I didn't sleep well last night, my mind spinning with thoughts of IVF and heparin and recurrent pregnancy loss. IVF is such a big step. I'd been thinking of it as a last resort, a lot of stress, a lot of money--the thing I didn't want to do.
But when it comes down to it, I think, the only reason NOT to do IVF is money. In terms of time, in terms of energy and emotional reserves, I'm spent. (I should also add that I'm down to two IUI vials of LG's donor, and there are no more available, other than some smaller samples for A.R.T.) If the IVF doesn't work out, I can always do some more IUIs or even consider another IVF next summer. But if I want to have a baby quickly, IVF is my best shot, right?
I have questions: about the antagonist protocol, about how many embryos to transfer, about stats for success for women my age at this clinic. But the big question of whether or not to go for it, that I think I've resolved. Both Dr. Gorgeous and WFRE told me to do this BEFORE I turn 37. I think I'm ready.
Hi! We have had a long road that started with IUI's, and I think we may have finally had success with IVF - long road there too. I was basically told that if three IUI's were unsuccessful, then it was time to try IVF.
ReplyDeleteWe did the antagonist protocol, and used estrace for suppression. You do stims (GonalF or something like that), for several days, and then you do an antagonist, like Ganerilex to prevent ovulation.
Best of luck!
Thanks, PJ. I did get pregnant on my last IUI cycle (early m/c), so theoretically that protocol works for me. That was 5 IUIs (on various protocols) and I'm not sure how much time/energy I have to spend on more IUIs...
ReplyDeleteDid you use estrace in place of birth control pills?
My first IVF protocol after 6 negative IUI was: BCP (4 weeks - to get around Memorial Day), Follistim 300 & Menopur 150 for something like 11 days, Ganirelix was added for the last 3 days. I had 6 mature eggs (good for me), but none fertilized even with decent sperm and two combinations which puts me off the bell curve.
ReplyDeleteOh, for me, Ganirelix caused a short lasting flush around the injection site - Ovidrel did not.
Stats: early 30's, married, no known pregnancies from any attempts, possibly moving towards premature ovarian failure.
from LFCA