anyone over 35 going for fertility treatments this year? IUI, IVF etc

[readyformore]

But, I can tell you that the emotional cost is too high for me and I won't be doing it again.

aww sorry to hear that, I was wondering if you could elaborate ... you said you wouldnt do it again so interested to hear more. I can imagine the 2WW when you have done a treatment must be insane.

It seems like some people are wondering about the discomfort of IUI. It's basically like a pap smear. Totally not an issue for me.

About the emotional aspect. . . . .Well, for me, it seems like the more I invest into ttc, the harder and more crushing a bfn is to handle. I remember going to my first RE appointment being very excited. I was shocked when she told me that the average success rate is very similar to a natural pregnancy rate. I think that she brought me back to earth when she said "Most people will not get pregnant with IUI." It was a very sobering moment. Yet, I couldn't help but get my hopes up each time.

In the course of ttc, I had been temping, trying opks, scheduling bd, keeping hips elevated, going to the doctors for bloodwork, HSG, husband's SA, etc.
IUI was so much more. I was at that office 10 times a month for blood work and ultrasounds and the 3 inseminations per cycle. I had to have ovarian cysts drained vaginally. I was on clomid which thinned my lining, so I had to take estrace to counteract that, which needed even more monitoring. Progesterone vaginal suppositories too.

The office only did blood work at 7:30 am. Period. My shift at work starts at 7. I had to fill out medical leave papers so that I could come into work late and not loose my job. Oftentimes, I switched my shifts. I still remember working a 4 day stretch where I worked 2-12 hour shifts, then 1-16 hour shift, and another 12 hour shift; back to back to accomodate scheduling for my IUI. . . .which failed.

Repeat for 2 more cycles.
4th cycle was the success.

Changing your entire life for a baby that isn't coming, was so devestating to me. I was a basket case. Knowing that my overall chances of conceiving now are even lower due to my age, I don't know if I can handle it again and come through with my sanity intact. My girlfriend mentioned that I clearly must not want another baby as much as I did my first because I'm not willing to do IUI again. Well. . . . there's no guarantee that you'll get a baby out of it. If there was, I would have done it 6 months ago.

Sorry that this sounded like such a downer. Obviously, I'm thrilled that it worked and my son is completely worth it, but. . . . . . .

thank you for your honesty! you havent put me off, mainly because you said it doesnt hurt which is my main worry. the rest I can handle (schedules and visits) as Im lucky and make my own hours.

Funny you said about IUI chances being no better, my FS said the combination of clomid and washed sperm is a really successful one. I guess I will see.

I cant imagine what the 2WW will be like once Im paying for treatments like IUI and IVF, its going to be very hard. But I think I will take the risk if Im more likely to have a baby in the end (I have to believe Im more likely otherwise why bother_. But each cycle will be hard, I will be seeing my therapist a lot during that time Im sure!!

hubby seems to think it wont get to that point, but every month I get my period I lose hope of a natural bfp.

so you are trying naturally now right? I hope you get a bfp very soon

Yes, I'm trying naturally right now. I hope you don't need it either!

 

[NorthStar]

I'm not sure how far we're going to go down the route of medical intervention, firstly I want to have 6 proper months of TTC - none of this sore back crap of last month, he's been warned - which is ironic as he was the one said after 6 months we should start IVF!

I'm having trouble getting through to him about the timing (of BD) thing and it is causing me a lot of stress, so not feeling very positive about this stuff today. Am going to force him to watch your video tonight sarahincanada!

 

[sarahincanada]

I got my period today and Im driving home, realize I have a pretty easy month this month with work and really feel like doing something proactive about the TTC thing. We had a marathon of sex this month and it didnt work! so I just caved and phoned the FS office today to book my clomid w/monitoring! you leave a message and they call you back.

havent told hubby yet, he really wanted to wait. What mainly prompted me to do it was that I just found out that his sister has booked her wedding for May next year....she and MIL would be stressed if I was giving birth that month so I thought Id moved things forward and then have August off which is a May birth. Of course they would be happy for us, but I know it would be difficult to have both in one month. They are going to be having family fly over from poland for the wedding and everything, so a birth would just add to the stress.

Im mainly want to go for the monitoring of the ovaries and the lining...that will be soooo interesting. So Im thinking I will do June/July doing this, have a break in August as my family is here and thats a May baby, and then perhaps start IUI in September. I will have to see how clomid is for me first.

I would love to hear from anyone who has done clomid with the monitoring so I know what to expect. I will also update this thread this month with my journey for anyone else thinking about trying this

 

[Indigo77]

I will be stalking this thread...

Sorry about AF...

I keep oscillating between scrapping the whole endeavor...to being laid-back about ttc....to getting hardcore proactive so we can have 3 kids ASAP....I don't know what is right.

I am excited for you, though, and feeling a bit inspired....
I wouldn't worry about the timing, though....a baby happily trumps all else...

 

[sarahincanada]

I will be stalking this thread...

Sorry about AF...

I keep oscillating between scrapping the whole endeavor...to being laid-back about ttc....to getting hardcore proactive so we can have 3 kids ASAP....I don't know what is right.

I am excited for you, though, and feeling a bit inspired....
I wouldn't worry about the timing, though....a baby happily trumps all else...

I know I change my mind daily! I was feeling fine about everything but CD 1, PMS and being impatient made me do it!! also I have a really easy month with work so why the hell not. At least some of you can see how my treatments go and then decide it you might want to take the plunge!

 

[GreenFingers]

I got my period today as well but also had my first fertility appointment, as it was day one they ran all the tests today and have said if everything is ok with me we will start 3 cycles of IUI followed by IVF due to DH morphology issues.

It is on the NHS and I am pretty chuffed they are taking it seriously and we get it funded.

We get our results at the end of June so we have this next cycle off really, I am going to relax and enjoy myself this next month and stop worrying.

I actually feel relived to be taking positive steps forward.

Good luck to you all in what ever you decide, and sorry AF got you Sarah x

 

[Redclaire]

i've just started my 2nd iui cycle and ladies its not that bad!!
We skipped clomid because the doctor in the HARI unit see far too many bad side effects (my sister was a nutter on it!) So i'm doing the injections. And its only a tiny tiny needle in the tum..no bother at all! And no side effects but the odd headache and tiredness. Monitoring involves an internal vaginal ultrasound on day 2, day 9 and day 11/12. then a trigger shot, then iui.
Thats uncomfortable but not a killer! Like a pap smear with a bit more rooting about!! defo not as bad as the HSG!
Emotionally...you can cope! After 11 months of ttc naturally i'm exhausted! at least iui is proactive. and yes i know there is only a 15-20% sucess rate, same as natural cycle but its timed, triggered, washed and ironed!!
Seriously tho we have discussed the long game...
i reckon this cycle (No 2) a break for hols in july, iui in august and sept..have a break then ivf. I can afford 2 cycles of ivf..thats it then..game over.
IUI costs €850 a cycle here...doable, ivf €4500...thats big big money...twice the absolute limit..with a loan too! that would be a emotional rollercoaster the pressure cos cant afford another cycle and have to pay it back without a baby to make it worth it!!
But i still hope iui works for us, i'm only 36 no issues, he has topclass swimmers...theres still hope!!

 

[GreenFingers]

Hi Redclaire, thanks so much for that post! You make it sound so positive and I'm glad to hear it's bearable. You summed up exactly how I feel, its been 11 exhaustings months for me too so to get help feels like a relief!

I have everything crossed it works for you x

 

[sarahincanada]

I got my period today as well but also had my first fertility appointment, as it was day one they ran all the tests today and have said if everything is ok with me we will start 3 cycles of IUI followed by IVF due to DH morphology issues.

It is on the NHS and I am pretty chuffed they are taking it seriously and we get it funded.

We get our results at the end of June so we have this next cycle off really, I am going to relax and enjoy myself this next month and stop worrying.

I actually feel relived to be taking positive steps forward.

Good luck to you all in what ever you decide, and sorry AF got you Sarah x

yay glad you have a plan, can you come back to this thread and update when you have the results?

 

[GreenFingers]

yay glad you have a plan, can you come back to this thread and update when you have the results?

Certainly will Sarah, looking forward to seeing how clomid works for you, good luck.

 

[Natsby]

This is an interesting thread, I have been thinking about iui because my friend here is on her second cycle now. I didn´t know it had the same success rate as trying naturally. I think I will try to the duo fertility monitor before clomid. It has the same success rate as ivf but there are no chemicals and although it is expensive (500 pounds) it is cheaper than any other treatment. But I am hoping to see a gynecologist this month so I´ll see what they think. The last one I saw after my mmc was so useless I´m hoping this one has a better idea of what is what, she has been recommended to me by a student who is a nurse so i feel hopeful.
Sarah I´ll be stalking this thread and I hope it works for you. Baby dust and successful baby dancing to everyone and hopefully you won´t need anything else!

 

[sarahincanada]

I think I will try to the duo fertility monitor before clomid. It has the same success rate as ivf but there are no chemicals and although it is expensive (500 pounds) it is cheaper than any other treatment.

I had to look it up as I didnt know what it is. I think their claim that "In a study of 99 patients who qualified for IVF treatment, just 6 months using DuoFertility was shown to be equally effective as a cycle of IVF." is a little far fetched....people going for IVF obviously have had problems conceiving and so theres a lowish success rate. People using the monitor would have probably gotten pregnant with or without it. It seems to just be similar to temping and ov tests....are you sure you need it? or similar to the clearblue fertility monitor. Perhaps theres more to it...let me know!

 

[sarahincanada]

ok so my journey begins!!

Tomorrow (Thurs June 9) Im going for day 3 blood tests and ultrasound, and picking up my clomid prescription and I will have a chance to talk to the nurse more about clomid and the cycle in general.

I will update after my appointment for anyone interested

 

[Natsby]

I think I will try to the duo fertility monitor before clomid. It has the same success rate as ivf but there are no chemicals and although it is expensive (500 pounds) it is cheaper than any other treatment.

I had to look it up as I didnt know what it is. I think their claim that "In a study of 99 patients who qualified for IVF treatment, just 6 months using DuoFertility was shown to be equally effective as a cycle of IVF." is a little far fetched....people going for IVF obviously have had problems conceiving and so theres a lowish success rate. People using the monitor would have probably gotten pregnant with or without it. It seems to just be similar to temping and ov tests....are you sure you need it? or similar to the clearblue fertility monitor. Perhaps theres more to it...let me know!

My friend in the UK uses one and has found it helpful because they track all the information and contact you with advice. She has slight pcos and has spent 3 years trying without explanation as to why it isn´t working. They have spotted that her hormone levels drop too early after OV and that is why although she may be conceiving she doesn´t manage implantation. Her doctors wouldn´t have known that as they don´t test everyday. that is why the success rate is high as they have all the information and a team of experts tracking it. But maybe your right, maybe I shouldn´t believe the reviews. At least if it doesn´t work you get your money back, unlike IVF. Who knows what is the best path to take, I´m reluctant to try any drug therapy yet but I´ll see what the doctor says when I finally get t see her.

 

[velo]

I got my period today and Im driving home, realize I have a pretty easy month this month with work and really feel like doing something proactive about the TTC thing. We had a marathon of sex this month and it didnt work! so I just caved and phoned the FS office today to book my clomid w/monitoring! you leave a message and they call you back.

Sorry the got you this month, I was stalking your chart and really hoping it was going to be your month. Hope the clomid helps! Will they start off with a conservative dose? (so hope you don't have too many nasty effects!)

 

[sarahincanada]

I got my period today and Im driving home, realize I have a pretty easy month this month with work and really feel like doing something proactive about the TTC thing. We had a marathon of sex this month and it didnt work! so I just caved and phoned the FS office today to book my clomid w/monitoring! you leave a message and they call you back.

Sorry the got you this month, I was stalking your chart and really hoping it was going to be your month. Hope the clomid helps! Will they start off with a conservative dose? (so hope you don't have too many nasty effects!)

hi velo!
my chart was good and soooo much better than the previous month, perhaps the sperm and egg did fertilize but didnt implant. I think they start at 50mg but I will find out tomorrow. how are you doing?

 

[sarahincanada]

I went into the assisted conception folder on here and its a little overwhelming so I dont think I'll bother joining in as a lot of them are younger anyway. although it would be nice to talk to others on clomid, perhaps we will get some more people in this section having treatments. Its funny how there seems to not be too many people going for treatments in here...

 

[velo]

hi velo!
my chart was good and soooo much better than the previous month, perhaps the sperm and egg did fertilize but didnt implant. I think they start at 50mg but I will find out tomorrow. how are you doing?

Hi Sarah! It must feel really good just to be doing SOMETHING eh? I hate this waiting. I decided to not really care this month either way so I have been not as diligent with my diet and having the occasional glass of wine if I feel like it. Still taking my temps though as I want lots of info to give to my appt (still waiting until August, ugh)

I haven't had a big ovulation jump this month, the temps have just been creeping up a tiny bit each day, but FF still marked it.

As for the perhaps they did not implant - don't you wish there were tests you could know what is going on in your body at all times? Remind me did they ever do a transvaginal U/S to check your lining thickness?

Are you doing straight clomid this month or are you combining it with IUI?

 

[sarahincanada]

hi velo!
my chart was good and soooo much better than the previous month, perhaps the sperm and egg did fertilize but didnt implant. I think they start at 50mg but I will find out tomorrow. how are you doing?

Hi Sarah! It must feel really good just to be doing SOMETHING eh? I hate this waiting. I decided to not really care this month either way so I have been not as diligent with my diet and having the occasional glass of wine if I feel like it. Still taking my temps though as I want lots of info to give to my appt (still waiting until August, ugh)

I haven't had a big ovulation jump this month, the temps have just been creeping up a tiny bit each day, but FF still marked it.

As for the perhaps they did not implant - don't you wish there were tests you could know what is going on in your body at all times? Remind me did they ever do a transvaginal U/S to check your lining thickness?

Are you doing straight clomid this month or are you combining it with IUI?

haha, Ive read quite a few people on here getting BFPS when having a break and DRUNK!!! perhaps I should take up drinking oooh hope you ovulated, I will stalk you for the next few weeks and august is not far away

I do wish we could know more, its so frustrating to do everything then nothing happens. I just assume that we only pop out a good egg certain months, and those months all the rest has to come together too (sperm be in the tubes, lining thick enough etc etc.). So now wonder it takes time!

I have not had my lining tested but I think they may do it this month during the monitoring. Im excited to have tests and ultrasounds, definitely more interesting! only because the tests are not painful ones lol.

Im doing straight clomid with monitoring for a couple of months (I mention the monitoring as a lot of people seem to just get a prescription and take at home). then I will probably try IUI in September or October. I figure if Im already taking clomid might as well step it up and have even more chance.

 

[GMATP 2011]

Hello Sarahincanada, I agree, assisted conception forum is overwhelming! I go there, but I really just want to see over 35 assisted conception, so glad to see a few others in here seeking treatment and I am not alone. I am in the tww after my second iui with chlomid, fallistim, ovidril estrogen, and progesterone, first iui was the same minus fallistim. It was amazing to see the ultrasounds every step of the way! Round one, only one follicle. Round two, at least 4! Fx'd! After insemination, needless to say, very crampy! Wishing you the best as you start chloride!

Ps - spelling of all the drugs, questionable......but you get the idea...