7th Natural cycle IVF(w/o meds) and finally BFP!

[DBZ34]

Hi dovkav! I've come to stalk your natural IVF journey!! When are you testing or getting your betas done again? Is it this weekend?

 

[dovkav123]

I got my CD3 bloods and all seems to be in order, progestrone is low at 0.9, estrogen is about 175 which seems to be OK, not too high so hopefully no cysts. FSH is depressingly high at 16.3 but that was to be expected. I had only mild stimulation, about 150 IU of menopur for 5 days and it looks like it did not affect my hormones. Still need to do a scan tomorrow to check what's going on.

Thanks for your update. Let me know about your scan tomorrow.
Sorry about your lumps on the breast. Did you show them to your DR? Does he recommend a scan? Please make sure you really need it. Because, You get some radiation with it.
9dpo today, yesterday I had some cramping and a very stressful day. I hope stress didn't cause cramping. My dh asked me if we could test yesterday. He was curious, if we'preggo. Maybe today we could see something. But I don't have a test at home, so we'll wait.
Today I felt some cramping around my cervix. I had that with my BFN cycle. Sounds like a bad news.

 

[dovkav123]

Hi Ella! Welcome! Thank you so much for stopping by!
I am doing Betas on 29th of October, I am sure, that I want to test before.
We are planning a day trip to Liehtenstein and Switzeland on Friday. Ideally We'd like to test after the trip on Saturday. I don't want BFN to spoil our beautiful mauntain ride!
How about you? Will you test this weekend, or you'll die to test earlier?

 

[DBZ34]

Sounds like a good testing plan.

Oh, what a great trip! I hope you have a great time with your DH in the mountains!

As for me, I'm holding out on testing until Saturday. I'm supposed to stop taking the progesterone Friday, but we've got a party on Saturday and I don't want AF to spoil it. So, I'm taking an extra dose in the morning and if the test is negative, I won't do my night time dose.

Hopefully both of us see a BFP on Saturday! It may be our lucky day, dov.

 

[Briss]

dovkav, I am so hoping cramping is good news for you. It can go either way so we just have to hope for the best for you!

DBZ, did you also do a natural IVF? Goof luck with testing!

afm, my breast scan was OK, it showed some small cysts that it's not too bad, nothing dramatic so I am pleased. My other scan was not as great, it showed a small cyst on my cervix – what's it about? Is it a side effect of ET? plus cysts on both ovaries. my AMH came even lower than before it dropped from 1.38 to 0.92 in 8 months – I am officially in the menopause zone!

 

[dovkav123]

OH no, Briss.
I don't think ET caused your cysts. It could be firtility meds.
Please try a natural IVF next time.
I am so sorry about your AMH. This is crazy. I am very sad about it.
Your antral follicle count is not low and you're not 40. You still could be in a good shape for a natural IVF.
when did your mom got menopouse?

I wanted to convince my hubby to do mini IVF, but I read so many bad stories about fertility drugs, that I really really want to stay away from them. I will do 10 times natural IVF, till I get preggo.

 

[DBZ34]

Hi Briss! Thanks for the luck! I'm not a natural IVF'er but I am terribly curious about it all. Plus dov is awesome, so I have to stalk her. I'm actually going to start the IUI process in a couple of months if just BDing with preseed and progesterone doesn't work out.

I'm so sorry that your AMH dropped so quickly, but you're still in the low end of the normal range, right? Not quite menopausal yet. Are you going to go ahead and give medicated IVF another try or are you going to go to natural IVF?

 

[dovkav123]

12dpo today and BFN
5-6 days till my AF. Hoping it was too early.
I am taking it less stressful than my hubby. He wants to quit IVF. He can't handle this any more....
On the other hand He thinks that this test was the cheapest in the store, and the worst one.
Motto of the day: LoL and blame the test.I
It does pick up 25 sensitivity. But it states the best results on the day of missed period.

Ella, any news?
Briss, what is your next step this month?

 

[Briss]

dovkav, when I tested with my chemical only FRER had a proper line, most other brands gave me a clean bfn so I am not surprised. try FRER in a couple of days it's most likely just too early. I can understand your DH it's really hard. My DH is not taking our failed IVF well either.

DBZ, good luck with your IUI! but I hope you wont need it I had a natural/modified IVF which is very low doses of stims and for a short period of time just to get 1-3 eggs. I had two follicles but they only collected from one because the other one was too close to a cyst. I am thinking we would have got the same result without any stims so we might go completely natural next time. it's also possible that they will persuade us to do a medicated cycle to get more eggs. I do not know yet what we are going to do next. all depends on what they say at our review appointment.

afm, I am waiting for my review appointment with the clinic to discuss why our IVF failed and what are our options. I also want to see a doc to check my new cyst on cervix. I'm concerned about it. tbh, I cant wait to do our second IVF, TTC naturally is so hopeless with low sperm count. My DH has doubts about natural IVF as we pay a lot of money and the success rate is low. I think he is wrong because chemical shows we can get pregnant just need to wait for the good egg/sperm. I am reluctant to go for more stims, particularly as I have a cyst on my right ovary and EC might be tricky and risky or not happen at all.

 

[dovkav123]

I havn't tested this morning. Tomorrow we are planning a trip, so we'll do the bloods on Tuesday.
I am really interested in doing genetic Thrombofilia testing. We have childless relatives (my grandfathers 2 siblings), my sister. My greatgrand father died 50y/o from heart disease, he didn't smoke or drank.
You treat it with a low molecular weight heparin.
Briss, I understand you administered blood thinners to rule out this conditon last cycle.

Have you ever done IUI?

I hope you'll make decision soon about IVF. I understand about the price difference and success rate. However; investing in health I think is the most important.

I pray and hope that your cysts will be gone in the next U/S.

Storm is coming to your town. Please stay safe at home.
Hugs

 

[dovkav123]

Hello.
The blood tests were BFN. No signs of implantation. Nothing. I felt empty this morning, I came to the clinic with eyes full of tears.
My hubby made me cry.
He told me maybe it is not the right time.
He told me maybe we not meant to have children. Maybe our purpose of life is a different one.
Childless couples we know 3 of them, they are older than us and they are happy.

My life without a child, I see no purpose. It is unconditional love and I need that maddly!!! It is a different love than your relatives or my hubby.
We do live in stressful household and I do agree that stress can cause our infertility.
I think infertility is a disease and we have pills for that!
Animals don't suffer infertility only we humans. Except My dog, she never had puppies because she didn't let any of the dogs close to her.
I think we all gonna have children in one time of our lives, it is just the matter of when. When the right moment comes.

1.I. am seeing my RE on the 8th of November.
2. am doing my thrombofilia genetic testing this week. It cost around 200euro.
3.Also I want to test my hubbies sperm(genetic way), maybe we'll pick the healthiest one and do ICSI.
4.Adding hormones to my IVF doesn't make sense. If my uterus doesn't take one, it won't take 2or 3 embryos.
5.Also I want to talk about assisting hatching. In the lab dr. grows embryos for 5 days and than dr. make a whole in it. That suppose to help embryo leave the shell. Maybe this is our problem too.

Now I just want to realx and have and gourmet sex!

 

[Briss]

dovkav, I am so sorry!! it's so unfair. Something is not working, you should definitely change clinic. I know so many examples where ladies going through several IVFs and nothing and then change their clinic only to get BFP after a first attempt.

I understand your hubby it's just a defense mechanism he is struggling to accept so much failure. I do not think you should give up. there are ladies who went through as much as 8 IVFs before they had their baby. I know you are against stims but it's also an option to consider (better than giving up I think). Genetic testing sounds like a right way forward but I would definitely look into your lining. scarring can easily be the issue that prevents implantation. there might also be immune issues, if you immune system is strong it may attack your little embryo. How do you check sperm's genetic? I mean they can test one sperm but it's not representative as there are millions? I would also like to check hubby's sperm for chromosome damage. assisting hatching is definitely something to look into but you would need to grow embryo for at least 5 days, not many survive in the lab that long.

what is thrombofilia genetic testing?

I have been spotting until CD10 after IVF and I am suspecting endometritis - it's a very tricky thing almost undetectable but it makes it impossible for an embryo to attach. I am seeing my GP this week and will ask to be referred to a doc to check for endometritis. I am about to ovulate but my temp is just way too high for pre-O levels and the cycle is just not quite normal. I am only living with the hope we can do another IVF soon. I do not know how many it is going to take...

 

[dovkav123]

I would like to change clinics, but if I took fertility meds than new clinic would change the protocol. Maybe they would take better care of the embryos in the lab, ET also would take more seriuosly? I don't know what's wrong with us, I don't know what to do next.

I have done my hysteroscopy in July everything looked perfect they didn't do any biopsies. That way you could tell more about natural killer cells.

Many RE don't beleave in immunity testing, my RE would give prescription for anything I'll ask. But he is on vacation now. I found a lab that don't ask for prescription for cash payers. I really need to search dr. google for help to pick the right tests.
Many RE don't do any testing till 3 failed IVF.

Genetic tests in general we could test giving a blood sample. I don't think we need that, we beleave our families are healthy. My girlfriend did this testing and they foung nothing...

Testing for sperm DnA damage could make sense. I am not sure how sperm DNA fragmantation is done. On Thursday i'll call to genetic clinic for answers.

I do have strong immunity. I don't get flu just sniffles.
autoimmunity testing
APA -antiphoapolipid antibodies for women with endo.
ATA-antihyroid antibodies
AOA-antiovarian antibodies
Treatment is steroids shots.

Lots of info is here, if you're interested
https://ttcaftertr.blogspot.de/p/immune-system-infertility-info.html

If embroy won't survive in the lab, could be that he won't survive anywhere else. After 5 days ET and than embryo implants in 24 hours. Strict Bedrest than. Worth of trying everything, doing different things each cycle.

There are many thrombofilia tests. Blood sample.
factor v leiden
Protein s
Pratein c
lupus anticogulant
APS antiphospholipid syndrome
MTHFR
prothrombin

I hate injecting heparin If I don't need it. I really want to test it first. Progesterone thickens the blood. So it make sense that high hormone levels could really cause problems.

So much info, don't take it to heart. I just panic too much. I just don't want to sit and do nothing, I want to move forward.

I just learned that I have another cousin female she is childless too. My 2 grandmothers were single children too. Those times they reproduce... as much as God gave....

I am still taking 200mg progesterone a day. I want to delay my period. First thrombofilia need to be tested.

Briss, i am sorry you have spotting, I hope your dr. wil do something to stop it.
I've bin spotting after my period till O for years and one RE told me it could be hormonal imbalance, I had progesterone on the low side CD25. She diagnosed with corpus luteum deficiency. I have no problems with hormones, I grow beautiful mature eggs. Spotting could be something else. Also I jhave intercouse pain, random, depends on positition. WE use lube, so that's not a problem.
Other RE prescribe antibiotics before ER to avoid intoducing bacteria. Maybe I do have endometritis I have some symptoms of it. I hate taking antibiotics...
Natural way to get rid of bacteria, you can dipp tampon in oregano and chamomile tea and introduce to vagina. I did douche after U/S with salt and chamomile tea, I don't douche after ET.

Now I am confused. Maybe my tubes are open and healthy, maybe just implantation is a problem. My dh always wanted me to flush the tubes....

trying to post a photo, i can't do it

 

[Electricat]

Hello, Girls.

I have come to the realization that this won't happen by itself and I need help if we are going to have a chance of a last little love child.

I have booked a consultation at the Create Health Clinic in London and I'm a little scared.
I never thought I would find myself in this situation.
(By the way, dovkav123 - I saw you posted that you were thinking about changing clinic, is there something you are very unsatisfied with and would not recommend me going there?)

My GP has taken a few blood tests and my OH has done a SA, I will bring it all and if they need additional tests they will have my GP do them as far as possible (this is something I really can't afford, so I'm trying to save wherever I can).

Any tips and good advice for a Fertility Clinic First Timer?
Do you feel like you're being heard there more than at you GP - cuz face it, they're just trying to get you out of their office as fast as possible..
Do they appreciate you bringing your FF Charts of 10 cycles or do they just brush you off?
Do you feel like you know if they're draining your finances? I am worried about money, and I really don't want to be treated like a money cow they can milk - but at the same time I would want to know my odds.
Have you gone with the three-cycle-pack?
Do they stick to the deal or do they spring surprise bills on you...for instance, because you fainted and needed fluids or something like that?

I'm so sad I have to go this route - I was hoping we could do this ourselves

Good luck to you - and cross your fingers for me, pls =)

 

[Briss]

dovkav, totally look into changing clinics. 3 IVFs is enough, something with this clinic just does not work for you. I do not think it's the protocol, the dominant follicle is supposed to produce the best egg in every given cycle which should have given you a quality embryo at least once in the 3 cycles.

shame they did not do any biopsies as it could have revealed any implantation issues. I agree with 3 failed IVF you would need to look into immunity testing. you can ask genera forum for advice cos I do not really know what these tests are but I will ask at my follow up app to look into that as well. thanks for the link will definitely look into that.

I am also considering getting my DH to do DNA fragmentation test - https://www.tdlpathology.com/services-divisions/tdl-andrology/sperm-dna-fragmentation
and am looking into IMSI as opposed to ICSI to select a healthier sperm next time.

maybe you could try blood thinning injections together with progesterone next time?

let us know how your thrombofilia testing goes?

re after AF spotting, I am seeing a gyno next week to check this out. I do not have corpus luteum deficiency and last cycle I definitely had lots of progesterone so I doubt my spotting relates to progesterone. I want to rule out inflammation of the lining as this is serious implantation issue and almost non treatable if chronic. in endomentritis the bacteria is not in the vagina but in the uterus so it can only be treated with antibiotics but they do not always work.

i have to say i hate putting anything into my vagina, sounds strange but I cant even use tampons. I love sex though deep penetration can be sometimes painful.

 

[Briss]

Electricat, that's great that you are doing your cycle with Create. btw, dovkav is not with Create as she is based in Germany but she is also doing natural cycle IVF. there is a Create discussion board on FF https://www.fertilityfriends.co.uk/forum/index.php?board=558.0

I have done my tests with GP for free and Create wrote a letter to my GP with a list of tests so it saved us a bit of money. btw, re hepatitis tests they would also need core test (not quite sure what that is but it was not on their list and embryology team would not do EC without it so we had to pay for that)

be prepared that you may have to wait for each appointment but the good thing is that once you are there they will take as much time as you need and wont not hurry you out.

no one was really interested in my FF charts, EC team even said they do not rely on temp. when I showed up for my EC my temp has gone up and I was sure I ovulated, they did a scan and my follicle was still in place so i guess I take their point. they do place a lot of emphasis on AMH and this is what they take into account when they decide on the protocol.

I did not feel like a money cow but do ask lots of questions and make them explain their advice so you understand what's going on. there was a bit of disconnection between embryology and EC teams and doc who prepare you i.e. do scans and bloods. I had 2 follicles one on each ovary and one of them was very close to my ovarian cyst. the docs said my follicle was perfectly located for EC but the doc doing EC said it was too risky to attempt EC from that follicle cos it was too close to the cyst. it made perfect sense I just wished they managed my expectations so I do not have false hopes for two eggs being collected.

we decided that we will try 3 IVFs (hopefully it will take two) but we did not go for the three-cycle-pack, it just did not make sense financially.

I do not think there were any additional payments except for hepatitis test and the second beta test but all together it is still was between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds. you pay for IVF/ICSI and a few other things up front and then you pay for meds and bloods as you go alone.

I understand what you mean about being sad that you have to go this route. I was as well but as soon as I got my little embryo inside I was the happiest girl in the world and I could not care less how it got there as long as it was there trying to make a home for itself for the next 9 months. It did not work out for us the first time but i still remember the feeling and I cant wait to go again

 

[Electricat]

Thank you Briss.

I will hold on to this thread and see how you are doing, and I can post about my experiences there too if you like.

GL to all of us =)

 

[Briss]

Electricat, please definitely share your experience. I'd very much be interested to know how's your cycle going. Hopefully i can also start my cycle in a couple of weeks and will post my updates here as well.

 

[dovkav123]

Electrical,
I did bring my charts and RE looked at them and told me this is good this isn't. So some RE do take them serious, take them along!

Money draining. we arre paying cash and I don't get suprise bills. This clinic natural IVF is affordable. Maybe that's why it doesn't work.

We are going to a private one this month and we'll compare them than,

I the old clinic I felt they didn't motivate themselves to succeed.
During IVF#1 dr. told me you'll be back, you'll be back....

Every dr. tells me different instructions about progesterone. One says take it vaginally is the best option, other 2 told me orally the best?!!

Question: why don't you retrieve eggs in the weekend. On answer was, "nobody will help you if you bleed too much". Another answer, "IVF lab is not open in the weekend."

ET is not taken seriously either. DR gynecologist,not RE perfoms it. She uses ultrasound and can not see catheter on it. She claims that 20years ago we didn't use U/S at all. This is not IuI my dear, it is way complicated, my dear!!!

I hope you'll have better experience in your clinic.
Congrats for choosing IVF and going forward. You'll see, maybe this is all you need.
Please tell your progress.

 

[Briss]

dovkav, have you stopped your progesterone? I have actually heard that injections are better than suppositories and much better than oral progesterone but then your progesterone was very high naturally so I do not think progesterone was an issue for you