IVF First Timer

[megad26]

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

[Hidden]

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 in reply to Hidden]

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

[Hidden in reply to megad26]

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 in reply to Hidden]

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

[Hidden in reply to megad26]

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 in reply to Hidden]

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 ☺️💛

[Hidden in reply to megad26]

Thanks Meg that is really kind of you.

Take care, xx