IVF First Timer : Hi everyone! I am new... - Fertility Network UK

Fertility Network UK

56,458 members59,773 posts

IVF First Timer

megad26 profile image
7 Replies

Hi everyone! I am new to this page and just looking for support and advice from other people who have had IVF.

Myself and my husband have been diagnosed with unexplained infertility after 3 years of trying for a baby. We have been accepted for NHS funding and we have our first appointment with the consultant at the beginning of next month.

So many emotions have gone through my head and I'm so nervous about everything.

Has/is anyone had/having the same problem and attempted IVF? Such an exciting but also nerve racking time!

Grateful for any response :)

Thanks, Meg x

Written by
megad26 profile image
megad26
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
7 Replies

Hi Meg,

Welcome to this forum.

Sorry to hear you and hubby have been having troubles.

It is more common than you would thing.

This forum is great for speaking to ladies in the same boat as you and also for information. Everyone has there own story but we all share the same objective.

I too have been trying now for 3 years with hubby although we have had 4 cycles of ICSI since Feb 16. 2 chemical pregnancies, 1 negative and 1 abandoned cycle.

Post any questions you have, between us all you should normally fine one of us with a bit of knowledge.

Hopefully you will find out a lot more at your appointment next month re your specific treatment.

Will look forward to reading your journey and wish you all the luck and love with it xx

megad26 profile image
megad26 in reply to

Hi,

Thank you so much for your response and kind words.

I too am sorry to hear of your troubles. Do you think you will go down the IVF route at all?

I am interested to know why some people are offered the ICSI? My fertility consultant referred me straight away for IVF after the normal fertility tests all coming back as normal.

I am so grateful for the NHS funding but I think it's only one free round with up to two FET if it's possible for me. I don't suppose anyone knows anything about this. If the first fresh egg transfer is unsuccesul how long do they wait until they do a Frozen egg transfer and doesn't it cost any extra even if NHS funded.

Thank you again for responding :) xx

in reply tomegad26

ICSI is just another form of IVF where they select the best looking sperm and physically inject the egg with it.

In straightforward IVF they place the entire sperm sample into the dish (oh im sure there is a more technical name for it) and allow them to mingle along the natural way.

My hospital only do ICSI now for some reason.

The NHS funding is a postcode lottery. Its really unfair.

I live in Scotland and managed to get 2 cycles on the NHS although as of April 2017 they have increased that to 3.

Some women only get 1.

If you have any frozen embryos after your fresh transfer they will transfer them for you normally within a period cycle or 2.

Everytime you go through stimulation and egg retrieval it would be classed as another cycle.

Xx

megad26 profile image
megad26 in reply to

I see, thank you for clearing that up for me :)

All quite confusing when it's all new for me! I have done a little bit of research and for my area which is Hampshire it's says 1 cycle and up to two FET. Like you said, really unfair but that's life I suppose. And grateful to have it for free anyway as I have read how expensive it can become. Totally worth the money too though if successful.

I have read the first round is rarely successful too, is that truth or have you heard similar? I am trying to be positive but also be prepare for failure. It's very hard as I'm sure you know already. Will you be trying again?

XXX

in reply tomegad26

It does seem unfair that some ladies get 3 fresh cycles and others only get 1.

As you say just need to get on with it.

I have heard lots of people and also know 4 ladies, some colleagues, 1 family member and 1 friend who were all lucky with their first attempt.

Its hard not to get carried away but its also important to be positive as you go through a rollercoaster of emotions but you have to keep pushing on.

If it does not work first time the information the doctors get re how you respond etc is so vital for future treatment but hopefully you will not have to worry about that.

After 4 attempts my consultant advised donor eggs would be my best chance of success so after a lot of thinking and soul searching I am now heading down that route and going abroad for treatment. Mainly due to the cost comparison to the UK but also as the max donor age at the clinic I have chosen is 25 so all younger ladies (younger eggs is my hope).

At your first appointment your clinic will take bloods and will obtain your AMH levels (remaining egg reserve) which will play a part on what treatment they give you. They will also test your husbands sperm.

My amh was high for my age group but it would appear despite the fact I have a lot of eggs the quality is poor.

You will learn so much but it is totally natural to feel a bit lost and clueless at the outset. You will do just fine xx

megad26 profile image
megad26 in reply to

Wow! Congratulations on your decision, I will keep my fingers crossed for you and am sending you lots of luck.

Again, thank you so much for replying to my post already I feel better just speaking to someone who understands how I feel. I haven't told many people so have a select few people I feel I can confide in.

I will keep you updated on our journey and will look forward to hearing how you get on too. Comforting to know I am not alone and there are so many couples going through the same thing.

Take care ☺️💛

in reply tomegad26

Thanks Meg that is really kind of you.

Take care, xx

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

IVF 1st timer

Hi all, I am 30 yrs old with a healthy BMI. Diagnosed with PCOS a year ago. We have been TTC for...
lisap123 profile image

IVF first timer

I am just about to embark on IVF for the first time. I am interested to know about recommendations...
Telford1 profile image

IVF first timer... advice please!

Hello lovely people! Me and my OH have our consultant appt Feb 6th then our nursing appt Feb 11th...
glt01 profile image

IVF or investigations first?

Hello At the beginning of May we were seen at the local infertility clinic. They advised lap &...
Lemms profile image

First IVF failure

Hi everyone, This is my first post, a week ago I got a BFN from our first round at IVF. How has...
kickingfish profile image

Moderation team

See all
Claire_FNUK profile image
Claire_FNUKAdministrator
JA-fnuk profile image
JA-fnukPartner

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.