What else can I do?

[Steph F]

My name is Steph, I am 26 and have been told that the only way we can concieve is if we have IVF.

I went to my doc a year ago as we had been trying for 6-8 months and nothing had happened. He suggested blood tests, which showed that I had a low Progesterone level. After trying Clomid for a number of months I still didn't fall pg.

He referred me to a specialist, and after more blood tests was told that our only hope was IVF. I tried to get a 2nd opinion from my mothers gynae to see if he would examine me to see if there were any other problems, but he told us that they don't do that anymore - all tests are done through blood tests. Can this be true? Can they really tell that everything is hunky dory by meer blood tests? In my heart, this doesn't feel right. I feel as if we are being fobbed off and being made to feel that the only way is to pay the mega-bucks IVF costs.

I mean, I don't mind paying, but after reading through the pack the hospital sent us it scares me. So much can go wrong!

Does anyone know of any other solution? (I don't mind suggestions of faith healers, or supernatural stuff like that - I'll try anything!!!)

Thanx

[Dagny]

Hello Steph

Firstly don't get too down on the IVF front. It is a rollercoaster but we all have got through it one way or another. It is really hard to accept at first when you are told it is your only option but us girls on this site will try to help you. You should really post on the General Forum as that's where all the others going through or starting IVF mainly post.

Has your partner/husband's sperm been tested?

Also another test they could do is the lap and dye test where they squirt a dye into your cervix and into your tubes and x-ray you to see if your tubes are damaged or blocked. It is a bit uncomfortable like period pains but worth it. Both my tubes were wrecked after an appendectomy 10 years before and I had no idea. I had them both removed and 3 IVF/ICSI later I am now 17 weeks pregnant. There is light at the end of the tunnel you just have to be positive and believe in yourself.

You say that your progesterone levels are low and Clomid hasn't helped so I think the next thing is the dye test. There could be more than one thing preventing you from conceiving. I know that sounds harsh but once all the avenues have been looked at you can start to move forward. Other girls will give you more advice on this site as we are all different and have different things wrong. I am sure that just having blood tests can not determine everything that is wrong. You are still fairly young too.

I really do wish you lots of luck with your treatment and will be here for any other advice you may need. If you look on the 'pregnant after treatment' forum you will see that IVF is successful for many of us.

Keep positive love Dagny x

[bubblymichelle]

I would also like to echo what Dagny says to be honest, when the gp says IVF etc.... your mind goes blank, why me? you think, has your DH been tested on his sperm?
I was also put on Clomid for 6 months and it didn't work for me, I had a laparscopy (sorry spelt wrong) and they found I had endometrious and also my DH had sperm test done and it showed he had low sperm count. We was put forward for ICSI and it worked for us. I would say to come and join girls over on the General board because others are going through exactly what your going through and then perhaps once you start speaking to us all you won't be so scared of IVF etc.. we are all here for each other and don't feel you have to face things alone, come and join us.
Love
Shell.
38wks pg
xx

[Steph F]

Thanx for the encouragement.

The doc said that my husband's sperm were not normal, and that my blood tests showed that I don't have PCOS, even though I've been told by at least 2 docs that I do have it - I'm confused.

My mum says that we should give ourselves a little more time b4 we go for the IVF, but I don't know how long - 6 months? longer?

If you have any ideas I would be grateful

xx

[Dagny]

Hello again

If your husband has abnormal sperm that might be a reason you are not falling PG. An egg may fertilise but not develop because of the abnormal sperm so reducing your chance of progressing. I expect if you had treatment they will do ICSI.

You could wait 6 months as you are still young but have you checked weather you have to pay for treatment or will your health authority help you out. Will you be taking the Clomid still?

I would find out what financial help you are entitled to while you wait if you do wait. I got 2 treatments on the NHS and we paid for our 3rd when it worked - always the way

I was told I possibly had PCOS because I got OHSS really badly and then found out I didn't so proper tests would be beneficial too.

Good luck and keep us infomed.

Love Dagny x

[glo]

Hi,

Just wanted to let you know that at the age of 23 I pushed and pushed for tests I was always fobbed off at the start because of my age and was told to let things happen, I was 23/24 and wanted to start a family!!, I stopped the pill and nothing happened so after 6 months I sought help, keep going to your GP! get them to refere you to the relevent specialists and dont give up, I pestered until I had a lap and dye, which revealed 1 blocked tube and altough not serious to prevent me concieving It confirmed my initial thoughts that something was wrong! in my eyes if I had left it it may have gotten worse!! I had 1 cycle of clomid after my lap and dye and fell pregnant. Here I am again coming up to 31 and trying for baby no 2!! I have since had another lap and dye, several IUI, and several cycles of clomid and 2 IVF cycles!! so dont hang on, yes you are young but you have every right to persue this you have ever right to the relevent tests age is just a number!! you are ready to start a family no one has the right to stand in your way.

I wish you lots of luck.

Take care Gloxx