On Pins and Needles - IVF

On Pins and Needles - IVF
 
Due to the fact that I am in the very small minority of uterine abnormalities (.00025% of women) we get to go to straight to very small minority of advanced reproductive treatments (.00375% of couples).  Since we are attempting to retrieve my eggs, fertilize them in Mark's sperm, and then implant our embryos into someone else's womb (Gestational Surrogacy), In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) was the way to go.

IVF has only been around since 1978 and in the US since 1981.  It has helped millions of couples to have the baby that they always wanted.  It is a highly sophisticated, meticulously timed procedure, that often takes more than one attempt to achieve success, and is not always covered by insurance (making it very expensive - plan on around $15K+ per cycle including the fertility drugs).  (http://www.resolve.org/family-building-options/ivf-art/what-is-in-vitro-fertilization-why-to-select-it.html#.U9VQHbG1Gex)  (http://www.resolve.org/family-building-options/myths-about-iui-art-ivf.html#.U9VSf7G1Gew)


When preparing for IVF, prepare yourself to a lot of bloodwork, a lot of ultrasounds, and a LOT of needles.  (Depending on the protocol it will be 40-60 shots).  By this point, many couples have already gone through some amount of fertility treatments and may have already used injectibles.  Believe it or not, you get over how creepy it is to give yourself shots pretty quickly and most don't hurt or only sting a little.  (I even gave myself my injections one night while on the phone with my Mom).  Probably the biggest shocks for me was the size of the bag that I brought home from the pharmacy (right it was actually two large bags)......and the bill.  As I mentioned before, most infertility treatments are not covered by insurance and fertility drugs are VERY expensive.

The next thing that you need to do is prepare yourself for a very regimented schedule for around a month that will include a lot of doctor appointments.  The IVF drugs need to be administered on a very regimented schedule - at about the same time every day and for several days.  You may be doing shots are work, in a public bathroom, or eventually just planning your schedule around them.  Also, you will be at the doctor at least every other day (can be as often as daily) during the stimulation phase.  This mean mean a lot of time off work or really juggling your schedule.

You also need to be prepared for some amount of discomfort.  Normally your body only produces one mature egg per month.  The goal of IVF is to produce 10-16 of them.  This means your ovaries are going to swell to around twice their normal size making them very sensitive.  You will be bloated and pretty uncomfortable near the end.  The retrieval is a short and relatively simple procedure - your will be uncomfortable for a day or two but not too bad.  Hopefully you do not get OHSS (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ovarian_hyperstimulation_syndrome) which is a risk with IVF.   It is no picnic.
 Also be prepared for a lot of emotions.  This was one aspect that I personally just wasn't prepared for or expecting.  First, your estrogen level is going to go from that of a normal woman to that of a very pregnant woman in only 10 days or so.  Also, IVF doesn't always go as planned - it varies from woman to woman and even cycle to cycle in the same woman.  Tests are done to try to predict how you will react but nothing is a sure thing.  My tests were great and I still got cancelled by first cycle.  Each morning you will be anxiously scanning the monitor (are there follices?  how many? are they big enough?) and each afternoon you will be waiting by the phone for your blood results (Is my E2 high enough? too high? are we changing my meds?)  For some women the whole thing goes as planned, but for most of us something can and will come up.

My advice, be flexible, follow your doctor's orders to the letter, be prepared for the shots, discomfort and lots of appointments (they aren't that bad in the grand scheme of things), prepare to have inexplicable emotional outburst for seemingly no reason, know that your are perfectly normal and that others have been and may currently also be in your shoes, and have a lot of tissues handy.

20 comments:

  1. It the great post and all about pregnancy. Will of course be helpful for the expecting ladies and their family. I am happy with getting this post as I am expecting on next June. Thank you for this nice post.

    Infertility counseling can help most couples that are going through fertility treatment programs. There are two types of counseling that an individual or couple may be looking at for fertility assistance..

    " Discover A Simple Holistic System For Getting Pregnant Fast using 100% Guaranteed All-Natural Ancient Chinese Method.
    Click Here >>>>> How To Treat infertility <<<<<

    ReplyDelete
  2. nyc blog and thanks for sharing. IVF treatment is best for those female who are below 40 . Visit Sofat infertility centre and get the IVF treatment at genuine cost. our clinic is well known for their privacy and excellent results.

    ReplyDelete
  3. We provide the IVF treatment at very reasonable prices. Get treatment from best IVF Centre in India with ICSI-IVF, frozen Eggs, Sperm Bank, Blastocyst technique, Donor Eggs techniques.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Posting it is extremely required in light of the fact that each individual today need this data. Keep it up. Good fortunes and much obliged for posting, If you are searching for the best unnaturally conceived child focus in Delhi then here is focus that is enjoyed giving best IVF treatment .
    IVF Centre in India

    ReplyDelete
  5. I want to say a very big thanks to Dr.Ogbes for helping me with his Roots and Herbs,after 15years of marriage with no child but thank God today with the help of Dr.Ogbes roots and herbs i got pregnant with the period of 3weeks after the roots and herbs treatment and i pray God give him more power to help other stander out there trying to get pregnant.for help you can reach him via: Landofanswer@hotmail.com or call +2347050270227.

    ReplyDelete
  6. If you have an option to get IVF treatment in Inida then the EVA Hospital; - IVF Centre is the best option for you. Click on this link and grab the full details about the treatment centre or cost.

    ReplyDelete
  7. If you are looking for the IVF Centre in Moga then you can visit GCR Memorial Hospital. Here only you can get the best treatment with modern techniques at reasonable rates. Visit the link to get more details.

    ReplyDelete
  8. You can check ivf acupuncture Austin for best IVF solution. It will give a great IVF experience.

    ReplyDelete
  9. preparing for ivf

    https://ivfsuccessplan.com/blog/

    IVF Diet - science-backed IVF success tips to increase your chances. There is a lot you can do to help. In the IVF Success Plan we cover the most effective IVF success tips to help put you back in control. You can also get our FREE guide to choosing a fertility clinic that is right for you. james@ivfsuccessplan.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Human conception requires an egg and sperm. Poor ejaculation ,If you're not ovulating, you won't be able to get pregnant. An-ovulation is a common cause of female infertility and it can be triggered by many conditions. PCOS,Over/underweight,primary Ovarian insufficiency,a thyroid dysfunction,.,hyperprolactinemia, irregular cycle, Blockage in the Fallopian Tubes, when the eggs release from the Ovary did not get to the Fallopian tubes you can not get pregnant Therefore use DR. OGBES Herbal Cleanser to clean up all this Infertility pains in Your Body and get pregnant easy..Landofanswer@hotmail.com.. or Whatsapp +2347050270227 However, regular menstrual cycles don't guarantee that ovulation is occurring.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Nice article!! Getting an IVF done is quite a big step for one's life, but it is worth it. Get the best IVF treatment from Gomti Thapar Hospital - IVF Centre in Moga. We also provide e-consultation for patients living far off. You can ask us a question and our team of medical experts will reply you with the best advice. Click on the link to know more.

    ReplyDelete
  12. If you are seeking for reasonable cost infertility treatment then must visit a supreme IVF Centre Moga. call us and book an online appointment with Dr Neelu Koura

    ReplyDelete
  13. Very nice article. Thank you for sharing useful information. For more information, I would request to visit our site ivf specialist in hyderabad

    ReplyDelete
  14. Nice information shared by the author in this article, get more details about the IVF and its treatment procedure followed by the expert doctors of the IVF Centre Punjab

    ReplyDelete
  15. Great content! Thanks for sharing with us... Keep posting! If anyone looking for the best IVF centres in Kenya You can visit Sri Ramakrishna Hospital where you can get the world class treatment by internationally qualified & experienced Doctors.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks for sharing information about IVF. To know more about IVF treatment in Kenya visit our site.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Impressive Post. Thanks for sharing this valuable detail about IVF, check my official page for more interesting information regarding IVF on my page Best IVF Centre in Punjab.

    ReplyDelete
  18. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Now days many latest and advanced techniques available in india which can combat infertility problems in male or female. Get the affordable treatments in Ludhiana from dr Vijaydeep kaur.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Thanks for sharing this! If you are searching for the Best Health News, then you should consult Dr Rabeea Abbas Infertility and Women Care Centre for the best treatment.

    ReplyDelete