I've been checking the internet and reading the IVF board but I think I'm more confused now than when I started trying to figure out what to expect. Hoping some of you who have gone through IVF can shed some light.
I know the RE is going to put me on BC. And I know every person and RE is probably different but....how many cycles does one usually have to be on BC before retrieval? And do you typically start stims while on BC? How many months of stims before retrieval? What exactly does a "practice" retrieval consist of?
Sorry for all the questions but I'm kind of starting to freak out! I probably shouldn't have started googling...lol
My IVF calendar appointment is Wednesday so I know I'll get all these questions answered then but...I'm impatient?
I have a RE appointment today - we're going over bloodwork and SA and discussing "the plan." I'm not sure if IVF is what he'll recommend, but if it is, I'll let you know what he says! I've tried researching online too, and I'm more confused now than I was before.
Post by luvmyponies on Mar 3, 2015 16:20:54 GMT -5
@dream2b3 - I had my appointment this morning, and here's the IVF process they gave me...
They didn't say anything about BC... I'm supposed to call them at the start of my cycle, and then on CD21 I start taking Estrace 2mg by mouth twice a day until I'm instructed to stop. When I get my period, I notify them again, and then they will instruct me to start the injectable medications (they gave me a sheet of all the medications... I have yet to look them all up). After 5 days they start monitoring through ultrasounds and blood tests. Then they do the egg retrieval, then the embryo transfer, and then I'm supposed to start progesterone.
I know that doesn't answer your question about BC, stims, or practice retrieval. But this is the procedure they gave me...
***bfp and loss warnings*** Hi there I'm lurking but I'd like to join here anyway since I'm 42 and stil TTC. I just went through my first IVF cycle so i wanted to share what I did . I was on Bc for three weeks (it helps to suppress ovaries so your follicles will grow more evenly) but that's it, you stop and wait for your period and then on first day of your period cd1 I went in for blood work and baseline ultrasound to count the follicles. I started my injections that same day once I was cleared of any cysts etc. I was able to mix the two medications so I only had one injection in the morning and one at night. I started a second injection on day four to stop me from ovulating (so for part of the time I had an additional injection at night). I stimmed this way for 9 days and went in for ultrasounds during that time to see the follicle growth. Then I did the trigger shot (this ones in the butt) and Egg Retrival is about 34-36 hrs later. For me we did a two day transfer of one embryo since that was all I had. I got a bfp but sadly I had a Mmc at 8.5 weeks.
You don't stim for "months". Normally you order enough medicine to be able to stim for up to 12 days or so in case you need to keep growing, mine just happen to be ready after 9 days. And birth control is just for 2-3 weeks.
Of course there are different methods but mine was an antagonist protocol.
Let me know if you still have questions I'm happy to share. Good luck!
So sorry for your loss vballbaby. Sending big hugs your way.
Thank you for sharing information from your IVF! The BC, for me anyway, is just so they can schedule my cycle as they only do transfer 1 specific week out of each month. That's about the only thing I do know...lol. I'm glad I don't have to stim for months - that was one of my fears as meds are so expensive and they make me extra crazy.
For me the birth control was worse than the stims! I've always hated bc. The stims were more physical for me rather then emotional. Your ovaries get pretty tender and swollen.
I was on depo for a year back in my late 20's but that is the only birth control I've ever been on so that does scare me a bit...lol. I'm used to the stims although I'll be on a different one for IVF and at a much higher does. I'll find out more details in an hour.
Post by saratrying on Mar 10, 2015 22:47:34 GMT -5
Let me begin by saying that I was in your shoes.... IVF creates a super tremendous amount of anxiety. I actually started/stopped IVF treatments TWICE because I was so freaked out after the initial appointments (that's why we went through so many IUIs). As you can see from my siggy, I've endured a lot, and if I could go back in time I would have done everything possible to calm myself down and force myself to just go ahead and get it started. Once you go through this, you realize the actual process isn't really that bad (my opinion). After all, you get used to having your blood drawn and random people sticking objects in your vagina. It becomes somewhat normal. Here's my quick rundown of the entire process (the good and the bad).
You start with birth control pills or some type of "suppressor." This shuts down production within your ovaries. REs do this for a few reasons: (i) so you don't have residual cysts or follicles that could harm the process once drugs start, (ii) some REs like to shut down the ovaries and then "jump start" them with certain drugs, and (iii) so that your cycle will coincide with their schedules. I think (iii) is the REAL reason for BCPs. You'll be told to take BCPs a certain number of days.
You'll be told to go for blood work and an ultrasound. This will happen either on a set day (day 3 after you stop BCPs) or the RE will tell you to stop taking BCPs and call when you get your period. Which one depends on your RE. The ultrasound is to make sure you don't have an residual cysts, measure the lining of the uterus, and to check your antral follicle level (the number of follicles that might start growing once you begin stimulation). After this, you'll be told when to start your stimulation drugs. This is when the "fun" begins!
There are many different protocols for stimulation. Your doctor will pick one based on your history and his/her success with different protocols. For the first round of IVF, the protocol is somewhat of a crapshoot. They use their best judgement, but there's no real way to know if that's the right protocol for any given patient. You will most likely give yourself injections (shots) in the morning and again at night. Again, each doctor is different. For me. RE#1 mandated I take the morning shot at 7:00am on the dot, and evening shot at 6pm on the dot. Never knew why those times. RE#2 and #3 just gave me a timeframe (7-9am and 6-8pm, or 6-9am and 6-9pm) and said it wasn't critical that I do the injections at the same time every night. The first time you stick yourself with a needle, you may feel as if you're going to faint. Or you may start crying or screaming that you can't do this. YOU CAN!! Trust me. I was petrified of needles before this journey, but now I laugh at them. They are my bitch. I own them. You can too.
You'll do your shots for a few days and then go back in for an ultrasound and blood work. Your protocol may be adjusted following the results. If you're having good results, it will probably stay the same. If you're not progressing as fast as the RE would like, the protocol may be change (i.e. instead of 75 iu of Follistim, you may move to 150). A few days later, you'll go back in for more bloodwork and another ultrasound. All in all, you may go 4-6 times during your cycle.
SIDE NOTE: Around day 4, you'll start to feel like a pin cushion. This is also the time that you may/may not begin to feel the effects of the meds. You'll be bloated. You'll feel irritable and anxious. And you may/may not feel pains in your uterus and ovaries. All of this is normal. Mother Google will tell you lots of horror stories. Some are true, but they're also a bit rare. Hopefully you won't have to worry about ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. My advice, learn the symptoms so you're aware, then store them away and dont think about them. If you're border for OHSS, your RE will tell you and adjust your protocol or cancel your cycle. If you think you're having OHSS symptoms, call your RE - not your regular doctor or an ER. Your RE knows your body at this point and is the person you should consult with. Also, don't be freaked out if you have 10 follicles growing or only 4. The number of follicles doesnt directly correspond with the number of eggs that will be retrieved. You could have more or less. You just won't know until the retrieval.
At some point, you're RE will say that all of the follicles are ready to go and it's time to "trigger." This basically means you or your significant other get to give one more awesome shot - this one in the butt or thigh (depending on brand and RE). This shot will be timed precisely -- you'll have to take it at the exact time your RE tells you.
Approximately 35-36 hours after the shot, you will have your egg retrieval. This is probably the most nerve wracking part of the entire experience (well, except waiting to find out if you're preggo). Before the retrieval, someone will go through the process with you. Some clinics also run you through all the "legalese" paperwork. In my opinion, this makes it worse! You'll take off all your clothes, except your socks, and put on a gown and hairnet. At some point, they'll wheel you into a room or ask you to walk (every place is a little different). Most REs use twilight anesthesia, others use full anesthesia, and some use other drugs to knock you out temporarily. If you've never had anesthesia before, this may be uncomfortable to you. For me, I remember walking into the room, I remember the nurse sticking a needle in my hand, and the next thing I recall is waking up in a room with my husband. This last time (IVF3), I actually recall them strapping my legs and hands down and moving the table. But once you're out, you're out!
When you wake up from the retrieval, they will most likely give you an idea of how many eggs were retrieved. No matter the count, try to be happy that you made it to a retrieval. Remember, it only takes one egg! You will feel groggy, crampy, and generally tired afterwards. You'll be told to drink lots of fluids, particularly those with electrolytes, and eat salty foods. This is done to help prevent OHSS. It's rare that a doctor will tell you to eat potato chips, pizza, and gatorade for dinner, so enjoy this moment. You will probably feel crappy the next day, and maybe a few days later. With IVF#1, I felt like complete crap for 2 days after. With IVF#2, I was up and cleaning the house the next day. With IVF#3, I took a nap and then we went our for dinner. You don't know how your body will react - just listen to it. And try to remain calm.
At some point, you'll get a call with a fertilization report. This is where you find out how many eggs were mature, how many were fertilized, and maybe a little insight into whether you'll have a 3-day or a 5-day transfer. The news may be good (most fertilized) or bad (only 2 of 10 fertilized). Again, no matter what, try to remain positive. It only takes one!!
Depending on how your clinic operates, you may get updates or you may not. My clinic gives a fert report and tells you if you’re a day 3 or 5 transfer. Then I didn’t learn anything else until I arrived for the transfer. I was told I’d get a call an hour before if nothing made it to transfer. That parts SUUUCCKS!!
The transfer is the easier part of the entire process. For me, the hardest part was having a full bladder. It basically feels like a pap smear. Some REs make you take a valium (super fun), and others don’t. My clinic let my husband go in the room with us during the transfer. The embryologist put the little embryos on the screen and magnified them 100 times so we could see. The process is fascinating, but rather simply. The embryos are basically scooped up in a tube, and then injected into your uterus. Again, it’s kinda like a pap. You may feel crampy. The let you go the bathroom right afterwards. It’s normal to ask yourself if the embryo will “fall out” when you stand up – I’m assured they won’t!
Now you wait. Some REs recommend 24 hours of bed rest, some recommend days, and others say get up and walk around. Again, each RE is different. After you leave the clinic, you realize that you have little embryos in you, and the process has started. Some refer to this as being “PUPO” – pregnant until proven otherwise. You hope the little guys have found a cozy corner and start implanting. You hope the cells will keep growing and multiplying. You just hope. Take it easy. Don’t overdo it. But know that there is little, if anything, that you can do to really harm the process. You will either ultimately get pregnant or you won’t. That’s the truth.
You’ll eventually go back for a blood test. This is often referred to as the beta test. This is the moment of truth. Most people don’t wait until this moment – they take home tests in advance. I hate POAS. It just makes you crazy. My advice – don’t do it. The results of the test will be either be good or bad. Someone, probably a nurse, will call you with the news. If it’s bad, the call is awful. If it’s good, the nurse may start throwing out terms that you don’t understand. If your HCG is over 5, that’s a good sign. If your progesterone is over 10, that’s a good sign.
If you get news, enjoy it! But, unfortunately, the road isn’t over. Your RE will have you come back for beta test #2. The goal is see the numbers double or triple (depending on the date of the test). If Beta #2 is good, you’ll most likely go back for beta #3. Once the numbers hit over 2,000, most REs will say you’re done with blood test.
Now comes the ultrasound. This is usually toward the end of week 5, beginning of week 6. Only in the IVF world will a woman get an ultrasound this early. With “normal” pregnancies, most OBs wont do an ultrasound until 8 weeks. For most, this ultrasound is critical. This is where you will hopefully see a sac and fetal pole. And possibly hear a heartbeat. If you see these, you’re on your way to a happy and healthy pregnancy! But, if the technician doesn’t see what they hope to see, what is one of the greatest moments of your life quickly turns to one of the darkest. Again, most people don’t have to worry about it. And you shouldn’t. But as someone who has experienced this – thought everything was fine until the tech said, “Uh, that’s not good,” I think you should be prepared.
Many REs have you come in again for blood work and a few additional ultrasounds. This is to ensure everything is progressing.
If all is going well and you reach a certain point (some REs 8 weeks, some 10, some 12), you’ll be “released” to your regular OB-GYN. And you are officially treated like a “normal” pregnant woman, unless you’re high risk or have multiples.
Sorry this is so long. I started typing and this all spewed out of me. All of this is strictly my opinion - everyone's journey is different. I hope this is somewhat helpful – definitely more than you asked for! Good luck!
I'm not sure if I've introduced here...I know I did over at TD, so please pardon me if I haven't and consider me a lurker from CAL. Anyways, the amazing post above completely covers it all. I haven't been through the whole process yet, but this is what I was told to expect by quite a few ladies here and IRL. saratrying thanks so much for writing all of that out. It was extremely informative and your personal experience is truly helpful!
TTC since July 2014. CP March 2015. IVF #1 March 2016, 5R, 3M, 2F with ICSI. Transferred 2 on day 3. CP. Surprise BFP and then CP August 2016 (prep cycle for IVF). IVF #2: zero eggs retrieved IVF #3: 6R, 5M, 5F, 3 (2 8A and 1 11A) transferred, one "B" graded embryo frozen on day 5. BFP (at home 7dp3dt, confirmed 14dp3dt with 1552 beta) and U/S at 5w5d, 2 sacs and 2 yolks!
Post by luvmyponies on Mar 11, 2015 7:28:24 GMT -5
saratrying THANK YOU SO MUCH for this post!! I'm starting IVF in April (hopefully) and as it gets closer I've gotten more and more nervous... about the procedure, about the hormones, about effects of the hormones, about the possibility of it not working... you name it I'm pretty much worried about it. This post helps so, so much.
Post by saratrying on Mar 11, 2015 18:42:00 GMT -5
luvmyponies,boobacat,wannabmama, It's totally normal to be nervous and have a ton of anxiety. This process sucks. But don't let yourself get psyched out or decide not to do it just because you're scared.
The shittiest part is there's no guarantee that after it's all done you'll have a baby. I've been going through treatments for 4 years. We've taken breaks, and I've had breakdowns. But I still remain hopeful. And if I'm lucky, this will be my cycle!! But if it's not, I'll push through and try again. I'll be nervous and anxious all over again, but it will be worth it. I'll either end up with a baby or I'll have the satisfaction of knowing I did everything I could to have a baby.
The good news that this community is FILLED with awesome ladies who have been through everything you're about to go through, and they're happy to share at any time. I'm one of them. You'll learn a lot on the Trouble TTC and Infertility section. Good luck to you all!
saratrying, thank you so much for taking the time to give such a detailed (and realistic) explanation! I am starting to feel much more at ease with the process. My IVF cycle is scheduled for June so now of course I'm just anxious to get the process going.
Thank you everyone for your kind words, advice, and everything else. I love being a part of this wonderful community!!!!!
saratrying, your post was awesome. My friend is starting the IVF process and I just had her read your post and she just loved how you broke everything down. Thank you so much!
Mine was a lot of what saratrying indicated though I did not have bedrest after retrieval. I was on BCP for three weeks to suppress, started the injections and did them for a few weeks with routine ultrasounds that increased to every day at the end. We then had the ER scheduled, did that and I did deal with some OHSS issues but still did the ET a few days later - we did 5 day blasts. For most of stimming I felt fine, great in fact, and was still exercising, etc. with no issues. Near the end I could really feel my ovaries and just felt "meh" so started limiting things. After ER I was not supposed to lift anything more than 25 pounds and no strenuous exercising. I actually didn't realize how long OHSS could last and was dealing with some bloating weeks later (though most gone). The heating pad was definitely my friend as well as Propel water. Apparently I was supposed to still be on the weight restriction but didn't know that so wasn't abiding by it (I was lifting bedding bags and bales of hay.)
********loss mentioned*********
That round was not successful and so I am now in FET. FET is much easier with just estrogen shots every three days for the first half and then will add in endometrium (some will do POI) with a transfer on the 31st. Right now I feel awesome (I am just a better person on estrogen, lol) and so business as ususal. I have stopped alcohol consumption and limited caffeine and stayed on the prenatals and vitamin D throughout.
Post by luvmyponies on Mar 18, 2015 11:09:58 GMT -5
evenkeeled that's going to be the tough part for me... no lifting. I hate having to wait for DH to get home from work to lift bales, put shavings in stalls, empty the wheelbarrow, etc... It's tough being a horse girl and TTC!
I'm sorry that round of IVF round wasn't successful. FX for this round. We're planning to freeze embryos so I'll only have to go through the ER once (hopefully).
evenkeeled that's going to be the tough part for me... no lifting. I hate having to wait for DH to get home from work to lift bales, put shavings in stalls, empty the wheelbarrow, etc... It's tough being a horse girl and TTC!
I'm sorry that round of IVF round wasn't successful. FX for this round. We're planning to freeze embryos so I'll only have to go through the ER once (hopefully).
I still had to do some things, I couldn't help it. So I had to dump the wheelbarrow and I moved a few bales of hay, I still mucked a couple stalls, etc. It is what it is. Horses still needed care.
We froze 5 embryos so have a few opportunities before needing to consider fresh again (thank goodness)!
Do you plan to continue riding during your pregnancy? I have two retired boys and a young mare whom I am showing. I work with a trainer so she took her down to Florida for a few weeks but I can't swing having her stay in full board - not with tax bill we just got! Yikes.
Post by luvmyponies on Mar 18, 2015 16:07:05 GMT -5
evenkeeled I don't plan to continue riding. My trainer was thrown from a horse when she was 5 months pregnant, ended up going into false labor - she was ok and so was the baby, but it was very scary. I don't want to take any chances. Even my 19 year old, super well trained, bomb proof horse has his moments of bucking and acting like a goofball. I'll probably have my trainer ride my younger boy once a week so he keeps progressing, but I'll just do ground work with him. I've had friends who continue to ride all through their pregnancies, and nothing ever happened, but I just don't want to take that chance after all we've been through TTC.
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Hi, dears. thank you for sharing your questions here as you will find more people to help you and sharing their feelings with you. I read your post and questions carefully. I got married 7 years ago, and I tried to be pregnant for many years but I failed. My friend recommended me to have IVF treatment. Because IVF is a powerful tool for treating infertility. So, I traveled abroad and had IVF. The first time the process was failed but for the second time, it succeeds. Now I’m pregnant at 20 weeks. I recommend you to visit your doctor to have your appointment. don't be afraid. be strong and have the faith that you'll achieve your dream soon. good luck.
Let me tell you one thing and begin my story about the IVF treatment. 2 years ago, I was in your shoes and face the infertility issues. I betrayed my life and I thought I won’t be able to get fertile and it shattered my life. But one day I met my friend in the party where we discuss about the problems. My friend was kind hearted and she provides me the best solution and I am blessed with the baby daughter. First and foremost thing I can say, you don’t need to lose the hope and keep the mind positive. You can contact to [DELETED] where you can get the wonderful treatment that help in conceiving the baby. IVF is the ultimate and guaranteed solution to conceive the baby and become the mother of the lovely child. Infertility issues occurs only when the woman face the imbalance of the hormones and irregular periods. It makes the situation more critical and enhances the chance of the infertility and miscarriage. Now you do not need to lose the hope and go with the IVF treatment that perfectly meets your requirement. This time you need the complete support, love and care of your partner and start the new phase in life. Along with the IVF treatment you need to conscious about health and take care about health properly. You can choose the best and fresh meal daily. It helps in balancing the hormones and you won’t feel trouble during conceiving the baby. I would like to suggest you to have the iron rich and fiber meal daily. It keep the baby safe and help in conceiving the baby safely.
Hey, I am so sorry for you. It must be a hard decision for you. Every woman wants to become a mother. Sometimes it is not in everyone fate. I hope you would be a mother soon. IVF increases chances of conception. If you will choose a right clinic for it, It may be successful. IVF is, on the other hand, a bit painful. It is less successful than other procedures. I am sorry but its true. If the doctors are professional they can handle every complication. I went for it and I failed on the first cycle. I am not really making your mind but I think surrogacy is an amazing procedure. I chose it with my egg. I have a genetic baby. Today I am a happy mother. My family is completed.
Hello, I am so sad for you. It must be a hard choice for you. Each lady needs to end up a mother. Now and again it isn't in everybody destiny. I trust you would be a mother soon. For IVF you will pick a correct centre for it, It might be effective. IVF is, then again, somewhat agonizing. It is less effective than different methods. I am sad yet its actual. On the off chance that the specialists are proficient they can deal with each trouble. I took the plunge and I bombed on the main cycle. I am not by any stretch of the imagination influencing your brain, however, I do think surrogacy is an astounding method. I picked it with my egg. I have a hereditary infant. Today I am a glad mother. My family is finished.
Hey, I am so sorry for you. It must be a hard decision for you. Every woman wants to become a mother because being mother is a blessing. Sometimes it is not in everyone's luck. I hope you would be a mother soon. IVF increases chances of conception. If you will choose a right clinic for it, It may be successful. IVF is, on the other hand, a bit painful and risky too. It is less successful than other procedures. I am sorry but it's true. If the doctors are professional they can handle every complication. I went for it and I failed on the first step. I am not really making your mind but I think surrogacy is an amazing procedure. I chose it with my egg. I have a genetic baby. Today I am a happy mother and enjoying my motherhood. My family is completed.
hey, I am really sorry for your loss. but I am happy for you. that you really wanted to share your story. actuary IVF is a much painful process. as well as it is time taking also.but I will suggest you have this treatment. before doing this you can know how useful is this. I wish you very good luck for your future. good luck.
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