New to IVF - what to expect

Posted by Foolonahill (354 days ago)

Hi, We have been TTC for almost 3 years. Have had one IUI, and two natural tries with wife on injectibles & clomid (were not in town for IUI on those 2 ocassions).

Now we have been told to call the Sanatorium Hospital tomorrow for an appointment at the IVF centre.

Our OB is Dr Jenny Ng.

I have no idea what to expect now. Wife had 1st day of period y'day.

Anyone able to go through the expected procedure for me. Timeline, costs, pain for wife etc.

Thanks very much for any help/advice offered.

Cheers

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by Havefaith (354 days ago)

I did an IVF at the Sanatorium with Dr. Ho in April/May. On day 3, your wife will go in for blood test to check her FSH - to see how well her ovaries will react to the meds. If it is a low FSH count (that's good) the docs will go ahead with the meds - everyday they will give your wife an injectible - similar to what she had for her IUI with injectibles cycle - except with more meds to stimulate more eggs production. Every other day or so - the doc will do a scan to see if the dosage needs to be increased or reduced. Then just before ovulation - your wife will need to go into the hospital for the egg retrieval procedure - she will be under general - so no pain. At the same time, they will ask you to give them some of your sperms. After the sperms have been washed, the lab will fertilise the eggs with your sperms - and then the waiting start. Depending on the quality of the embryo and the no. that you have - it may be a Day 3 or Day 5 transfer. On that day, your wife will go into the hospital and the doc will transfer the embryos.

The hospital charges around HK$60K for the egg retrieval and embryo transfer.

Good luck!

HF

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (354 days ago)

Thank you Havefaith. Sounds like hard work. I had no idea the woman needs to have a general for the egg retrieval. My wife has two wonderful children (10 & 12) from a previous marriage & it is emotionally dificult as we now both have to acknowledge that we are getting old. Initially we were told my sperm are lazy, but now it seem it is slow swimmers & old eggs.

Thanks again for the information. I will be prating we are lucky & it works.

btw - how did you go with your April/May IVF?

Cheers
foth

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Havefaith (354 days ago)

Foth,

It was a failed attempt for us - Doc put back 3 embryos. I am not quite ready to go back to another IVF.

Good luck and lots of baby dust to you and your wife.
HF

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (354 days ago)

sorry to hear about that Havefaith. I hope things go well when you atre ready to try again.

Thanks again for your help. It is scary, and at HK$70k (so people are telling me) a month it seems like the funds can be drained VERY quickly.

All the best
foah

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Havefaith (354 days ago)

A friend of mine got pregnant on her 10th IUI - her hubby also had low sperm count.

The other option that you can consider may be - to consolidate two samples of sperms. You could freeze the first patch (say, 4 days or more before your wife ovulates) and then on the day she does ovulate - you can deposit another specimen. You can combine the two samples - and increase the sperm count. It will cost another HK$3,000 for freezing the sperms - but IUI is just alot less invasive.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (354 days ago)

Hi Havefaith. I have never heard of this option. To tell you the truth our OB doesn't really tell us much. There are always at least 20 people in the waiting room & conversation never lasts more than 2 minutes. We walk in, she does a scan, injects & tells the wife to come back in 2 days etc. Never explains anything or tells us more than the basics. Is also our fault as we see how busy she is.

I guess we feel that if she thought we had a good chance at IUI then she would tell us, but it seems she feels we have "Very little chance" of success. And I have to admit, she would know more than my wife & I about these things. Also, as I am 41 & the wife is 39 she feels we shouldn't waste any more time, especially since we have TTC for almost 3 years.

Honestly, I go the feeling from the start that she went along with the IUI/clomid thing just to give us a chance to come to terms with the eventual need for IVF. It seemed all along that she knew IUI would not work.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Havefaith (354 days ago)

The problem with going thru IVF - is the stress level. Our infertility is not because of low sperm count - hubby has a very HIGH sperm count. I am also 39. I got pregnant last month (and then a few days later lost it) from IUI (without meds). I also got pregnant last year naturally - again ended with a m/c.

On the other hand, I did not get pregnant with IVF. You are right the success rate with IVF is higher than IVF. Having said that, there is no guarantee. In my case, I think mentally I handled the IVF procedure OK - but I dont think my body did that well.

IUI with clomid - is not recommended by some doctors because it results in thinner uterus wall. My friend did the first 9 IUIs with clomid and then switched to IUI with Gonal F before getting pregnant.

I have not tried the option of combining the two specimen myself. My hubby travels alot and so we had some of his specimen frozen 2 months ago - However, he ended up being here for the IUI so we just used a fresh sample - but doc asked us if we wanted to combine the two. Hubby's sperm count in his fresh specimen was high - so doc ended up suggesting against it - because we did not need 400m sperms.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by buz (354 days ago)

Hi Foolonahill, I think most docs will try IUI first as it's less invasive and obviously much cheaper than IVF. I bought a book by Zita West in Hong Kong called Fertility and Conception. I found it quite good in understanding IVF. I had 3 cycles of IUI before moving onto IVF. I'm also just 39 :-)
If your OB is not explaining things or spending enough time with you, I would change your OB. IVF is an emotional journey, it's important that you and your wife feel comfortable with your OB.
Good luck with it all.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (353 days ago)

Thanks again Havefaith, and thanks for your comments/thoughts buz. We will speak to the IVF centre at Sanatorium today and see ow that goes. Will keep you posted.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Havefaith (353 days ago)

Let us know if you have any questions after your visit to the center. One thing I would like to mention, in addition to the hospital charges of about HK$60K you will also have to pay for drugs and scans - it will be close to HK$80K for all that together.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (353 days ago)

Thanks HF. I do have one more question.

If the 1st IVF attempt doesn't work, is each month another HK$80k, or is the initial one covering most of the expense?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Havefaith (353 days ago)

If your wife has quite a few eggs at the time of egg retrieval, then there will likely be embryos that will be fertilised without being transferred. These embryos will be frozen in case the ones that have been transferred do not implant.

There is a cost for freezing the embryos and FET (frozen embryo transfer) which will be much cheaper. I think the cost of FET will be about HK$10K. Please check with the center.

I did not have any embryos left after the April IVF, so the next time we try it will be a fresh IVF cycle - and it will cost us HK$80K.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (353 days ago)

Thanks again HF. I will keep my fingers crossed for an abundant supply of nice eggs then.

All the best.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Havefaith (353 days ago)

Please excuse the typo in my last reply. I sometimes press reply a little too soon - did not mean to say "your wives have" - I have changed it now. Sorry - and best of luck with your appointment with the center.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (353 days ago)

HF, didn't even notice so no probs. Wife is at her OB now to see the results of the blood test taken on Saturday (1st day of period). She will be asking for more info now, and I will go to the IVF centre with her.

Cheers

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Havefaith (353 days ago)

Remember to give her tons and tons of support. It is a stressful exercise - and when you fail to get pregnant (after spending so much money) - the stress level is even higher. My husband purposedly schedule to be in Hong Kong for the 2 weeks when I did it. He was very supportive.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (353 days ago)

understood. Trust me, my biggest job in the coming months is making sure she feels loved, cared for & supported

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Havefaith (353 days ago)

Good on you! Good luck and lots of babydust to you and your wife!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (353 days ago)

Havefaith - I just spoke to the wife. She has to go to the OB every day now for the next 10 days for an injection in her tummy. We are seeing the Sanatorium IVF centre next Monday. Am not sure what the 10 injections are, but assume to produce lots of eggs?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Havefaith (353 days ago)

Yes - to stimulate the production of more eggs. What was her FSH level?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (353 days ago)

not sure HF. She just said it was 'within range, everything is normal" and asked if we wanted to start today. Also , have to go back daily for infections for 10 days. cost is HK$1,700 per visit for that. Seem right to you?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Havefaith (353 days ago)

That seems OK. Gonal F cost about HK$5,000 for each bottle - I think I went thru about two and a half bottles for my IVF. If your wife needs scans and blood tests during the next 10 days, do you pay extra? If not, then HK$1,700 per visit is a good deal.

Did the doc say anything about monitoring during the next 10 days? I think that is quite important because if they think the level of drugs is insufficient/too much they will increase/reduce.

You may still want to ask about the FSH level. 15 is the cut off for most doctors on whether to proceed with IVF/IUI - so if your wife's count is at close to 15 - you may want to wait another month before starting the treatments. On the other hand, if your wife's count is 6, it is a good indication that her ovaries will respond well to the treatment.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (353 days ago)

Thanks HF. Your knowledge is fantastic, and much appreciated.

My wife didn't get the exact reading, but I will ask her to get it tomorrow.

I am not sure if the HK$1700 covers monitoring etc. I just know that is what she charged today, so assume each day will be the same.

Thanks again

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Havefaith (353 days ago)

I am afraid I can only inform you based on my own experience.

I once told dh that I will like to dedicate some of my time to helping others get pregnant once we get there ourselves. We have wasted about one year on a bad doc. Of course, it will be more convincing once we have been there - however, in the meantime, I would like to share whatever knowledge/information I have.

Happy to be of help.

HF

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (352 days ago)

HF, Just got the results from the OB.

Am not sure if names/spelling are correct, so forgive me.

FSH 12.5
Lutinizine 7.9
Estrogen 18.2

I will have a look on Google to see if I can figure out what this means

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Kikidee (352 days ago)

Hi - just to comment on what was said earlier - a general isn't compulsory for egg retrieval and these days I think it's often done without a general. I've been offered morphine (combined with something else I think.... can't quite remember) but I'm not going to the Sanatorium so perhaps they only do it with a general there.

Foolonahill - what your OB has told you so far seems to correlate with what I'm hearing from my doc so I think we should both feel reassured by that. we've a similar problem re. sperm count/motility/morphology... and the doctor said that if we want to stand a good chance of success IVF is the way forward... but this doesn't mean to say that there's no chance of IUI ever working. You can only say there's no chance if there's no motile, normal sperm whatsoever. With most people it's just a question of looking at what the chances are and making decisions accordingly. People often stick with IUI because it's less invasive and less costly and it does increase chances of achieving pregnancy... even in cases such as ours where the sperm quality is not good.

So it's not simply a case of your OB going along with IUI knowing it wouldn't work. it's a case of weighing up the chances of success on the one hand with cost and greater medical intervention on the other.

Good luck and let us know how you get on!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Havefaith (352 days ago)

Foah,

I am not sure what the other two counts are - so I will not comment on their level.

As for FSH, it seems OK (under 15 is OK). However, not great - which means the ovaries' response will be OK - but not great. To put things into perspectives for you, in Feb 07, I was going to do IVF but my FSH was 14 - and Dr. Ho advised me against doing it that month.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (352 days ago)

kikidee,

thank you for your comments. I hope that the wife doesn't have to go through a general. I feel terrible that she has to go through this at all.

Will be heading to the Sanatorium on Monday so will get all the details then.

i hope you are going well in your qwest!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (352 days ago)

HF, thanks for the details. I couldn't find much on a Google search. My wife is 39, would that affect the number?

Cheers

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Havefaith (352 days ago)

FSH fluctuates from month to month. I am also 39. What it means is for a 39 year old to have FSH level at 12 would be worst than if the same person had FSH level at 7. That's all I know. Having said that, it is only one count - I know someone who had FSH of about 20 for a year - and decided to do IVF because she was 42. She ended up with only one egg and now she is a happy mother.

As we get older, our FSH level will climb up.

HF

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (352 days ago)

Thanks HF. Will let you know of any new developments.

All the best!!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (350 days ago)

Hey HF - i asked the wife to check with our OB today on her thoughts with the high FSH level (12.5). Seems the previous months report was quoted. This month (taken on 1st day of period) is 7 for FSH. That sounds better, based on your previous comments!!!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Havefaith (350 days ago)

That's great. A lower FSH is always going to be better than a higher FSH.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (348 days ago)

HF, went to the OB again today and wasn't good news. The hormone reading came in at 283 (maybe estrogil? and the Dr said it should be over 1000 at this stage to go ahead with IVF. The scan showed up 2 eggs. One was 1.3 & the other 'small'. She has advised we skip IVF this cycle & just try IUI.

Is hard to get details out of the doc, but she indicated the wifes 'reserves' may be low due to age. I think she is indicating her eggs are running out.

Am starting to feel there will be no children coming at this rate. Am not interested in egg donation as I already have 2 step children.

A bit sad, but will let you know.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Havefaith (348 days ago)

Foolonahill,

I am so sorry to hear. I think it is the estrogen count. I dont remember having a blood test - but the scan would give the doc a good indication of how well your wife is responding to the meds.

If your doc asked you to abandon the cycle, then it is probably best that you do. I am so sorry! Dont lose faith - remember the woman who had one egg that ended up being a happy mother now.

It seems your doc is not good at communicating details to you. Would you consider switching doctor next month if your wife goes for IVF at that time.

One good thing about going thru IUI is that it is less stressful for your wife and you can do a couple of them in a row - whereas once your wife has done one IVF (even if she was up to it) docs would ask her to wait at least one month before doing anything else.

Do keep on being positve and have faith!

HF

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Kikidee (346 days ago)

Foolonahill - I'm so sorry to hear this. I've been following your threads and was really hoping for it to work out this time. If you are interested in getting a second opinion (or even just to get opportunity to discuss the results of all the tests you've had so far with someone who will give you a bit more of their time) I can highly recommend Dr Derek Lo in Pacific House. He has a good bedside manner but he also tells you how it is. In terms of deciding what your next steps should be, his advice could be very useful.

I agree completely with Havefaith.... although I know it's really hard to feel positive when things like this happen. However, the good news is that there are eggs so achieving pregancy IS possible.... and your OB would not be suggesting IUI if there was absolutely no chance of success.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (346 days ago)

Thanks Kikidee. We are going back tomorrow for another injection & the OB will check her again. Sounds like IUI will go ahead this month, and then we will speak to another Dr (maybe Dr Lo) before deciding on any other action.

Your thoughts/advice are much appreciated.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by buz (346 days ago)

Hi Foolonahill, sorry to hear the bad news. Wishing u well for the IUI.
Can I ask what drug and dosage your wife was given for the stimulation drugs. My FSH is around 6.5-7.5 but I don't respond well to the drugs. I was given a high dosage of Gonal F 450ml.
Fertility treatment is stressful and expensive. Please try and get the best doc for the job. I wasted over a year and a lot of money with the wrong doctor! I eventually went with Dr. Ho who I found very honest. I've also heard good things about Dr. Lo also.
Best of luck to you and your wife.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Havefaith (346 days ago)

Foolonahill,

Let us know how your appt go. Good luck!

HF

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (346 days ago)

buz, am not sure exactly what drug it was. She injected into her tummy every day. Was 600ml, but on Saturday reduced to 400 as now going for IUI.

Will see how we go this month, may then have a rest & speak to Ho or Lo in a month or 2

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Havefaith (345 days ago)

Foolonhill,

I dont know if I have mentioned this to you before. I was going to do IVF in Feb/March but my FSH was 14 so we ended up doing IUI (with meds) instead.

Dont lose faith!
HF

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (345 days ago)

Hi HF, yes you did mention that, and that prompted me to check our results with the OB. The wife just went to the OB again today & had another injection. This time an even higher dose. She goes back on Thursday & the OB expects I will have to get involved (IUI) on Saturday.

Thanks again for all your support!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Havefaith (345 days ago)

Foolonahill,

After my IUI, the doc suggested no swimining, no baths (just showers), and sex that night. The whole procedure is not bad - ask the OB if there is someone right after your wife on Sat. I always try to schedule so I have about half an hour of lying down. Funnily enough I lied still for an hour the two times I did not get pregnant but did get pregnant when I lied down for only half an hour.

Best of luck!

HF

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (345 days ago)

haha, HF, we did do IUI once before. OB never mentioned anything about lying down, no swimming etc. Lasst month we were supposed to do IUI, but we arranged a surfing trip to Bali. As the wife had taken all the meds we tried to time, and used the predictor kits that can detect the hormone surge. We went at it like rabbits, but then jumped into the surf for 4 hours each day afterwards. Maybe that is why it didn't work!?!?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Havefaith (342 days ago)

Foolonahill,

How is it working out for your wife?

Lots of baby dust to you both!

HF

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (342 days ago)

Hi HF,

The OB gave her a injection to bring on ovulation y'day, at about 11am. Sais she should ovulate last night. I am dropping off my contribution at lunchtime today & IUI will be done at about 3pm. Also doing IUI tomorrow morning.

Timing seemed a bit strange to me, but we have to trust the OB.

Cheers

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Havefaith (342 days ago)

Foolanahill,

Good luck - just remember to try to "capture" all of your contribution. The little guys at the begining are sometimes missed - and they are the live ones. The little guys at the end are dead.

HF

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (342 days ago)

Will keep it in mind. Thanks HF. A little difficult at work, but will do my best!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Kikidee (341 days ago)

I was told that ovulation takes place 37 hours after the injection... (I'm pretty sure Dr Lo said the timing of ovulation after the injection is quite precise) in which case the timing should be ok. Otherwise the timing does seem a bit strange because I think eggs only survive 12-24 hours after ovulation.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (341 days ago)

Hi Kikidee. We went in y'day for IUI at about 3pm. Post wash numbers were good. Today went in for another one, post wash numbewrs good again. OB said y'day was pre ovul, and today post - so sounds like you may be right about the time for ovulation after injection. All fingers/toes/eyes crossed now.

Will let you know in about 10 days. Thanks again for support, Kikidee & HF

Have a good weekend

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Havefaith (341 days ago)

Foolonhill,

That's sounds good. Just remember not baths, no swimming - and just ask your wife to relax for the next 2 weeks.

Take care and lots of babydust to you!

HF

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Kikidee (340 days ago)

Well that's certainly good news! I'll be keeping everything crossed for you too.

Have you been doing anything different recently to boost your numbers? Am intrigued... especially seeing as my DH's morphology is stubbornly sitting at 3-4% (on Kruger standard).

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (340 days ago)

Kikidee,

My motility numbers are still no good, but as the total number are up at about 85mln per ml I am getting good post wash numbers. I thin post wash was about 87% rapid motility with 20mln numbers.

Not sure why the total number has come up. I did stop social smoking about 3 months ago (once a week). And also drink only red wine now, no beer (not sure if makes any difference for this). I was taking Fertileaid vitamins (buy on internet) but stopped that about 3 months ago. I feel maybe those vitamins helped the numbers, and the OB did say they can help.

I wish I could get my motility up, and don't know why no good. I had varicocele surgery early last year as my total was only about 13mln, but a test 3 months later didn't show a great improvement. All I can really suggest is NO smoking, let them breath & if sitting at a desk all day (like me) get up and have a stretch every now & then. I find that having the boys squashed inbetween the legs when sitting all day makes them VERY warm.

Just FYI, my prewash motility was 68% static, not sure what that would be on the Kruger standard you mention.

All the best.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by manman88 (330 days ago)

Hi Foolonahill,

Hope all goes well with your IUI.

I went for my IUI session around same day as you did ( judge by the date of your posting) and am also eargerly waiting for the blood test next week.

I feel like I need to response to your earlier post because I personally dislike doctors that do not give enough time to patients like us. I am fortunate enough to find a very good doctor - Dr. William So ( Premier Medical Centre), who is very knowledgable,very experience and very caring for patients. Everytime I went to see him, he will answer every single question I have before I leave. Yes, there are always long waiting time but I really think every session is worth waiting for. I went for my first IUI session with him about 2 yrs ago ( when I was 38)and with his help, I have a beautiful baby daughter from my first IUI session.

I can understand the stress you feel especially with all the preparation work we women have to go through ( and not to say the money spent) before we know the result. Anyway, best of luck to you ( and to us :p) again

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (329 days ago)

manman88 - thank you for your post. I wish you good luck this time around, and congratulations on your success the 1st time around.

We did IUI 12 days ago, and did a home pregnancy test last night, which unfortunately showed a negative. Can I ask why you are having a blood test next week? Shouldn't a home pregnancy test show results by day 12?

Thanks again for your words.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by manman88 (329 days ago)

From what I understand, home pregnancy test kit tries to detect the level of a kind of pregnancy hormone ( sorry I forgot its name), which sometimes at very early stage of pregnancy, is difficult to detect. Therefore blood test will give a more accurate result. Also I think you may want to test again later as day 12 is really a bit too early to tell. Like last time, I am going for my blood test on the 16th day after the IUI. Let's both keep our finger cross :p

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (329 days ago)

Thanks Manman88. I read on the internet that the new type of pregnancy tests can read from 6~11 days. And for IUI should be fine from day 8, as we know exactly when ovulated. Will keep fingers crossed though for all of us. Good luck!!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Havefaith (329 days ago)

Foolonahill,

I agree with Manman 88. The blood test and the urine test both test for the same pregnacy hormone (HCG Beta) but the former will show a positive sooner than the latter. In addition, please note that he more expensive the pregnancy test is the earlier you can test accurately. Clear Blue is usually a safe bet.

Good luck!

HF

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (329 days ago)

Hi HF, nice to hear from you. We used Clear Blu on day 11 (after 2nd IUI) so probably 12 days after Ovul. I am fairly confident then that the negative is a real negative. Also the wife is feeling no symptoms & am sure she would by now (going on past pregnancies 12 years ago.

I hope you are well.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by manman88 (329 days ago)

Hi Foolonahill,

Don't be dishearten yet unless your wife starts her menstrual bleeding, though it make sense to be prepared that we always have 50% chance to succeed and 50% chance that goes the other way.

Last time when I got pregnant I have no signs or symtoms at all so when I got the blood test result, I was so happy that I cried!

Anyway good luck to us all!

manman

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (328 days ago)

Thanks Manman, we did another test this morning, and again is a negative. Period is due tomorrow & is 13/14 days past ovulation now, so have to accept the facts.

Good luck to you for next week tho.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Havefaith (328 days ago)

Foolanahill,

Manman88 is right. Until your wife gets her period, it is not a negative. If pregnancy tests are all that accurate on the day the period is due, then it would not say "if negative and you have not got your period in 7 days test again."

Don't discount this cycle until your wife gets her period.

HF

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (328 days ago)

OK, thanks HF. Must admit it is hard to HF (hehe) at the moment as this could be our last try for a while. Got some bad financial news recently and I don't think we can afford the H$10k+ per month for this procedure again for at least 6 months :(

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (324 days ago)

Hi, the wife did a pregnancy test y'day (clear blue) and got a very faint line on the 'positive'. Seems weird as is 17 days past ovulation (seems late) and we tested 2 days earlier (was negative). Period still has not arrived. Will test again tomorrow. Fingers are crossed...

Manman88 - have you any news yet?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Leahred (324 days ago)

Dear Foolonahill

i am now 22 weeks pregnant (although not with IVF ). I did a few tests the day before and the day that my period was due and they were all neg - my pregnancy test only had a really faint line at 2 days after my period was due ( and I am usually very regular). Sometimes I think this is normal and I have read that a line however faint is likely to be positive ? try again in a few days to give the hormones chance to get stronger ;) good luck.

I think also some tests are better than others for different people - for some reasons the clearblue wasn't that good for me but the mannings own brand came up stronger.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by 788 (324 days ago)

FOAH,
You positive(however faint, today... I am sure would be strong tomorrow) has given me enormous hope. My husband just did a varicocele this June. Having read several opinions on the net... it was discouraging to hear that the success of the surgery is still out to jury. So you will be a success story! So glad to hear it. Will go to check on the little guys next week if things became better after the surgery. Still not sure how to improve the morphology though. It sat at 1% on the Kruger scale in May. Kikidee you should have more hope!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Havefaith (324 days ago)

Foolanhill,

Great news! A faint line is still a line. I am sure you will get a BFP tomorrow. If you want to be sure - you can do a blood test at the doctors office. They will give you the HCG level - no more guess work required.

Very Happy for you and your wife!

HF

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (322 days ago)

whoah there. Seems all is not positive. We are now very confused. My wife went to a OB yesterday (not the one who did IUI for us, as bvery expensive). The OB did a urine test & told her "you are not pregnant at the moment". Since ovulation was 19 days ago I have to feel very sure that the IUI did not work. Weird thing though is her P has not come yet & she feels very tired.

The OB said to be patient, when my wife suggested a blood test. Said to come back in a week if the P has not come.

What to do!?!?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Havefaith (322 days ago)

Foolanahill,

I would suggest a blood test. I am not sure if the urine test at the doctor's would have been that much more accurate than the urnine test you do at home.

If the OB is so sure - why did she ask your wife to come back for a blood test in a week's time. It sounds like the warning label on the home pregnancy tests.

If it is driving you crazy, then I would suggest a blood test - much more accuare.

Good luck!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by babybemine (322 days ago)

Foolonahill, I'm no expert but is your wife on progesterone suppositories? I had an IUI last week and have been on progesterone starting the evening after. I was told this could delay my next period if I am not PG. Also, I'm getting HCG booster shots which will impact when to test. Does anyone know?

I'm sorry you're going through this rollercoaster and hope it all works out soon.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (322 days ago)

Thanks HF & BBM,

y wife is stressed & extra stressed as I am asking her how she fels every 5 minutes. Have decidd to leave it a few more days as there is no point in stressing her out anymore.

I am not sure about progesterone suppositories, but she did have some suppositries for 8 days after the last IUI, to help her mucous.. Started with E, but can't remember name.

Will let you all know as soon we her P starts - am convinced will be within a day or 2

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Havefaith (322 days ago)

Foolanhill,

Babybemine is right the progestrone is supposed to delay her period. In addition, the Gonal-F or other meds that are used to stimulate extra egg production may also impact on the test result. I remember Kelly (of Dr. Ho's clinic) was telling me that a HCG Beta level of at least 50 is treated as being pregnant - if Gonal-F or other drugs have been given during the cycle.


Given how stressed your wife and you both are about this, I think it is best to leave it alone for a couple of days.

Take care!
HF

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (318 days ago)

Hi,

well ovulation was now 23 days ago, and still no period. Tried another HPT on Friday, but the control line didn't even show up, so looks like was a dud.

We are going back to the OB today & hopefully will find out. My wife says she 'sort of' feels nausious, but drinking soda water helps. Fingers are crossed that we find good news today/tomorrow. The fact that HCG still not strong enough to show on HPT does worry me though. I heard that low HCG can be an indicator of 'increased miscarraige risk'...

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (318 days ago)

Hi,

We got good news at lunchtime. My wife did a HPT just before seeing the OB, and got an immediate big fat positive. We showed the OB & she did a scan. the OB confirmed the pregnancy & we have a picture of the little sack sitting nicely where it should be. The wife was given more suppositories, a progesterone injection & a HCG injection. The Dr seemed happy with everything & we go back in 10 days for another lok.

Thanks for all support HF, and others. You have made the rollercoaster so much more bearable. I am just hoping we can carry this throughout the 1st 3 months so I can stop worrying.

Good luck to you all !! This has taught me never to give up. We were told last month that we may not even make it with IVF, and 3 weeks later conceived with IUI!!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Havefaith (318 days ago)

Foolonahill,

Great news! Congrats!

Good luck with the scan in 10 days! Lots of babydust to you and everyone out there!

HF

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by 788 (318 days ago)

Thats awesome! FOAH.... I forwarded your news to my husband who just got his varicocele done. Gives us hope!! CONGRATULATIONS- I have my fingers crossed for you for normal progression of pregnancy.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Kikidee (317 days ago)

Hee, hee - that's fantastic. Congratulations! ... and thank you so much for sharing your progress with us. I've just started injections for our first IVF with ICSI and your news has certainly help make me feel a lot more positive about the whole thing.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by peace-hk (317 days ago)

FOAH, congratulations! I've been following this thread (albeit silently) and share in your joy. Stay positive! And if you believe in a good and loving God (as I do), keep praying! He will take care of you and your growing family.

peace.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Lena HK (317 days ago)

This is great news, many congratulations to you and your wife!!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (317 days ago)

Thank you all for your kind words. I am suprised that others have followed the story so far on this thread. I hope that I will cont=inue to be able to share good news. To all those trying, never give up. At our darkest hour (to date) we gave up all hope, and that is when conception happened. With my wifes age I am sure we are not out of the woods yet, but every day we have, brings us closer to a healthy baby.

Baby dust to you all!!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Foolonahill (317 days ago)

Manman88 - have you got your results yet? I hope all is well for you

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by MayC (317 days ago)

Foolonahill, congrats. It gives the rest of us hope.

I've been reading your thread too but have not participated because I don't have experience with IVF/IUI.

Here's wishing you a healthy and smooth-sailing pregnancy!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by cd (316 days ago)

Foolonahill,
congratulations to you and your family. I hope everything goes well for you. I have also been following your story but have had no input, as I too don't have any experience with IVF. It sounds so stressful and hard what you've had to go through, and you've been very brave putting yout feelings down on this forum. Will keep my fingers crossed for you.

(I am based in Hong Kong)