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.
Hello,
I have been living the past two weeks in complete hell to be honest. I have two more weeks to go until I see my doctor for the first time and last night I hit a breaking point where I need to try to get support and possible questions answered.
Here is my story:
I had to go to the ER last October because of stomach issues and they did an internal ultrasound to check on my female parts. After this visit I followed up with my primary doctor to go over the results from all of the tests. Based off the results from my ultrasound he recommended I stopped taking the birth control pill due to my overaries showing long term side effects of long term use of the pill (they were showing to be on the smaller side).
I decided that I would stop taking the pill in April after my wedding. I had no real intentions on having a child anytime soon, but after being on the pill for ten years and my doctor telling me it was time I decided to go ahead and go off of it.
Well this past summer felt like I was living in the desert - I experienced hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, etc. It was so extreme I called my OB to make sure what I was experiencing was normal and they said it was due to my hormones adjusting from being off the pill. On top of this I never had a cycle and was told to come in after a missed cycle for three months.
I went to my OB a few weeks ago because I still have not had a cycle. She prescribed me pergesterone to take for five days to help me have a cycle. She also instructed me to come in day three of my cycle whenever I got it to come in for blood work. So I finally did (it wasn't normal though) have somewhat of a cycle so I went in for bloodwork on day three.
So the next week they called me with my results - my FSH level is "abnormally high" it was a 60. They told me that they are concerned I have pre ovarian failure and needed to see a reproductive endocrinologist. This was pretty much all they told me and said not to google anything. I did not listen because I had to know more about this and it has me totally freaked out. I cannot get into the rp until Oct 6 so it's been a long wait for answers.
Im only 26 years old and I just got married in April. My husband and I planned on children, but just wanted to enjoy our first year of marriage before we started our family. This has us both sick, scared, and sad. I never realized how bad I wanted a baby until now when I have a chance of not having one.
I don't know what my options are if I even have any or if there is any advice you can give me. Anything would be greatly appreciated. It's been the worst month ever.
First off, I am so sorry you are going through this. I remember how overwhelmed and depressed I felt when first receiving the bad news from my doctor, so I can completely relate to what you are saying. I know it seems insurmountable now, but it's not. Science has come a long way and you have lots of options to have your own child. I have very low ovarian reserve, stage 4 endometriosis, went into septic shock after a procedure in my pelvis caused a severe infection, I had to have both fallopian tubes surgical removed....the nightmare went on and on....and guess what, I have a baby now. I did an IVF and sure...I didn't have a great number of embryos that came out of it....but ALL YOU NEED IS ONE....the one that sticks and gives you your baby. Do not lose hope. Unfortunately, you are just at the beginning of this tumultuous journey, but there is hope and there is support here for you....support from women who are where you are, or have been where you are. I wish you the best of luck, please feel free to contact me if you would like to chat privately.
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. It definitely means a lot. I just honestly cannot wait for my doctor apt so that we can go over my options. I am a FIGHTER always have been, but this has knocked me down. So you have your embryos removed and then tested to see if they where good? I know this is the only beginning....but I'll do whatever it takes. Thanks again so much.
You get the quality information once the eggs are out and fertilized by the sperm in the lab. It's not just the quality of the egg that matters, it's the quality of the egg and sperm combined as an embryo. I'm sure your doctor will explain the whole process to you. My guess is, they are going to do an IVF cycle on you, try to retrieve as many eggs as possible to freeze and/or fertilize to be used now or at a later date. I don't want to overwhelm you with details. Take it one day at a time. You are definitely not alone. I'm here if you want to chat to have any questions at all. Private message me and I can give you my email.