Any tips for IVF?

[happyseal]

Hello everyone 😊

So, after years of starting our fertility journey, we're finally doing our first cycle. It took a long time as we were first using NHS, and there was COVID, surgeries,etc etc.

We're now working with a private clinic and we're now doing our first cycle of embryo batching (to accumulate embryos before transfer).

That being said I am getting side effects and would love any tips regarding IVF in general, specially the below:

- Should you mention that you're going through IVF with your employer? As I understand IVF is not covered at all. Any tips on how to best manage all the appointments while working?

- Any tips to best manage the side effects? When I was on progesterone I was struggling a lot. I don't do well on hormone therapies and the progesterone tablets gave me several side effects. I'm now on the stimulation fase and the meds give me hot flashes several times a night so I cannot sleep. I also wake up with horrible pelvic pain/cramps. I am really bloated and gassy. I also have lower back pain. I will mention these in my next scan but is there any tips on how to best manage the bloating and hot flashes. I have tried different things for hot flashes but they don't work for me.

- How was your diet? I feel that the extreme bloatedness is making it hard to eat my usual vegan diet as I eat a lot of vegetables and beans.

- Any books or anything worth having a look?

- Any other tips and tricks would be very much appreciated.

Oh...my endo is very spread through my intestine and I have a lot of adhesion, so I think that is not helping at all. But oh well, that's what I got. How was IVF with you...taking into account endometriosis.

Thank you all and I hope you're doing well!

[laurenadc]

Hi, I was the same as you in that it took me years before I actually got my first round of ivf.

I had several months of prostap to switch everything off, which meant i was able to handle the hormones needed for egg retreival quite well. I wasn’t able to have a fresh transfer at the time, so had to wait a couple of months later for my first frozen transfer. Unfortunately it didn’t work, and by the time it came to try again the following month the estrogen tablets to thicken my lining were just causing me too much pain and I had to cancel it. I thought that would be it for me, but after speaking to my doctor we decided to do a “natural” transfer - ie no drugs, just a transfer after ovulation.

This was the round that worked for me, and although it meant a lot more visits to the clinic it was a nice pain free round. I’m now luckily enough to be sat here with my 3 month old little boy.

One thing I did differently that round was acupuncture, which I really recommend. The difference in my lining when doing that compared to my previous round (which had included the drugs!) was amazing.

I’d also definitely say to tell your employer. I know how scary the conversation is, but the stress that comes with trying to hide it won’t help you at all. I told my boss I’d stay late on days I had to come in late after appointments etc, and would work from home on days if certain appointments. It was much easier once she knew, and it took a lot of pressure off me.

Wishing you lots of luck ❤️ my endo is throughout my bladder, so I (literally) feel your pain!

Other things I also did in my successful round - completely slowed down and took it easy, I used to go to the gym several times a week and just completely stopped, doing just walks instead. I ate lots of protein and whole grains. And tried to be as stress free as possible (watched lots of comedies!)

[happyseal in reply to laurenadc]

Ohhh, congratulations on your lil one. Thank you so much for sharing. Is great to hear that it finally worked out for you. I'm so happy for you. Bless you and your lil one.

Thank you for your tips. I've been thinking about acupuncture, how was it for you? Did they do something specific for fertility?

Haha love the stress free tips. Who doesn't enjoy comedies 😂. That's a great suggestion. I have been avoiding anything that is more stressful but adding more things to relax is definitely a good idea.

Once again, thank you 🥰😊

[Endo35 in reply to happyseal]

I was told I would never have children at the age of 18 due to the spread of my endometriosis,

My being a stubborn moo had to prove them wrong! As above I had acupuncture, reflexology, and took a conception vitamin supplement for about 3 months before starting treatment to conceive.

Long story short I have a beautiful nearly 16 Yr old ( I didn't conceive until I was nearly 21)

Then I conceived naturally 2 years later and got my baby boy! Then 4 years later I had a happy surprise 2nd baby girl so I have 3 babies!

Don't give up don't stress, pregnancy is the best thing for endometriosis..

You got this

[happyseal in reply to Endo35]

It's good being stubborn. Great to hear your story. I did try acupuncture yesterday and the pain from the flare up just cleared up. Def worth it 😀

[Hidden in reply to laurenadc]

I am so happy to hear a good outcome for someone with endometriosis. These days I felt like giving up but your positive succesfull story makes me want to try again.

[happyseal in reply to Hidden]

Let's try our best 😉