Testogel for IVF: Morning all, I’m... - Fertility Network UK

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Testogel for IVF

Miracle43 profile image
22 Replies

Morning all, I’m wondering if any of you have used Testogel either before or during treatment? If so, do you think it helped?

I’m due to start my next cycle shortly and will be using Testogel for 3weeks before stims x

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Miracle43 profile image
Miracle43
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22 Replies
DianeArnold profile image
DianeArnoldPartnerNurseFertility Network UK

Hi Miracle. I have heard of better results using the gel in ladies who have had failed cycles. Hope it works for you. Good luck! Diane

Miracle43 profile image
Miracle43 in reply to DianeArnold

Thank you very much Diane.

I’m currently taking DHEA would you know if I should stop it?

DianeArnold profile image
DianeArnoldPartnerNurseFertility Network UK in reply to Miracle43

Hi. I would definitely check with your clinic, as you don't need to be taking it continuously. As iy is a type of steroid, it might be too much with the gell too.Hope all goes well. Diane

Miracle43 profile image
Miracle43 in reply to DianeArnold

Will do, thank you very much for your help 😊.

Olivialinney profile image
Olivialinney

Hi I have no advise but I’ve never herd of this

What’s the benefits from it? I’ve had a few successful cycles(lost later on) but had a few failed also

Miracle43 profile image
Miracle43 in reply to Olivialinney

Hey lovely,

I have been taking DHEA to help with quality.

DHEA helps produce other hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. Natural DHEA levels peak in early adulthood and then slowly fall as you age.

It was recommend by my clinic.

Testogel is a testosterone gel, It’s supposed to have positive impact on fertility rate in women with poor response to IVF cycles.

The use of testosterone gel improved the quality and number of oocytes as well as the number and quality of embryos and consequently the fertility rate in recent studies. I took it on my first cycle, I had 5 follicles (not many I know) all contained mature eggs, all fertilised and all got to 5 day blasts, unfortunately they didn’t work but it was a 100% fertilisation and a huge improvement from the first cycle where I only had 1 follicle abs nothing to collect x

Joso_8283 profile image
Joso_8283

Hi, I'm afraid I don't have an answer but really interested as I'm due to have the same.

I have low reserves and 1 failed cycle (3 eggs, non fertilised) Also taking micronised DHEA as recommended by consultant and due to try the testosterone priming.

Wishing you loads of luck!

Miracle43 profile image
Miracle43

Hey lovely,

I started the Testogel yesterday.

I’m using it for 3 wks until I have my baseline scan 😬I took it on my first cycle, I had 5 follicles (not many I know) all contained mature eggs, all fertilised and all got to 5 day blasts, unfortunately they didn’t work but it was a 100% fertilisation and a huge improvement from the first cycle where I had only 1 follicle and nothing to collect.

When do you start yours?

Double checked with my clinic, no more DHEA x

Joso_8283 profile image
Joso_8283

Wow, that is a significant improvement!! So sad that it didn't work and I've just read what you've been through, thats an awful lot to deal with. Well done for keeping going! I really hope this is your time 💛

I've not got dates yet. Have to work it in with hubby's dates off wrk so its likely to be July start for Aug collection.

How long did you take DHEA for? If we stop taking it when the gel starts, I will have only been taking it 2 months. I was all on track for the suggested 3 months DHEA/ ubiquinol etc but covid cancelled it so i stopped them all until we had a clearer idea when we would be back.

This will be our only chance as we can't afford more than 1 private attempt plus I'm not strong enough to deal with the heartache!

Did you have any negative side effects last time you used it? I'm not going to end up with a hairy chin and deep voice am i?😂🙈

Miracle43 profile image
Miracle43 in reply to Joso_8283

It was a huge improvement.

I had only been taking the DHEA for about 7/ 8 wks the first time then Testogel for 3 wks. I can’t be sure it helped but I had a much better response when I did.

This time I’ve been taking DHEA since our mmc so it’s just over10 wks.

I took the last DHEA on Tuesday eve, then start the gel yesterday so in all it kind of works out as over the 12 wks with collection w/c 13th July 🤞🏻🙏🏻 . The Testogel takes over from the DHEA that why you don’t need to take both.

I would start taking them now if I was you. It won’t hurt 😊.

I don’t think I’ve started a beard yet 🤣.

To be honest I’ve been ok on the DHEA, maybe a little moody ... well if you ask my husband that what he’d say 😂.

All ok on the Testogel.. no roid rage yet 😆x

Hi Miracle 43, I haven't heard of the gel but would like to wish you lots of luck with this cycle! I am due to start my FET in a few weeks. X

Miracle43 profile image
Miracle43 in reply to

Hi Dreambaby,

Thank you very much for the good luck 😊.

I wish you lots of luck too in your cycle, hope you’re feeling ok xx

in reply to Miracle43

Thanks v much, Miracle 43. I am feeling OK and have taken time off to prepare for this FET.

How are you feeling with your cycle? Let's stay positive! Xx

Miracle43 profile image
Miracle43 in reply to

I’m ok, I’ve started the gel so he we go again. I’m feeling nervous and anxious xx

in reply to Miracle43

It is totally understandable to be nervous. Wishing you lots of baby dust! Xx

Miracle43 profile image
Miracle43 in reply to

Thank you so much 🥰. I hope all is ok with you. Sending lots of baby dust to you too xx

in reply to Miracle43

Thanks!!! I will have my baseline scan this week. Let's keep in touch. Xx

Bambii profile image
Bambii

Hi ladies, I know this is a fairly old post, but wanted to know if anyone experienced any side affects from using Testogel? I started today, and am required to apply the gel on shoulders 4 times a week.

I also starts stims this evening, so not sure if the testogel would work this late?

Appreciate your help. Thanks :)

Miracle43 profile image
Miracle43

Hi Bambii,

I’ve used Testogel on each of my cycles.

On some I have used it 3 wks before stims, using it everyday, on others I have used it during stims.

If you are taking DHEA you should use/take both together.

The only side effects I have had is slightly greasy hair, although if you ask my husband he’ll probably say I was a bit more assertive 😉

Good luck with your cycle xx

Lilly12255 profile image
Lilly12255 in reply to Miracle43

Hi Miracle, the testogel can be used during stimulation? My doc told me it’s only for priming before the stimulation? Did it work for you?

Miracle43 profile image
Miracle43 in reply to Lilly12255

Hi Lilly,

I’ve used it three weeks before stims and also two weeks before and during the first week.

I think has helped with the quality.

On my next cycle I’m just taking Dhea up to baseline.

X

Lilly12255 profile image
Lilly12255

how have your cycles doing? Mine are very bad: no embryo created for some time, due to degeneration, failed fertilisation etc. I have the feeling that I need some advice on protocol. May I ask what are the meds/add-ons/things you are doing for your next protocol? x

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