HELP: First ever IVF advice - i am already giving up

[FrancyItaly]

I have Pcos and ttc since 2019. I got pregnant quickly the first time but I had a mmc. My problem is anovulatory cycles. In the last 6 months we tried Clomid which helped me ovulate but I am still not pregnant.

In March I was referred to Assisted Conception Unit in my local hospital and things are moving so fast. We already had our first consultation on Monday and we are going back tomorrow.

They said we will do the short antagonist protocol. Since I have elevated AMH and ovarian follicles (around 25 in each ovary) i need to be monitored closely. They said our chance is 50%.

I have the terrible feeling that we will be “in the wrong 50% side” and that it will fail. I am obsessed that my husband will have a bad semen test result. I don’t know why, I just can’t stay positive. Maybe because in 2019 morphology was 5% and a year ago 4%. Am I right to be so stressed and worried already? Is it normal?

I am taking vitamins, doing acupuncture, loosing weight slowly. I think I am doing ok but I can’t sleep well due to anxiety.

[Purpledoggy]

Oh bless you, when things move fast it’s a lot to take in. 50% is great odds for IVF so if you can try to keep telling yourself that. There’s no reason you’ll be in the ‘other 50%’. There is an app called Mindful IVF you might find helpful. I also use an app called Mindset for stress relief and insomnia. Xx

[FrancyItaly in reply to Purpledoggy]

Thank you for your reply and recommendations. I will look into those apps. I definitely want to start the cycle with a positive attitude, because I know the anxiety will really kick in later on! Thank you xxx congratulations on your BFP! Xx

[Purpledoggy in reply to FrancyItaly]

If you want some turbo positive thinking, look into ‘Marisa Peer- Trying to Get Pregnant (And Succeeding).’ I read it for round 2 and it did really help chill me out. Also fertility acupuncture can help some to destress xx

[FrancyItaly in reply to Purpledoggy]

I’ve heard of this, I will take a look. Yes I did acupuncture from April 2019 (pregnant 2 months later) to the lockdown last year. I started again in May in preparation for IVF, it does make me feel better!

[ToughCOOKIE78]

Hey hun! I’m sorry you’re so anxious and I understand, trust me, after 4 IVF cycles…but don’t worry about morphology, it doesn’t really matter….it can be sorted with ICSI. My husband had 3% normal form and I got pregnant. I know its difficult because you read all sorts of stuff on here and on the internet on IVF but wow 50% is very high chance so try keep calm, this is just the beginning and you need to look after yourself! Xxx

Good luck, keeping my fingers crossed for you 🥳🥳🥳

[FrancyItaly in reply to ToughCOOKIE78]

You are right! That’s why I need to calm down and keep a positive attitude. The thing is that they were happy with my husband’s latest semen test result dated June 2020 (4% morphology). They said he didn’t really need to repeat but he will, he asked to repeat it before starting the treatment and they said it’s fine. I’m worrying it got worse 🤷🏻‍♀️ i guess I always need to worry about something or it’s not me! Hopefully I will feel better after the appointment tomorrow. Congratulations on your pregnancy, I really hope I’ll follow soon xxx

[ToughCOOKIE78 in reply to FrancyItaly]

Thank you hun, I really hope you’ll join the pregnancy wagon soon too!😉breathe in, breathe out…you can do this!!! Xxx 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[ZessB]

Hi, just wanted to say that your chances of success are around 50% per cycle, meaning that by the time you have done 3 (and you may not need to do as many!), your cumulative chance of success is more around 80%. So please just remember that the odds are in your favour and that you are in the right place, doing the right thing, to reach your goals. Good luck!

[FrancyItaly in reply to ZessB]

Thank you. On the NHS we are offered one fresh and one frozen, hopefully this will be enough! 💕

[NemoFish]

50% chance is really high, I’d love to be in that range x

[FrancyItaly in reply to NemoFish]

It doesn’t mean much to me In the end of the day it will happens when it’s meant to be! Best of luck ✨

[ttcemmie]

Hey Francesca. Yay things are moving!! 50% sounds like an amazing chance! And you have a great number of follicles (but make sure they take care of you for OHSS). I think our clinic told us that average semen was at 4% these days as it has dropped dramatically in recent years. I think my husband was at like 1% (might have been less - can't remember), so we did ICSI. Excited for you for this next stage of your journey.

[FrancyItaly in reply to ttcemmie]

Thank you, so excited! Just waiting for my period to start! My husband had the results of his sperm analysis and looks like the last one! They told me to drink at least 3lt of water and I should be monitored more because of risk of OHSS. I feel calm and positive at the moment but I know anxiety will come very soon! I will do short antagonist protocol. I hope you and your little ones are doing well! x

[ttcemmie in reply to FrancyItaly]

All sounds good. We're well, thanks. x