What is IVF really like?

Question

My femera + gonal-f + ovidrel trigger cycle just failed and I have one more month while I'm covered by my dad's insurance. His insurance would cover 20% of IVF and I don't want to lose the chance to do this. My doctor is on board, even though it's a bit soon. We've been TTC for 16 failed cycles, not nearly as long as some, but with limited time under insurance with good coverage it seems wise to go for it. But what is it really like? I'm due to start my period tomorrow or Friday and we'd do a spontaneous start. I have 2.5 weeks of school left this quarter before I have a 3 week break (masters student) and so I'll be writing papers and teaching classes while going through the beginning of the process. Any advice? Words of wisdom?

Answer

I was ttc for a year and got pregnant then miscarried. 6 months after my miscarriage I started iui 3x then did ivf 3x. So I would have been trying 9 months at that point, I don't think after 16 months it's too soon...just depends on how you feel about it. I wasn't willing to wait. I had unexplained infertility and it was more diagnostic for us, we discovered what the likely cause of our infertility was, so now I'm more realistic. Ivf is emotionally physically and financially exhausting, but it's worth it. You'll cry, you'll poke yourself with needie after needle, you'll feel bloated, crampy, stressed and really anxious if you are anything like me. The thing with ivf is you are more likely to fail then succeed and you have to be realistic with that. Few women succeed on their first attempt. I started ivf at 28 my husband was 31, neither of us had any known issues and it still took us 60k and 3 full ivf cycles. It was really stressful! I thought for sure I'd get pregnant right away, so did my doctor. I am finally 13.5 weeks pregnant now. So in all honesty ivf is time consuming, it's really stressful, really emotionally exhausting but it's worth it...it's so worth it. Just always remember why you're doing it and be realistic with your expectations. Our doctor told us many couples end up in huge fights because of the stess involved but it only brought me and my husband closer together. This baby growing in me is pure gold. Both of us are so in love with this pregnancy, it bonds you in a way I can't explain. Good luck with whatever you decide!

Answer

Following. Starting IVF in a few months.

Answer

Following, as we are most likely heading that way

Answer

IVF was an emotional process for me.  It is literally ups and downs, and extreme ups and downs at that.  It is a nonstop series of hurdles : Baseline prior to stims, BW and follie count at every monitoring appt, are enough follies growing, will I make it to cut off, any cysts, etc..

Start the process being patient.  Meaning, don't expect at your first two monitoring appt to see a ton of follies growing right away. Slow and steady can be a great thing.

I was fine to go to work and continue my day despite going through the IVF process. But honestly, it is emotionally draining.  You're going to have days you're excited and believe in the process, and days you already feel the heartache that it won't work.

Ask your doctor in advance which protocol you will be on so you can do your own research and understand the purpose of that protocol and why you are on it.

Ask your doctor if there are any particular vitamins or supplements you should take before and during this process.

Ask your doctor what kind of response to the stims they *expect* from you.

Treat yourself and your SO kindly and gently during this process. Allow yourself grief, and celebrations during it. My SO gave me my shots everyday, I feel like it was a great way for us both to feel and be involved and connected during it.

What is IVF really like?

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