Hypogonadism and IVF

I had chemotherapy when I was 4 and I am now 34. One of the effects of the chemotherapy was that I went through a version of the menopause and I now have hypogonadism. I have been on HRT since I was 12.

When I was 26, I was diagnosed with diabetes and I now have Type 1 and 2. Possibly because of the chemotherapy.

My husband and I (he is also 34) decided at 30 we were ready. We have always known about my infertility and I always thought I was okay with it. However, recently I have struggled. We had two appointments cancelled at the hospital, the initial ones to finish our application for IVF, and we had a setback because my BMI was under 19. I put on weight, I am now at 19, controlled my sugar levels, and the application was sent yesterday. This is good news :). However, we were told that it could up to a year before we even have an appointment at the clinic! Yesterday, I pondered going private which my husband is happy to do with lots of research and assessing our options. We could do it but it would mean spending the money we have saved for a deposit on a house (we are currently in a 50% shared ownership flat which is gorgeous but I had images of a house with our child). I get so frustrated because I have had health issues all my life; recently I discovered I am lactose intolerant and though it is not a massive deal it is one more betrayal from my body. Really, I just want to have sex with my husband and make a baby. I want to experience, just once in my life, what it is like to be pregnant. We have had very good news that our application had been sent, so why do I feel ... meh?

[User20]

Sorry to hear your story. It's great news that your application has been sent. I think the reason you feel 'meh' is because at the moment there is nothing more you can do really other than wait!! Having my fingers crossed for you!!! 🤞

[Hidden in reply to User20]

Thank you. I think you are right. I get frustrated because I have no control over this. I am used to saying “I want this, therefore I will work and get it” I did that with my flat, my PhD, and now my new house (hopefully), I wanted a new job so I worked and I got it, but to have a child seems to elude me. Apparently, I can’t just write an essay and have one!

[User20 in reply to Hidden]

Yes, totally how I feel too!! It's so hard to just wait and have no control over it. No matter how much you do, take vitamins, eat healthily etc, you have no control over how your body responds to IVF. So frustrating!!

Fingers crossed it will all work out for us in the end!! Good luck to you Xx

[Orla9298]

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