Infertility Support Group

In vitro fertilization is one of the most common and utilized ways of treating conception problems. This support group is dedicated to those beginning their journey with IVF and needing support. Join the community and share your experiences, advice, and story with people going through similar challenges starting a family.

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HopefulinNYC 01/07/2013

Hi. I'm planning on doing my very first IVF (after 3 failed IUIs) next month and most likely going to do a mini/natural cycle. My RE does local anesthesia for this and I'm wondering if anyone else has done IVF under local and not general? I'm absolutely terrified beyond belief of this whole process. I have a very low threshold for pain and my RE even said I am "very tense" during the IUI process and is concerned how I will do during IVF. I'm told they insert a long needle into the vagina to numb the area and somehow after all the sonos and being poked and prodded, the idea of this is totally freaking me out. We have a consultation this week but I am hoping to get some insight from DS beforehand. Thanks, ladies!

deleted_user 01/07/2013

I had a local but it was with IV sedation (known as a MAC)----see if you can get something to relax you or with a amnesic effect (Versed thru the IV or even a Valium pill)----not a full general with a breathing tube. Good luck!!!

Kelly0713 01/07/2013

Hopeful which clinic do you go to? How'd they choose natural for you? I have been thinking that might be a better for for me. I have no clue about the anesthesia but you can pretty much get through anything with deep breathing and trying to zone out! Maybe?

Kelly0713 01/07/2013

Duh I just saw your other post sorry !

HopefulinNYC 01/07/2013

Thanks for the feedback. Kelly, I'm glad you saw my other post, I was just about to type it all out again lol. Message me if you want to talk about why I'm going the mini/natural route and why my RE thinks its a good option. Are you in NYC?

RoxyD 01/07/2013

I had natural IVF for my first cycle with no anesthesia at all just some Ativan (similar to valium) before they started.
I also had a very painful HSG because my cervix and uterus aren't aligned. They ended up not doing it at all and waiting for my lap instead. That being said I was really scared that my alignement issue would make my retrival and transfert painful and complicated.
I ended up prefering just taking the meds. With natural IVF you only get one egg (I ended up having two) so retrival is really fast. I think it was less than one minute per egg. I found the transfert more painful but this was really only due to them not being able to find an easy way to enter my uterus. This is probably not your case.
I'm sure you'll do fine in the end. I found repeating something like I'm going to have my baby over and over kept me concentrated long enough on something else than the procedure that was over in minutes.
Good luck.

HopefulinNYC 01/21/2013

Thanks for all the good advice and support! We decided to do mini IVF (so hopefully I'll get a few eggs at least) so my RE is doing general anesthesia.

Orriginal 01/27/2013

My dr is only offering conscious sedation also. I asked about IV sedation also because I am terrified. I will definately ask for some oral sedation options to help with my nerves.

SharynMarie 01/28/2013

It is not that bad--I was awake for IVF retrieval. The doctor had Versed in the IV, so I don't remember it really well. It's exciting hearing the RE say how many eggs she is getting. I was completely scared the day/night before, but I was not in pain.
Good luck to each of you!!

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