnt' get it all the first time :rolleyes:.

I haven't had any AF without pain since the laparoscopy. The first few months after the lap I felt really bloated and tender around AF. Last month was the worst, I think partly because of progesterone pessaries as they're supposed to build uterus lining. Acupuncture can help making AF painless.
I don't know if the pain means endo is still there or that it's just "normal". I wouldn't go through another lap to make sure they've removed everything, (as they told me they have) it's too painful and I'd rather deal with pain around AF than that again.

Good luck with the appointment Neda and keep us up to date!