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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bx411aol 09/18/2013

Hello all!
I am very glad to have found this online support group for i have been feeling very alone and nervous since beginning ivf treatment. I just started injecting meds last Thursday and so far the results are not what was to be expected. As of yesterday, only one decent sized follicle developed and my estrogen is very low. However, I've had my period since Sat. and to my understanding estrogen levels are low during a period. It was mentioned that perhaps I should start a new cycle, but my doctor has been adjusting my meds. How long can one stay on stim meds before ending the cycle? It's hard getting one direct answer from the dr.'s office! Very frustrating!
I am 39 years (the dr.'s office treats me like I'm 59), have had high fsh levels that determined a low ovarian reserve, and one of my tubes is blocked. Therefore, we decided to start ivf. Although I have great faith in God and leaving things in His hands, I can't help but feel hopeless some days and doubtful. I like to think I am not in the worse case scenario because luckily my husband's sperm is more than fine and my uterus looks healthy. However, I'm afraid my body will not respond to the meds as they should.
Since I am SO new to all this, I find that I'm limited in knowing the success rates and stories of hope as opposed to hearing the negative. I would be happy to hear any words of comfort and inspiration that anyone might have to share. God bless.

quitethepickle 09/18/2013

Good luck. I don't have any answers for you, but I can say I'm in the middle of an IVF cycle right now I'm quite stressed. I don't even know stressed is the word. Beyond jittery and anxious, totally obsessed with my fertility at the moment. OMG did a follicle just grow .01mm? You feel like you have this secret world that you are living, right? I am quite moody, big ups and downs. This is my second IVF and I feel just as much of a basket case this time as the last. Anyway, I think it is totally normally to be stressed, sad, mad, etc.- you have a lot of hopes riding on this. I have my fingers crossed for you that they don't have to cancel. I guess they tried upping the dosage of Follistim?

LMWT 09/18/2013

Most people are on stims 10-14 days I think. One question, did you go on BCPs before hand? I just feel its odd your period started while on stims. Most people I know (including my two IVFs) you go on BCPs for a few weeks, have a period and then start your stims. I think your period coming while on stims is why your follicles are not growing properly. But I am not an RE so maybe I am wrong.

Also at the beginning of IVF my first few ultrasounds I always felt like my follicles were not growing and I was not going to get ANY big enough by the end. But its amazing how fast they do start developing right before you are done your stims.

Good luck!

bx411aol 09/18/2013

Thanks so much for your responses! Any type of support means alot! Thanks for understanding. I am currently on 225iu follistim, 75 menopur AND ganirelix.
LMWT, yes I was on BCP and got my period on the 3rd day of stim. Thanks for telling me how fast follicles can start growing! That makes me feel good to know.

Nedico 09/18/2013

My RE definately told me I shuld get my period in the gap between stopping BCPs and starting stims and I remember she reallly freaked me out by saying if I bled while on stims that she would have to cancel the cycle si Im kinda with LMWT in thinking having a period during stims might be a problem??

Orriginal 09/18/2013

Good luck! It will be exciting to go to your appts for ultrasounds to see how things are developing :)

bgs4444 09/19/2013

hi all.....I started stims on CD 2 of my period. that is protocol for my office, so I was taking shots, etc and bleeding. that's what they wanted! I know it's hard, SO hard, but we have to try and trust our doctors - otherwise, we drive ourselves crazy.

stay strong - those follies will pop up. it may just take you a little longer to respond.

I just finished my first round of IVF and am about done with my 2WW (I got for beta tomorrow).

going thru the medication cycle, the ER and ET was terrifying as a "first-timer". it gets easier, I promise.

Andi60857 09/19/2013

Just wanted to say, that I also had my period when I started my stims both times I went through IVF. Between the stims and the lupron I was on, my period did stop pretty quickly. My office was not at all concerned that I was bleeding and in fact told me that some women bleed and some do not. The good thing is that your Dr. can adjust your meds, that's why it's helpful to be there every other day or so to get things checked out. They can also adjust your stims if your not responding well, happened to me my first time. Wishing you the best of luck and hoping you don't get cancelled!

bx411aol 09/19/2013

I am so appreciative of all your words of HOPE and hearing your personal stories. THANK YOU!
I just came back from having bloodwork and u/s. It seems I will be better off starting a new cycle. There is no change in the growth or lack of follicles since Saturday.
We were told that first cycles are known to be cancelled because the doctors are trying to figure out what works and what our bodies will respond to. Any thoughts??

Andi60857 09/19/2013

First cycles are tricky, the Dr. doesn't really know how well you will respond to certain meds. They just go by your blood work and come up with a plan that way. My first cycle only resulted in 4 follicles, it was not cancelled but still that was pretty low. My second cycle was perfect, 9 eggs, 8 fertilized with ICSI, 4 frozen embyros and one implanted that unfortunately resulted in a mc. They changed my meds that second cycle and I responded so much better. I am 36 so they didn't want to get 20 eggs, 9 was about what they were hoping for. I'm sorry you are getting cancelled, but hopefully this just means they will have you more figured out for the next one!

LMWT 09/19/2013

Sorry it sounds like this cycle was a bust. But hopefully with next cycle they will have your meds right and things will be perfect!

May be worth asking about waiting to start meds until CD3ish. Seems like that's what most of us have done. Stop, BCPs, wait for period (AF) and then 3 days into AF starting your meds. Your clinic may just do it different, but that's how both of mine (and sounds like some of the ladies bellow) have done their IVFs.

Good luck hun and again sorry this one seems to be a bust!

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