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.
Hi everyone,
I have been TTC for almost 3 years now. Along my journey there have been a series of unfortunate events and I just want to get some opinions on them. Let me start by telling you that I always had issues with my menstrual cycle. I rarely got my period as a teenager. I did not know that it was that big of a deal until I was an adult. I went on birth control pills throughout my 20's to regulate it and for contraception. Before I got married (at 32) I went off of them and leading up to and after my wedding, I never got my period. My doctor did advise that my system could either regulate itself or go back to the way it was (having missed periods). Shortly after we got married, we went to a fertility clinic. My husband did his due diligence and got tested. There is nothing abnormal about him. I seemed normal but I went on meds to induce my period. Then I was told that my eggs were immature. They were not growing and did not know when to mature and release. So I went on meds to "ripen" them and eventually the shot to release them as well. There were several times throughout this process that I have developed cysts. I have had to take a month off here and there to allow them to clear up in case they were effecting my ovulation. After a few months of the shot, I did get pregnant last June. Unfortunately, I miscarried at 6 weeks. It was soul crushing but I thought at least I was able to get pregnant. My worst fear now is that I have both an issue with getting pregnant and also staying pregnant. Which usually is just one or the other. I didn't think it would take me this long to get pregnant again but here I am. For the last 2 cycles, my doctor has found that I ovulated on my own (without having to get a shot). Which sounds promising but it throws my timing off and I don't know why it doesn't benefit my chances. I believe I am not "strong" enough on my own. Could that be a thing? Also, with my follicle tracking (internal ultrasounds) could it be that it disturbs things while going in there? It must somehow since I ovulated already. I was also prescribed progesterone pills to take vaginally to length the time after ovulation to give it a better chance. It has worked but it’s somewhat stressful to do that twice a day for 2 weeks. I don’t know what to think anymore. I am naturally a worrier/over-thinker and full of anxiety so all this stress doesn’t help. Does anyone have a similar experience or any advice at all? Currently, I have been instructed to go on hiatus again to clear up some cysts on both ovaries since I just took a test yesterday that came back negative. It’s a bummer because I don’t want to waste any time. I’m turning 35 in a few months and that is the age everyone refers to when speaking about difficulties getting pregnant. What can I do besides be patient. Another thought: has anyone tried acupuncture or naturopathy? While I’m here, I’d just like to say I admire you all. All the struggles you’ve faced and the strength you show by telling us your stories and/or asking for help. Thanks for the encouragement. Best of luck to you all!
I also was prescribed progesterone post-IUI. It is very annoying to use, but hey, if anything helps, why not, right?
I wouldn't worry too much that just because you had one miscarriage you can't keep a pregnancy. I think 30% of woman experience a miscarriage, and the next pregnancy is most likely to be healthy. Obviously, there are people who have recurrent miscarriages as well, and that is a separate issue. But I'd try not to worry about it if you can. I know it's really hard though...and it's easier for me to say this than do it myself!
I've tried acupuncture, and I found it very relaxing, but with no other benefit. However, if you're a worrier and you need help with relaxation, why not give it a try?!
Best of luck to you, and I'm so sorry for the pain and frustration you feel.
So you think I could still get a trigger shot despite ovulating on my own? I figured it wouldn't hurt either. Don't know why the doctor hasn't suggested that though.
You've done IUI? How many times? What did you think? That is my next step. I have my doubts because I don't think that what the procedure does replaces anything I have issues with. I didn't think I would have to use IVF (since the waitlist was a year when I signed up for it) but I might have to.
That's my attitude for everything, really. Why not? I will do what needs to be done to obtain my goal because it'll be worth it all in the end. I guess I'm just a worried that sometimes I feel like it's either counter-productive or setting me back. You know what I mean? I trust my doctor but I can't help but think of all the possible scenarios.
I'm sorry that you've been through a similar experience as me. But I am glad I'm not alone and I am thankful for your advice. I'm assuming you're still TTC? How long has your journey been? Where are you at currently/what's your plan? I'm still debating acupuncture as I know someone who has been successful with it but she did it out of town. I wonder if it is the placebo effect.
Anyway, I hope you'll keep me posted. I've gotten to a point where I feel defeated but this support group has really helped me. Good luck!!
I have done a total of 7 IUIs to date. I do not think I could conceive without them. I have bad PCOS and do not ovulate on my own, so I've done about half of those cycles with clomid and half with letrozole. And my husband has some motility issues, so the IUI helps with that as well. I got pregnant from my 6th IUI but miscarried. My 7th IUI was also successful and I'm currently pregnant, praying it works out this time.
I'd recommend trying IUI before IVF since it is a lot less expensive, a lot less taxing on your body, and a much lower time commitment. But of course that's only if the doctor doesn't think it's a complete waste of time. If it is a waste of time and you just need to do IVF, then you'd just be spending more time and extra money with the IUIs. Sometimes doctors will say to try one IUI, see how that goes, then move on to IVF (though I don't think I've known anyone who had success with just one IUI...). You may also want to ask about taking clomid. Plenty of women who ovulate on their own but have trouble getting pregnant take clomid to increase their chances...it can help release more than one egg in a cycle.
Anyhow, I hope you are able to find the path that is right for you and makes sense with you body, and brings you success sooner rather than later!
I do take meds every cycle. I think I was on Clomid at first and then they switched me to Letrozole. I just didn't get my trigger shot the last 2 cycles because I ovulated on my own. I used to get Ovidrel and now it's something else but I can't remember what it's called. I'm very lucky that I have benefits from work so meds don't cost as much for me and I live in Canada so we have health care (IUI's and 1 round of IVF are covered here). I assume you're not here in Canada.
So now with my cysts popping up again, there's a bit of a break for me and so it'll be a while until my next cycle. I guess I should go right into IUI when I do. How do you find the whole process? I'm pretty nervous. It's more about my husband because poor guy has no issues and he's gotta step up for this. He's super supportive and willing to do whatever it takes so I'm thankful. I just feel bad.
All the best on your journey! I'm so excited for you!!
It sounds like you were doing a very similar treatment plan to me (I'm in the US not Canada), and now I completely understand why the cysts force you to take a break. Definitely can't do clomid/letrozole with cysts. I really hope they clear up soon so that you can start the medication again...and why not ask to do the ovidrel shot? It really can't hurt.
Best of luck and keep us all updated! And thanks so much for the well wishes!
I will ask my doctor next visit when she checks on my cysts why I couldn't just get the shot anyway. I am still undecided as to whether I'll if the Letrozole then Ovidrel shot one more try or jump right into my first go at doing IUI. I guess my only hesitation is that IUI seems a bit more complicated when my issue is pretty straightforward. But if the doctor recommends it then I will obviously do what is best.
Thanks again for all your advice and support! All the best!!