Unable to become pregnant

[sykes]

My wife Kyla and I are trying to understand why we're not able to get pregnant. None of the normal causes of infertility seem to apply in our case.

We started trying for a baby in 2004, at which time I was 29 years old and Kyla 28. A few months later Kyla became pregnant but the first ultrasound showed it to be an ectopic pregnancy. Thankfully no surgery was necessary since it was caught early and methotrexate was used instead. We were advised not to try for a while, so we waited about six months before trying again. The following year Kyla became pregnant but again it was an ectopic. So again we waited a few cycles. Unfortunately since then we have not been able to get pregnant at all.

We consulted an OBGYN doctor who ran some tests. The semen analysis and count were fine. A HSG dye test of the fallopian tubes showed no blockages. And ovulation was fine with both ovaries producing eggs. No PID or Endometriosis. Kyla does have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) but is not obese and there has never been any issues producing eggs.

So we cannot understand why we're unable to get pregnant at all now. In the last couple of years we even tried five cycles of IUI, but the results were negative every time.

We're now seriously considering IVF but before starting this procedure we just want to understand what could be the reasons why we've not been able to get pregnant at all.

Any information you can provide will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
John

[jenice]

Sykes, you may want to ask GHOST who is on this site to answer you may have. I also had 2 ectopic pregnancies then had a child.Only problems mild endo, but I think I may have ovulation problem.Might be borderline for PCOS RE feels no real use in doing further testing cause we have been doin IVF x 3.2 cycles cancelled one failed.IVF bypasses ovulation and tubal problems.Will be doin FET soon. Good luck hope this was helpful

[not hopeless yet]

Hi John-

I feel your pain and confusion... my husband and I also started trying in our late 20's and after 5 IUIs and 2 IVFs we still have nothing to show for it. Husband's SA is normal, my dye test, uterus, and hormone levels are normal. For the IVFs we had 10 & 11 eggs retreived and 50-80% fertilization rate. It's so frustrating not knowing why one just won't stick...

If you can afford IVF I say go for it... I"m the biggest baby when it comes to all things medical but the procedure isn't as bad as I thought it would be. We're on our 3rd and final round of IVF and I dislike taking 3 shots per day, mood swings, sore ovaries... but for IVF itself I'm under anesthesia for 20min or less, I'm a little bleedy and sore for 2 days, then we do transfer which is basically like an IUI.

I wish you both the best and if you have any questions or want to vent any more, I'm here.
Brenda

[to_have_fun08]

John - There could be other underlying issues that can't be seen without doing lots of test or going through IVF to see what the egg quality is. You wife is young so that is a plus. Has she been tested for insulin resistance. I know a lot of PCOS patients are insulin resistance. If so this could be playing havoc on her eggs. With insulin resistance the pituitary gland (something like that) doesn't respond correctly. The ovaries become more of a testosterone environment then and estrogen environment and that is bad for egg quality. Just something else you might check. My OB said that she has seen lots of PCOS patients go on Metromin (diabetic drug for IR) and after a few months they end up getting pregnant.

Good Luck!!

[angellawise]

John,
I saw that your post was a bit dated, BUT if this is still an issue...I'd like to let you know that there is a premium, cost effective way to handle your IVF issues. I know of a group of doctors in Costa Rica that are working on the most innovative techniques in IVF for thousands of dollars less than in the U.S. The medical group is World accredited, english speaking, and educated in some of the most prestigious schools in the nation! The best part is that you can have your treatments in the calming environment of a tropical paradise. Airfare, accomodations and the treatment is all covered under a flat rate that is STILL cheaper than just having the treatment in a U.S. based facility. An escort (ie: partner, parent, or friend) is covered too! You will receive 5 star hotel service from the staff from beginning to end. Your doctor is also included on any treatment options so you can return knowing you are taken care of every step of the way. Financing available as well as working with your insurance to ensure the best coverage possible. I thought this would be helpful information for anyone who may want/need it. Let me know if you are interested in knowing more and we can converse personally or exchange emails.
Angella G.

[woodyanita]

Hi,
I hope your fertility issue is resolved. But if you are still on the same path i would like you to have the second opinion from the doctors . They are fertility experts with wide experience worldwide.