effects of IVF treatment if not successful

[Becsf]

Hi everyone,

I am in the process of deciding whether to go for IVF or keep trying naturally. And I was wondering about what effects of IVF treatment there were, and whether IVF affected your chances of conceiving naturally afterwards if it was unsuccessful. I've read that the treatment can upset your hormone balance and/or your cycle but I don't know if things always get back to normal quite quickly or if it can affect things more long term. Any one any experience of this?

Best wishes and good luck to everyone trying.

[CJohns]

I think it affects all ladies differently.

I did IVF which failed around 20th November last year. My following cycle was 32 days instead of the usual 26-28 days (cue me panicking). Then the next cycle I caught and found out I was pregnant on 20th January.

It depends what money you have to throw at it, but I absolutely do not regret paying for and trying IVF - because it failed we decided that was that and we’d chill and carry on life as is, then caught. But I know we wouldn’t have had that mentality and relaxed if we hadn’t done a round. Plus, we had been stupidly strict with our diets etc for IVF, so that definitely would have helped our natural sperm and egg quality.

You do just have to be prepared that there is likely to be a bit of upset to your cycle xx

[Twiglet2]

it usually takes a month or 2 to get back into your natural rhythm again after an egg collection and fresh transfer or medicated FeT is my experience. It didnt effect me longer term, in fact after pregnancy through IVF my period and ovulation became regular again after only 6 weeks xx

[NemoFish]

The only lasting effect ivf had in me was curing my fear of needles and an empty savings account! I’ve never had regular cycles so I can’t comment on whether ivf had any impact on those, but I fell pregnant naturally after four failed ivf cycles. I had decided to move into donor eggs and that’s when it happened. I truly believe that the weight of it all being lifted from making that decision, and finally feeling free of all the supplements and worry about doing everything right so I don’t damage my own eggs was what helped me conceive x

[Bimsie1310]

I've had 4 failed attempts and in each case, my cycles have gone back to normal very quickly. For me the biggest effect is the physiological weight when it doesn't work. Especially after 4 fails it's getting harder and harder to keep trying. I also found the IVF had an effect on how often we have sex as after all the procedure and mental effects I just don't feel like sex so that has effected our natural chances but that is more physiologically.

[LSandJ]

I'm not aware of any ill effects of conveivj g naturally if you've also tried ivf. Many people go on to conceive naturally after trying for some time with fertility treatments. It's such a complicated game. Ivf can help though, depending on your need for it. Unfortunately it's not a magic cure and can take time! (7 transfer, 10 embryos, 50k later, we have our twins!).x

[Becsf]

Many thanks all for sharing your experiences, it's v helpful.