IVF- Please read

Beth Dokovic · #1 March 8th, 2011, 06:18 PM

Hello,

I am new to this website and my mom just recommended that I talk to someone. My husband and I have been trying to conceive for 2 years and my gynocologist recommended my husband get a test to determine his sperm count. It came back very low and we were referred to a fertility specialist. Through all of our testing it was determined that my husband has a very low sperm count and that I have PCOS. We are scheduled to have IVF in May and we are beginning all of our fertility medication and testing right now. I am not 100% sure what to expect through all of this and I am getting very nervous. This has already been really hard since we found out because all of my friends are pregnant and no one in my family or his has every had any fertility issues.

Any advice will help.

Thanks, Beth

briannamama · #2 March 9th, 2011, 02:51 PM

Hi Beth, my name is Christy and I am the mother of two IVF miracles. My husband also has a very low count, and after trying for quite a while, and failing IUIs, we were blessed with both of our fresh IVF cycles.

IVF is both emotionally and physically challenging, but with support from your spouse and family, it is an exciting journey. I was very lucky in that I had very little side effects to the hormone injections (just a little bruising around my belly button), and responded very well to the stim meds (I also have mild PCOS, and according to my RE, PCOS women tend to respond very well to the meds). We did IVF with ICSI (a must if male factor is an issue). ICSI greatly improves chances of fertilization which is half the battle. We transferred two embryos on day 5 both times, and both times got pregnant with singletons.

There is so much to say about the topic, and I would be more than happy to share any aspect of my experience with you. Just ask away. I remember being where you are, being told that it was time for IVF, and feeling very nervous as well. Talking to ladies that had been through it really helped. I wish you the very best of luck in your journey, and look forward to hearing about your BFP!

Beth Dokovic · #3 March 9th, 2011, 08:02 PM

Christy,

Thank you so much for replying. Today was the fourth day of my cycle so I had to go in and get blood drawn as well as get an ultrasound. Tomorrow I start metformin, zithromax, and aygestin. Did the medicines give you any stomach issues? I am really excited to get this process started, I am just really nervous and anxious.

I try to talk to my mom about it, but since she has no idea what I am going through it makes it really hard. My friends are the same way and even though you hear of several of people having IVF I do not have any close friends that have fertility issues.

I am so glad to hear that IVF was a success for you twice. I cannot wait to be pregnant and look forward to talking with you more.

Regards, Beth

briannamama · #4 March 11th, 2011, 06:49 PM

Yea on starting your meds! It is exciting to actually start the process (the testing and pre cycle prep seemed to drag on to me). The meds did not give me any stomach issues except occasional nausea (maybe I was just really nervous).

I can totally relate to how hard it is to not have anyone to talk to about the process. My mom was also great, but she didn't understand what it was really like. It helped me a great deal when I found out my neighbor had done IVF for her two kids, because I had someone who could relate. The TTC with MA has an IVF subforum which seems very supportive of its ladies. When are they hoping to do egg retrieval?

I cant wait to hear some good news soon!

tamtamtamara · #5 March 22nd, 2011, 01:49 PM

Hi ladies, I found out yesterday that due to tubal blockage my husband & I will need to pursue IVF. We're thinking that we'll save until the summer and go for it in July/August. It's so nice to have access to a community of couples like you who are going through similar things. Best wishes to you all!!

Wallflower · #6 March 22nd, 2011, 07:55 PM

Hi!

My DH and I are still going through all the testing and stuff this cycle and next, so we won't know for sure what the plan is for a little while, but we know we are dealing with severe MFI, so IVF with ICSI will most likely be our best option as well. I know what you mean about being nervous, it's exciting and scary at the same time! Welcome to JM, I hope you get that beautiful BFP soon!