IVF - How bad is it?

[travelcat7]

Hi all,
We've been TTC for the past five years.  My husband had two vasectomy reversals (2nd one worked) and yet we still couldn't conceive despite his amazing numbers (completely normal range).  I started infertility testing 7 months ago and have been on clomid only for 3 months and now clomid, HCG trigger, progesterone & IUI for the last few.  Next week is my last IUI.  If it doesn't work, they recommend considering IVF.  I'm 35.

All of this has been so far out of my comfort zone, but I have pressed on.  I admit, I'm a wimp and hate needles so the thought of injections and the retrieval freak me out a bit, but I know the end result would be worth it.

Nine people in my department are pregnant right now, as is my best friend.  That certainly doesn't help. :)

For anyone who hesitated, has it been better or worse than you thought?  How many cycles did it take for the BFP?

Thanks & best of luck to you all.

[seattleview]

For me, it was every other day over a period of eight days while on the stims. But it's not just the monitoring appointments, you have to be available to take phone calls later in the day after each of the those appointments as well, which might be challenging in a non-flexible environment.  Then you'll miss 1-2 days for the egg retrieval, and another 1-2 days for the transfer.  I am very lucky to work in a flexible environment with a supervisor who doesn't ask questions.  I just told her I was having "two medical procedures" done that week and that was that.

[Kimber1101]

How often do you have to go in for monitoring during the IVF cycle?  Is it really every other day or is it just in the beginning while your taking the stims?  I am concerned about how much time away from work - not a flexible company.  Just curious how others have dealt with it.

[pregnancylove12]

i did progesterone injections for a month or so and then i switched to crinone gel till i was 11 weeks pregnant. crinone was a million times better than injections but they say injections are more effective. so it is a balancing game.

[mlb1234]

My Re has you do progesterone shots until you get a positive beta then you switch to the crinone gel.  Both are fine.

[mlb1234]

I just finished my first IVF and just got a BFP (still very early though).  I am 40y and was like you - very hesitant at first but for some reason just kept marching down that road.  I did not like that it would not be very "natural" (as in mother nature choosing the egg and sperm) but if I get a child out of it I don't think that will bother me.   I fretted about freezing embryos that wouldn't be used but most people don't have any to freeze (as was my case).  As I was going through all the injections, etc I did not think it was bad but I did have to be organized.  It was a lot of work but once you see that BFP it is worth it.  The subQ injections are cake - no need to worry about those.  The IM's are more difficult but some Re's don't have you do any - it just depends on what they prescribe.  They don't actually hurt much just hard to do to yourself.  The days before the retrieval - depending on how many eggs you have - can be uncomfortable but not terrible.  I was glad to get them out though.  The transfer again is very easy.  If you really want a baby IVF gives you the best odds in the shortest amount of time.  Just don't wait too long - it is more successful the younger you are.  

[duckiebearie]

IVF gives u a good chance. Don't worry about the needles and medications.. just focus on the end results. I had my 1st IVF in may and am now in week5 of pregnancy. and I am 39.
go for it...