IVF Journey

[KediT]

Hi all I’m new to the platform and have been going through stories and not sure when and what to start writing. I’m 35 and he is 43, Iv conceived naturally before. But have a history of ovarian cysts.

So after multiple blood tests, HCG X-ray, speed analysis (for my partner). We were advised that all is good with me my cyst was treated which I think ruptured since De could see anything on the internal sonar yesterday. My Fiancé has 2% sperm morphology instead of 4% so we will need to look at options to help us conceive. We then decided to start with IVF as he’s not always around.

Fast forward I was advised to call my fertility specialist on day 1 of my period. Went back yesterday and he put me on menopur & duphaston which I started today and have no idea what to expect. Dr advised this is just to make sure that I have enough eggs so that we can start with the retrieval and fertilisation.

I’m scheduled to go back next week Monday for a scan to check the eggs so that we can proceed with the retrieval.

Any advise and information will be appreciated. Thanks for reading and wishing you well on this journey.

[KediT]

sperm analysis I meant

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi KediT. Just wanted to wish you well. Make sure you drink plenty of water following egg retrieval. Have a rest but don't forget to have a walk around too. Just paracetamol for any pain and no anti inflammatories such as ibuprofen. I assume you will be having ICSI due to the semen analysis, which is good to hear. Diane

[KediT in reply to DianeArnold]

thanks for your reply and tips Diane. The Dr said they will inject the sperm into the egg so that it can fertilise the egg then put it back in. I take it that is the line item on the clinic card that talks about ICSI. I normally have 2l of water per day does that mean I can increase the intake or keep to that?

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK in reply to KediT]

Hi. 2-3 litres is fine. Diane

[KediT in reply to DianeArnold]

thank you so much Diane

[Lovemusic1]

Like Diane said plenty of water especially after collection, you can also add in some electrolytes too like a sports drink, especially if you end up with quite a few follicles.

Be prepared for some bloating and to feel a little uncomfortable as things progress and make sure you don't do anything more strenuous than walking the closer you get to collection.

Wishing you lots of luck.

[KediT in reply to Lovemusic1]

thank you so much, been wondering how long il need to take time from work for. The meds are giving me headaches already and the injections. Not planning to go to gym or exercise anytime soon but will push myself to eat right.

[Lovemusic1 in reply to KediT]

How much time you need varies from person to person as everyone reacts differently and it depends on your job too. I personally only had the day of collection off and the day after because I was still woozy and dizzy from the sedation. I then worked from home the rest of the week. If you have a physical job or you can't work from home then you might need more time off as you are sore for a few days afterwards.

[KediT in reply to Lovemusic1]

thanks for this I also work from home and atleast the dr wants to do it on Thurs or Friday. then il have the weekend which will help as I recover

[Hidden]

Heaps of luck. its all a bit of a minefield the first cycle, but trust in your clinic and you will be grand. You are right the ICSI is the injection of sperm into the egg. As you progress with menopur as others have said you can get a bit uncomfortable and feel like your ovaries are twitching a bit, sounds weird but that's how I always felt!! You can be a bit sore after egg collection but I always just chilled on the sofa the afternoon afterwards and then was back at my desk working from home as normal the next day. My company never knew I was doing IVF and I did 7 rounds, working from home really helps! The worst bit of my first round I found was after transfer. I was so managed by my clinic during the stims, then egg collection, then they update you how your embryos are progressing normally on day 1, 3 and 5.. and then they transfer and then they send you home to wait for 2 weeks and I felt completely abandoned!! Its quite normal though and that's definitely the toughest part I think - if you are lucky enough to get to transfer you spend every day wondering if you feel pregnant or not!

Heaps of luck for it all, this forum is full of super helpful people so ask all the questions you have! There is definitely no stupid question on here x

[KediT in reply to Hidden]

thank you so Daisy1245 I feel so much better with all the information I’m getting. It is really reassuring to hear ppl’s stories and how they just keep the faith & hope I’m really encouraged. Thank you so much I guess I must prepare for more hectic steps including the anxiety that comes with the process.