IVF tips for a First timer?

Question

Hi everyone,
I’m about to start my first IVF cycle and was wondering if anyone has any tips that helped on your journey... I’m feeling pretty anxious specifically about the retrieval and they idea I won’t get enough eggs (DOR) ... it’s such and exciting and scary process all in one.

Answer

we just went through our first IVF cycle. I was feeling the exact same way. I was so worried none of the eggs would fertilize. We are going through IVF for MF infertility so we were doing ICSI as well. I was super anxious waiting for the call to see how many were fertilized. In relation to the rest of the process, I will say that I was mentally preparing for the injections and forgot about the egg retrieval part! I found the injections to be fine, didn't feel most of them. I ended up with 20 follicles so I was very uncomfortable. After the procedure I was incredibly bloated and needed to take 3 days off work, which I wasnt expecting. So book in some leave if you are able too. I literally slept for the whole 3 days. It took me 10 days to go back to normal. The 2ww was the worst for me!! I would definitely go on a trip or something during that time if you can. Sending you all the baby dust and so much luck xo

Answer

Acupuncture and download and listen to “mindful ivf” (in the App Store). Good luck.

Answer

Stay positive and be gentle with yourself! It is a really challenging process emotionally, but you will make it through and be so much stronger because of it. And when you see those 2 pink lines, you won't care how many injections and procedures it took to get there. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
 When it comes to egg retrieval, remember quality is more important than quantity. Don't compare. I was disappointed I didn't get more eggs, but they were high quality and yielded a high percentage of embryos. And because I didn't get overstimulated, I had a relatively fast recovery time from egg retrieval.
 I'm now 9 weeks pregnant from my first round of IVF, with 4 more embryos frozen for later. It only takes one!
Good luck and feel free to reach out with any questions!

Answer

I have never tried IVF, I can’t give you any advice but I just want to wish you and hubby luck 🤞🙏 sending prayers and baby dust your way xo

Answer

We went through our first IVF cycle last April. I suffer with anxiety & was so scared/excited at the same time.. You can't help but worry about what's about to happen but I can honestly say the whole process was amazing.. Of course it's hard & very emotional but with the support of your SO you will be just fine.. The injections are not as bad as they seem at all.. We had such a laugh most days when my SO had to inject me I think he was more scared than me which made us laugh. The scans etc were a breeze.. The egg retrieval is the same but just a little bit more anxious of how many eggs are we going to get but stay as positive as possible & you will be fine.. & then the embryo transfer is such a magical feeling it's wonderful.. The hardest part for me by far was the two week wait.. I know everyone's different but if we were to have IVF again I think we would maybe book a little trip or plan something to do each day of the two week wait as I just sat at home feeling every twinge in my tummy worrying like mad.. But all in all the whole process isn't as scary as it seems it's more emotional than anything but magical at the same time.. With the support from your SO & family & lots of positive thinking you will be fine.. If you have any questions please feel free to ask :) Good luck lovely xxx

Answer

I am almost ready for retrieval.  I am 33, with “age related decline” and need icsi because my partner had a vasectomy.  I think one thing I have learned is that each of us are different.  We have different bodies and different responses and each person and cycle is unique.  My body took its time growing those follicles.  My first scan I only had two follicles and I was nervous.  I later found out they only measure what is >10mm.  I now have 9, but one is about 10mm and the rest are much larger so I don’t think I can count it because it won’t catch up.  So I’ll only have 8 and I know that some may not be mature, some may not fertilize, some may not grow to day 5.  Then I’m doing genetic testing and 1/3 will be abnormal.  I hope that equation doesn’t result in zero.  I’m praying for at least one.   
There is only so much we can control, so focus on stress reduction and taking the medications.  Good luck!!!

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