Fertility Treatments

[aidensxmomma]

I have a question about what fertility treatments/tests are available. I'm trying to make a list.

My OH and I are very quickly approaching the 1-year mark of actively TTC (December 1st marks 1 year ) and we are starting to discuss what our next steps are going to be.

For a little history - I was diagnosed with endometriosis in October 2014. I did not get any surgery or treatment for it at the time. We started TTC December 2014. In June 2015, we started seeing a specialist because I have irregular cycles. Between June 2015 and August 2015 I was diagnosed with PCOS and hypothyroidism, along with a confirmation of my endometriosis diagnoses. I was put on a thyroid medication and metformin (although I've really struggled with taking the metformin because it makes me so sick). I did get pregnant at the end of August, but then had an early miscarriage at the beginning of September And I this point, I still haven't had the surgery for the endo because my doctor said that it can cause a cycle of surgeries since endo grows back and he's hesitant about starting that cycle while I'm so young (24).

So now we're looking at starting the next steps in our journey. Being who I am, I want to do as much research as possible so I can be well-informed and also feel a little bit in control. Plus, I want to discuss with OH what he is and isn't comfortable doing.

For my list, I'd like lists of:
* Medications
* Procedure/Surgeries
* Assisted Conception
* Any thing else that we can research/look into

Thank you so much ladies

 

[KatO79]

Hi aidensxmomma :wave:

I can tell you what I've been through. I'm now 36 and DH is 38, and we've been LTTTC #1 for a little over 2 years.

I've been through 6 IUIs, all with Puregon (FSH) and each time took Ovitrelle as my trigger shot except the one time I tried Pregnyl. All BFNs BTW.

I'm currently going through IVF #1 (I'm doing long protocol where you down regulate; in short protocol you don't). For my down regulation I was on daily injections of Suprefact (0.5 ml). For stimming I was on Bemfola Pens (FSH) (first 225 IU for 7 days then 300 IU for 6 days) plus a lower dose of Suprefact (0.2 ml) to prevent me Oing on my own. I'm triggering tonight with Ovitrelle. After ET I'll be using Crinone Gel.

I know that there's IUI and IVF plus ICSI (where they inject 1 in each egg).

Maybe you can ask your RE what treatments and medications he'd recommend in your case?

 

[1nceUponATime]

Im working on 16 months TTC. I've done 2 Clomid Cycles which failed, and I'm on my second Injectable cycle (Menopur with Ovidrel trigger). Our situation is unexplained, we are both fine except for the fact I do not ovulate and do not get periods...so its a little different than yours. Our insurance does pay so we are very lucky...If this doesn't work after 3 attempts, we will likely move on to IVF. A lot of people who's insurance does not pay usually go straight to IVF because the success rate is much higher.....In the US IVF could be anywhere from 10-15k , IUI at my clinic is already like 5k per cycle.

 

[cochy115]

We've been TTC for over 4 years and still no success With all our testing, we've determined that there is something up with my ovulation... just not sure what exactly though I do appear to ovulate every month and I have a clear thermal shift on BBT. We suspect the quality isn't great or that my eggs aren't properly released from the follicle (they stay "tethered"). We'll never know for sure.

In either case, here was my game plan after we were at 6 months with no success:

Phase 1 - start temping and learning as much as possible about my cycle (BBT, ov kits, etc)
Phase 2 - IUI recommended. 3 rounds with Clomid. Learned a lot more about reproductive medicine in general at this point. Changed doctors after I felt that Clomid was thinning out my lining too much. Thought my doctor wasn't listening to me or adjusting treatments based on my response. My next doctor agreed.
Phase 3 - IUI with Femara. Much better response. This doc put me on Estrogen patches and progesterone suppositories. 2 cycles were unsuccessful. Also combined this with Acupuncture (fertility specialist).
Phase 4 - Changed doctors again... #3. Tried IUI again with Femara as my new doc still thought it made the most sense. Responded ok, but no success. Did progesterone suppositories.
Phase 5 - IVF with ICSI. BFP but miscarried at 5 weeks. Stims used: Bravelle/Menopur. Only 7 follicles, 3 eggs retrieved and 2 embryos to transfer. None leftover to freeze.

Soooo, we're back to square 1. I'm seeking natural ways to boost my ovulation quality: goji berries, Vitex, etc. Switching up my exercise routine to not be as intense during ovulation and the 2WW. Not sure what we're going to do next...

Making Babies is a good book to read, by the way. Worth looking into if you haven't already.

Best of luck to you