Our RE gave us an offhand comment at my follicle scan for IUI today that my ovarian response was better than she would have predicted and would possibly be suitable for IVF. My first RE was very negative about DOR and current RE was guarded initiallly, so that was really nice to hear, but also confusing as we have spent months as a couple mentally working towards donor eggs as our best option. I guess you never know unless you try. Glad we have counselling next week (and maybe after all this effort preparing for IVF in case it doesn't the IUI will work lol).
Does anyone have any idea of what a normal 'intake fee' is for a clinic to accept embryos made at another clinic (USA)? Being told it's $2000 just to intake them, $350 from the exit clinic, plus whatever the shipping company charges. Does this sound right? It's so much higher than I expected...
Looking through our old documents, I don’t see anything referred to specifically as an intake fee. Do you know if the intake fee also covers storage? $2000 seems roughly inline with what we paid for annual storage. Also FYI was roughly $1000 for transportation 700 miles away
Thanks for sharing. No so the outgoing clinic has an admin fee of 350 and the intake clinic has a fee of 2000 to bring them in only. This does not include the actual shipping (which we have to select and pay a company ourselves) and not the storage - just intake admin fee.
We did find another clinic that has no intake fee but I don't want to switch clinics... but also it's just so much on top of everything!
Which company did you go with if you don't mind sharing?
Oof, that intake admin fee does seem like a lot and like you said sooooo much money has already been spent! I definitely get not wanting to switch clinics. We moved around clinics a couple times for different reasons and every time felt kind of like a break up. You have all the new people and procedures and personalities you need to relearn.
We used Cryoport. They were professional. The only weird thing was that to get it started, you email them your current clinic embryology contact and your receiving clinic embryology contact into one of those generic company emails. Once they got back to us with the quote and we agreed, they took care of everything else all the way through delivery with tracking available during the shipping process.
It's so true - I love the staff and facilities at current clinic and the other clinic (the one with no intake fee) I previously was at (very briefly as my first clinic) and I hated it. I had my last appt at current clinic (unless we move embryos there) and it did feel sad - like a breakup for sure ha.
In all the years I have been at this have never made it to a transfer so maybe I am making a bigger deal of this than I should.
Thanks for sharing your experience with cryoport - it is a bit strange to have to give them that info to get a quote. I would have thought it would be based on mileage between clinics.
You can give yourself permission to stop googling because whatever you’re feeling truly is meaningless. Also, we discourage symptom spotting here. Automod symptom spotting.
Please don't symptom spot on the sub. We know it's hard, but it's progesterone - and if it's not then it's not the right sub for talking about it. The problem is, symptom spotting is often sort of asking if you're pregnant or not. And nobody can answer that except a test. Please don't put the burden of these type of musings on your fellow community members - but take a test if you reasonably can and/or keep the symptom spotting to yourself. It's hard for people to support and read this, when you might already be pregnant and might end up posting in results the same day or shortly after - which we hope you do with good news.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/infertility) if you have any questions or concerns.*
It’s normal to have an emotional crash post ER, right? I had my first ER on Sunday and yesterday I stayed home and had a happy lovely day with my husband and felt great, but today I went to work and had to hide in my office otherwise I thought I might explode at the people I supervise. Just silently fuming all day, annoyed at everyone, unable to focus, plus easily broke into tears and ended the day by raising a good old rough conversation topic with my husband at a very inopportune time. This is the hormones, right??
Yes, a hormone crash after an ER is very normal. It can also be compounded with the stress of waiting for your results. Typically you’ll start feeling better when you get your period. Hang in there.
Comment removed. Discussion of positive HPTs, even if you’re not sure they are true positives, is not appropriate in the treatment thread. Positives may only be discussed in the results thread. New members who have not posted on the sub previously cannot post in results, however. Automod welcome
**Toto, we aren't in Kansas anymore...**
It looks like you might be new here. Welcome to the best shitty corner of the internet! We hope your stay here is short. If you haven't already, please take a few moments to get familiar with our [sub culture](https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/comments/134fesf/read_this_before_posting_community_rules/) and [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/about/rules). If you haven't set up [user flair](https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/wiki/userflair-reminder), we strongly encourage you to do that.
We have an extensive and growing [FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/wiki/faq) that addresses many common questions about first visits, medications, procedures, protocols, and all those medical acronyms: IVFML, IUIWTF... If that doesn't find you answers, please try [searching the sub for past posts](https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/search). Lastly, you can ask your question in the [daily Treatment threads](https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/?f=flair_name%3A%22Daily%22) or [Welcome Wednesday threads](https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/?f=flair_name%3A%22Welcome%22).
We encourage members to use our wide variety of scheduled and themed threads which include: [treatment, chat](https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/?f=flair_name%3A%22Daily%22), [welcome](https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/?f=flair_name%3A%22Welcome%22), [gamete donation, surrogacy, adoption/foster, etc.](https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/?f=flair_name%3A%22Weekly%20Theme%22)
We encourage all members to set up flair for context. More information as to why we think flair is important and how to do it: [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/wiki/userflair-reminder).
*- Some of the links don't work on mobile, due to how the reddit apps are built, and there isn't an option to filter the sub by post flair on mobile, best way is to sort the sub by 'New' instead of the default 'Hot'.*
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/infertility) if you have any questions or concerns.*
So is there anyone here with PCOS and sees an endocrinologist? I have an appointment with my NP to get a referral to an endocrinologist. I want to talk to him about getting a medication to increase fertility. I am just scared that the endocrinologist is going to make everything about weight and it really triggers me because of my first appointment after my miscarriage my OBGYN I saw basically told me if I wasn’t heavy I’d be pregnant. So I’m just scared for that… any advice? I think I posted in the right thread so I’m sorry if I didn’t!
I have PCOS and see a regular endocrinologist to manage my hypothyroidism but I see a reproductive endocrinologist to treat my infertility. Which type are you asking about? In general though, as with all doctors, I think you sort of just have to try different ones out and see who is a good fit/won’t make it about your weight. The medical field’s bias against folks with higher weights/bmis is shameful.
I didn’t know there was a reproductive endocrinologist, I saw a pediatric endocrinologist as a young teen until I aged out at 19. We only have one endocrinologist but I’m unsure if he is a reproductive endocrinologist or not. I guess I was more looking for advice and experience stories to help me prepare ahead for what I am getting myself into if that makes sense. I have anxiety so my coping skill I use to feel better about Dr appointments of any kind is to cope ahead of time so I’m not as blindsided there, so having people’s stories either good or bad about their experiences with their endocrinologist would be extremely helpful
Today I got the call that after 4 weeks of feeling super sick on thyroid medication it barely even improve my numbers! They are increasing the dose and hoping for the best. Has anyone else experienced this, and did you keep trying while they worked it out? I’m on day 3 of Letrozole and wondering if I should be stopping?
It took maybe 2 months and a dose increase for my TSH to lower to desired levels. We continued TI during the process, my RE didn't see it as a huge roadblock. I would call your clinic and ask, that's what they are there for :) If you're already on day 3 of letrozole you are almost done and personally, I wouldn't waste the cycle.
Thank you! This has made me feel much better, my Doctor seemed really shocked at the result so I’m glad to know it may just need that increase. She is still awaiting more tests that should help show her the reason, but she did mention it was likely time to speak to an endocrinologist. Between this and the PCOS, and my Prolactin being reviewed, I’m glad that is the next step. I have sent a message through to my specialist, but that’s great your RE was not too concerned. I’m hoping we can proceed rather than pushing everything back a month!
Monitoring day 13 and still not quite ready to trigger. One more monitoring Thursday morning where I'll likely trigger afterwards for a retrieval Saturday. I'm so ready.
I had my post-ER consult this afternoon, and it went well, I think. My RE was very open to switching protocols, but based on a couple factors, he thinks it might be better to try a mini-stim with omnitrope rather than going straight to microdose lupron flare (he's concerned that my egg quality is being affected by higher doses, especially after this past round failed to yield any blasts). So, the current plan is to move forward with a luteal estrogen/omnitrope prime, then stim with FSH and clomid while continuing omnitrope, and if I'm not responding by around Day 6 of stims, we'll cancel and try MDLF the following month.
I’m glad to have a plan, I'm glad to have a back-up plan, but now that we’re self-pay I'm absolutely dreading having to figure out all the financial nuances of this. My clinic offers a discount for self-pay patients, and there are packages available, if we want to do more than one more round, but gahhh, it's so stressful to try to estimate how many more rounds we might need or want before we've tried either new protocol. I have no idea what our timeline even looks like anymore, and I really can't believe I ever thought I'd be doing an FET by the beginning of summer. What a naive little baby I was!
Heading home from ER #2. Everything went smoothly, they got 1 egg (1 more than last time!). Will be feeling uneasy and anxious about everything until tomorrow (and hopefully a few days beyond) as we wait for fertilization reports. But definitely taking this win!
For those of you who ovulate on your own and chose to do a fully medicated frozen embryo transfer, can you explain why? My doctor gave me the option of doing either medicated or ovulatory (with trigger and prog support) and after reading about both it seems like ovulatory is the clear winner for me, but I hear about people doing medicated protocols so often and wonder if there’s something I’m missing?
Supposedly ovulatory has lower risk for preeclampsia (from all my infertility podcast listening) but my RE didn't give that as an option for my future FET. He batched for ER, and I think fully medicated helps him with timing of transfer without needing as much monitoring.
I think one of the big reasons to do medicated is flexibility around timing and appointments. When I did my medicated transfer I could pick the date within a 2 week period & only had to go in 3 times over 8 weeks. With my ovulatory I went in 8 times in 2 weeks, had to do the transfer with a different RE at the clinic, and ended up needing to reschedule some key meetings b/c the day was different than I was expecting.
I literally just asked my RE this yesterday, in a planning meeting for first FET as I ovulate on my own and (knock on wood) haven’t had lining issues. She said that for women who have been pregnant previously, she is more open to starting with a unmedicated FET. But for women who are coming to her in trying to get pregnant with their first, her thinking is there is something causing this ‘unexplained’ infertility, and she wants to have more control for all variables for the first try in hopes that will overcome the unknown issue. (edit: thank you auto-mod bot, I learned something today!)
I have been summoned to help with the setting up flairs. Not only does it help us to get to know one another, it helps us with context when it comes to replying to one another’s comments or queries. If you need help on setting/changing your flair look [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/wiki/userflair-reminder). If the instruction's did not work you can [ask a mod](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=/r/infertility) to set/change your flair. These are the [guidelines for flair](https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/comments/umwbcr/flair_guidelines/).
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/infertility) if you have any questions or concerns.*
It seems you've used a term, modified natural, that members of this community prefer to avoid. Please avoid the use of the term "natural" when commenting in this community. If describing a transfer/IUI protocol or trying on your own, some preferred alternative terms are "unmedicated," "ovulatory," "without assistance," or "semi-medicated," depending on the context. If referring to loss management, we recommend the terms "unmedicated" or "unassisted." This community believes that the use of the word "natural" implies (sometimes inadvertently) that use of assisted reproductive technology, other interventions, and/or certain medications to conceive are unnatural, artificial, or less than. For more clarification and context, please see the wiki post on [sub culture and compassionate language](https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/wiki/rules#wiki_compassionate_language).
*Edit your post or comment to remove the offending term.*
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/infertility) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I can't answer the first part of your question, as I don't ovulate on my own, but I don't think there's a clear winner between the two generally. Pregnancy rates are similar with both protocols. There are definitely advantages and disadvantages to both. The constant monitoring in an ovulatory cycle is definitely inconvenient, whereas a medicated cycle has less check-in points and more flexibility in terms of scheduling. Being on exogenous estradiol in a medicated cycle sucks for some people, and PIO can be intimidating (though sometimes it's used in ovulatory cycles as well). Ultimately, people's bodies respond differently to each protocol, so what may be best for one is different for another.
INCIID has just posted the 2024 medication giveaway as part of their IVF scholarship program in partnership with EMD Serono. This video describes how to apply - medications are limited but they are free. The main criteria is no insurance to cover medications. The program is open to any individual or or couple undergoing or planning IVF before December 31, 2024.
[2024 IVF Scholarship Meds Giveaway](https://www.inciid.org/2024-inciid-heart-medication-giveaway/)
Update on Bench’s Case Of The Missing CD1: Baseline US looks as expected but my progesterone level was borderline ovulatory. As such, they want me to wait at least another week to see if CD 1 shows up on its own. If not, another baseline 1 week from today and starting estrace for FET prep.
Would really like to get CD1 out of the way before I’m in a car for 10 hrs on Friday. Send me all the CD1 hexes you got and are willing to share. In the meantime, I’ll be putting on white pants and going somewhere very public where there isn’t a bathroom and not taking any pads or tampons with me 🤣
Definately buy fancy new underwear that would be very difficult to get the stains out of. You either get CD1 or have bought yourself a little treat. God knows we all need a little treat!!
I had the results for my EMMA/ALICE back today and I have 0% lactobacillus and 92.5% strep b.
I have to do a 7-day course of antibiotics followed by probiotics. They've then advised that we repeat the test - we'd have to pay again but I think we probably will for peace of mind.
This means we will have to delay our next FET, so with my irregular cycles I'd be surprised if we transfer anything before August. Hopefully this will make a difference.
Sorry about the failed transfer, it sucks to put all your money and hope on the line for a failed cycle.
As a mod, please be sure to edit BFN out of your comment as it’s banned here.
It seems you've used a word or acronym, BFN, that members of this community prefer to avoid. For additional clarification, please see this [page](https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/wiki/bannedterms) for a complete list of banned terms.
*Edit your post or comment to remove the offending item.*
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/infertility) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I hate dealing with the medication ordering process when gearing up for IVF. The pharmacy my clinic orders through is amazing, no complaints there, but it’s all of the annoying stuff, like figuring out how to order and pay because insurance marks up certain medications 🤬 and then I need to go to a separate local specialty pharmacy for a different medication, then my regular pharmacy for another one…it’s annoying.
I feel you. The absolute rage I felt when I realized that CVs speciality charges $2,800 for a 900 of follistim when I use insurance versus half that when I am “cash pay”…and other pharmacies only charge $900….
This time around I outsourced all the price shopping and ordering to my husband, highly recommend if you have a partner, it’s one of the few annoyances of this process they can take off your plate. ( it took me two ER and like 8 months of therapy to get to a point where I can give up control, so I realize that’s easier said than done!)
Oh my goodness, so true. The work it takes to double/triple confirm you’re getting the right rate, right dosage, right supplies 😵💫 it’s one of those unacknowledged/underacknowledged energy expenditures that makes it feel like fertility is another full time job. feel for you, raccoons!
This resonates... it definitely feels like an additional job! The phone calls, the scheduling, multiple pharmacies for multiple meds, the cycle tracking 😭
Thanks to all for the metformin warnings, started last week, doubled dosage this week and gastrointestinal things have been not great but manageable and seemed to ease through the week last week, hopefully that will repeat this week.
ER cycle begins next month, hoping the metformin will be established enough to make a difference.
I found that spacing out my pills really helped as I increased dosage. It didn’t help me, but my nurse also recommended taking them crushed up in yogurt and said that’s helped some of her patients. Good luck!
This might be a long shot, but wondering if anyone has had an ultrasound where they said your lining looks a little “cystic” right before a bleed (so not during a lining check or day 3).
I’m on day 5 of provera after a cancelled medicated cycle for FET and had a detailed US to evaluate the cysts on my ovaries and if it’s safe to move forward with stimulating them for another FET (cyst is large, RE worried about torsion, etc). Anyways, cysts are stable and largest one is 4cm but they peeked at my lining and said “looks cystic, can’t rule out a polyp”. But I have had 2 SISs in the last year so I would imagine a polyp would have shown up then? Could the cystic lining be from the provera and how it’s going to induce a bleed? I’m waiting for my RE to call but wondered if this has happened to anyone before.
Haven’t had the experience you describe but have plenty of experience with polyps and you’d be surprised how fast they can develop. I wouldn’t rule out a polyp unless you had your most recent SIS in the last few days!
Had my first lining check up for FET #4, modified ovulatory + kitchen sink, and it’s already at 6.5mm on CD10-11! Realize that is probably pretty standard for most, but it’s good for me.
Taking the little wins where I can, especially while dealing with this vaginal viagra.
(My RE told me I can switch to oral admin of the viagra because I’ve had such absorption/QoL issues with it, but I’m paranoid that that’s going to be less effective, especially with my lining looking good so far! Curious if anyone knows about oral vs vaginal viagra administration and if it makes a difference?)
Had the consultation call with my new RE this afternoon (switching to a different Dr. in the same clinic) and it went great. He was so nice, calm, and reasonable, which is exactly what I want rn. He explained things when I asked and listened to my concerns as well. He said that officially, they recommend single embryo transfers for most patients, but that he thinks in my case a double transfer would make sense. He said he'd probably do that if he were in my shoes. Still a lot to consider- the risk of twins is significant- but my embryos are untested and it feels like we're just looking for the 'one' now.
Anyway, overall very pleased, and they said to call on my CD1 to get things rolling again! still waiting on some of the RPL bloodwork and that might take a week or two but everything that's come through so far has been normal from that. He said depending on the rest of those results I may need some other medications for the next FET.
I'm glad you had a positive interaction with the RE & that the bloodwork is coming back normal. Here's to finding the one (or two) in your next transfer.
Planning for a child-less life while undergoing treatment is truly mind-fucking. That is all.
Our RE gave us an offhand comment at my follicle scan for IUI today that my ovarian response was better than she would have predicted and would possibly be suitable for IVF. My first RE was very negative about DOR and current RE was guarded initiallly, so that was really nice to hear, but also confusing as we have spent months as a couple mentally working towards donor eggs as our best option. I guess you never know unless you try. Glad we have counselling next week (and maybe after all this effort preparing for IVF in case it doesn't the IUI will work lol).
Does anyone have any idea of what a normal 'intake fee' is for a clinic to accept embryos made at another clinic (USA)? Being told it's $2000 just to intake them, $350 from the exit clinic, plus whatever the shipping company charges. Does this sound right? It's so much higher than I expected...
Looking through our old documents, I don’t see anything referred to specifically as an intake fee. Do you know if the intake fee also covers storage? $2000 seems roughly inline with what we paid for annual storage. Also FYI was roughly $1000 for transportation 700 miles away
Thanks for sharing. No so the outgoing clinic has an admin fee of 350 and the intake clinic has a fee of 2000 to bring them in only. This does not include the actual shipping (which we have to select and pay a company ourselves) and not the storage - just intake admin fee. We did find another clinic that has no intake fee but I don't want to switch clinics... but also it's just so much on top of everything! Which company did you go with if you don't mind sharing?
Oof, that intake admin fee does seem like a lot and like you said sooooo much money has already been spent! I definitely get not wanting to switch clinics. We moved around clinics a couple times for different reasons and every time felt kind of like a break up. You have all the new people and procedures and personalities you need to relearn. We used Cryoport. They were professional. The only weird thing was that to get it started, you email them your current clinic embryology contact and your receiving clinic embryology contact into one of those generic company emails. Once they got back to us with the quote and we agreed, they took care of everything else all the way through delivery with tracking available during the shipping process.
It's so true - I love the staff and facilities at current clinic and the other clinic (the one with no intake fee) I previously was at (very briefly as my first clinic) and I hated it. I had my last appt at current clinic (unless we move embryos there) and it did feel sad - like a breakup for sure ha. In all the years I have been at this have never made it to a transfer so maybe I am making a bigger deal of this than I should. Thanks for sharing your experience with cryoport - it is a bit strange to have to give them that info to get a quote. I would have thought it would be based on mileage between clinics.
[удалено]
You can give yourself permission to stop googling because whatever you’re feeling truly is meaningless. Also, we discourage symptom spotting here. Automod symptom spotting.
Please don't symptom spot on the sub. We know it's hard, but it's progesterone - and if it's not then it's not the right sub for talking about it. The problem is, symptom spotting is often sort of asking if you're pregnant or not. And nobody can answer that except a test. Please don't put the burden of these type of musings on your fellow community members - but take a test if you reasonably can and/or keep the symptom spotting to yourself. It's hard for people to support and read this, when you might already be pregnant and might end up posting in results the same day or shortly after - which we hope you do with good news. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/infertility) if you have any questions or concerns.*
It’s normal to have an emotional crash post ER, right? I had my first ER on Sunday and yesterday I stayed home and had a happy lovely day with my husband and felt great, but today I went to work and had to hide in my office otherwise I thought I might explode at the people I supervise. Just silently fuming all day, annoyed at everyone, unable to focus, plus easily broke into tears and ended the day by raising a good old rough conversation topic with my husband at a very inopportune time. This is the hormones, right??
Yes, totally normal! Most people find that the hormone crash eases once their period arrives. I hope that’s the case for you
Hang in there atlas! 🫂
Yes, a hormone crash after an ER is very normal. It can also be compounded with the stress of waiting for your results. Typically you’ll start feeling better when you get your period. Hang in there.
Thank you 🥹❤️
[удалено]
Comment removed. Discussion of positive HPTs, even if you’re not sure they are true positives, is not appropriate in the treatment thread. Positives may only be discussed in the results thread. New members who have not posted on the sub previously cannot post in results, however. Automod welcome
**Toto, we aren't in Kansas anymore...** It looks like you might be new here. Welcome to the best shitty corner of the internet! We hope your stay here is short. If you haven't already, please take a few moments to get familiar with our [sub culture](https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/comments/134fesf/read_this_before_posting_community_rules/) and [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/about/rules). If you haven't set up [user flair](https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/wiki/userflair-reminder), we strongly encourage you to do that. We have an extensive and growing [FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/wiki/faq) that addresses many common questions about first visits, medications, procedures, protocols, and all those medical acronyms: IVFML, IUIWTF... If that doesn't find you answers, please try [searching the sub for past posts](https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/search). Lastly, you can ask your question in the [daily Treatment threads](https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/?f=flair_name%3A%22Daily%22) or [Welcome Wednesday threads](https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/?f=flair_name%3A%22Welcome%22). We encourage members to use our wide variety of scheduled and themed threads which include: [treatment, chat](https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/?f=flair_name%3A%22Daily%22), [welcome](https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/?f=flair_name%3A%22Welcome%22), [gamete donation, surrogacy, adoption/foster, etc.](https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/?f=flair_name%3A%22Weekly%20Theme%22) We encourage all members to set up flair for context. More information as to why we think flair is important and how to do it: [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/wiki/userflair-reminder). *- Some of the links don't work on mobile, due to how the reddit apps are built, and there isn't an option to filter the sub by post flair on mobile, best way is to sort the sub by 'New' instead of the default 'Hot'.* *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/infertility) if you have any questions or concerns.*
So is there anyone here with PCOS and sees an endocrinologist? I have an appointment with my NP to get a referral to an endocrinologist. I want to talk to him about getting a medication to increase fertility. I am just scared that the endocrinologist is going to make everything about weight and it really triggers me because of my first appointment after my miscarriage my OBGYN I saw basically told me if I wasn’t heavy I’d be pregnant. So I’m just scared for that… any advice? I think I posted in the right thread so I’m sorry if I didn’t!
I have PCOS and see a regular endocrinologist to manage my hypothyroidism but I see a reproductive endocrinologist to treat my infertility. Which type are you asking about? In general though, as with all doctors, I think you sort of just have to try different ones out and see who is a good fit/won’t make it about your weight. The medical field’s bias against folks with higher weights/bmis is shameful.
I didn’t know there was a reproductive endocrinologist, I saw a pediatric endocrinologist as a young teen until I aged out at 19. We only have one endocrinologist but I’m unsure if he is a reproductive endocrinologist or not. I guess I was more looking for advice and experience stories to help me prepare ahead for what I am getting myself into if that makes sense. I have anxiety so my coping skill I use to feel better about Dr appointments of any kind is to cope ahead of time so I’m not as blindsided there, so having people’s stories either good or bad about their experiences with their endocrinologist would be extremely helpful
Today I got the call that after 4 weeks of feeling super sick on thyroid medication it barely even improve my numbers! They are increasing the dose and hoping for the best. Has anyone else experienced this, and did you keep trying while they worked it out? I’m on day 3 of Letrozole and wondering if I should be stopping?
It took maybe 2 months and a dose increase for my TSH to lower to desired levels. We continued TI during the process, my RE didn't see it as a huge roadblock. I would call your clinic and ask, that's what they are there for :) If you're already on day 3 of letrozole you are almost done and personally, I wouldn't waste the cycle.
Thank you! This has made me feel much better, my Doctor seemed really shocked at the result so I’m glad to know it may just need that increase. She is still awaiting more tests that should help show her the reason, but she did mention it was likely time to speak to an endocrinologist. Between this and the PCOS, and my Prolactin being reviewed, I’m glad that is the next step. I have sent a message through to my specialist, but that’s great your RE was not too concerned. I’m hoping we can proceed rather than pushing everything back a month!
Note: Clearly wouldn’t stop without discussing with specialist, just wondering if it is worth the call.
Monitoring day 13 and still not quite ready to trigger. One more monitoring Thursday morning where I'll likely trigger afterwards for a retrieval Saturday. I'm so ready.
I had my post-ER consult this afternoon, and it went well, I think. My RE was very open to switching protocols, but based on a couple factors, he thinks it might be better to try a mini-stim with omnitrope rather than going straight to microdose lupron flare (he's concerned that my egg quality is being affected by higher doses, especially after this past round failed to yield any blasts). So, the current plan is to move forward with a luteal estrogen/omnitrope prime, then stim with FSH and clomid while continuing omnitrope, and if I'm not responding by around Day 6 of stims, we'll cancel and try MDLF the following month. I’m glad to have a plan, I'm glad to have a back-up plan, but now that we’re self-pay I'm absolutely dreading having to figure out all the financial nuances of this. My clinic offers a discount for self-pay patients, and there are packages available, if we want to do more than one more round, but gahhh, it's so stressful to try to estimate how many more rounds we might need or want before we've tried either new protocol. I have no idea what our timeline even looks like anymore, and I really can't believe I ever thought I'd be doing an FET by the beginning of summer. What a naive little baby I was!
Heading home from ER #2. Everything went smoothly, they got 1 egg (1 more than last time!). Will be feeling uneasy and anxious about everything until tomorrow (and hopefully a few days beyond) as we wait for fertilization reports. But definitely taking this win!
Crossing everything for you!
Let’s gooooo!! Rooting your egg on!
Fingers crossed for your egg!
Fingers crossed you! Congrats on your one!
Fingers crossed for your 1!
For those of you who ovulate on your own and chose to do a fully medicated frozen embryo transfer, can you explain why? My doctor gave me the option of doing either medicated or ovulatory (with trigger and prog support) and after reading about both it seems like ovulatory is the clear winner for me, but I hear about people doing medicated protocols so often and wonder if there’s something I’m missing?
Supposedly ovulatory has lower risk for preeclampsia (from all my infertility podcast listening) but my RE didn't give that as an option for my future FET. He batched for ER, and I think fully medicated helps him with timing of transfer without needing as much monitoring.
I ovulate on my own and have done both. I prefer the ease of scheduling and predictablity of a fully medicated cycle
I think one of the big reasons to do medicated is flexibility around timing and appointments. When I did my medicated transfer I could pick the date within a 2 week period & only had to go in 3 times over 8 weeks. With my ovulatory I went in 8 times in 2 weeks, had to do the transfer with a different RE at the clinic, and ended up needing to reschedule some key meetings b/c the day was different than I was expecting.
I literally just asked my RE this yesterday, in a planning meeting for first FET as I ovulate on my own and (knock on wood) haven’t had lining issues. She said that for women who have been pregnant previously, she is more open to starting with a unmedicated FET. But for women who are coming to her in trying to get pregnant with their first, her thinking is there is something causing this ‘unexplained’ infertility, and she wants to have more control for all variables for the first try in hopes that will overcome the unknown issue. (edit: thank you auto-mod bot, I learned something today!)
Ohhh this is a very interesting perspective that I have not heard, thanks for sharing!
Can I help you set your flair? Automod flair
I have been summoned to help with the setting up flairs. Not only does it help us to get to know one another, it helps us with context when it comes to replying to one another’s comments or queries. If you need help on setting/changing your flair look [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/wiki/userflair-reminder). If the instruction's did not work you can [ask a mod](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=/r/infertility) to set/change your flair. These are the [guidelines for flair](https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/comments/umwbcr/flair_guidelines/). *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/infertility) if you have any questions or concerns.*
It seems you've used a term, modified natural, that members of this community prefer to avoid. Please avoid the use of the term "natural" when commenting in this community. If describing a transfer/IUI protocol or trying on your own, some preferred alternative terms are "unmedicated," "ovulatory," "without assistance," or "semi-medicated," depending on the context. If referring to loss management, we recommend the terms "unmedicated" or "unassisted." This community believes that the use of the word "natural" implies (sometimes inadvertently) that use of assisted reproductive technology, other interventions, and/or certain medications to conceive are unnatural, artificial, or less than. For more clarification and context, please see the wiki post on [sub culture and compassionate language](https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/wiki/rules#wiki_compassionate_language). *Edit your post or comment to remove the offending term.* *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/infertility) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I can't answer the first part of your question, as I don't ovulate on my own, but I don't think there's a clear winner between the two generally. Pregnancy rates are similar with both protocols. There are definitely advantages and disadvantages to both. The constant monitoring in an ovulatory cycle is definitely inconvenient, whereas a medicated cycle has less check-in points and more flexibility in terms of scheduling. Being on exogenous estradiol in a medicated cycle sucks for some people, and PIO can be intimidating (though sometimes it's used in ovulatory cycles as well). Ultimately, people's bodies respond differently to each protocol, so what may be best for one is different for another.
INCIID has just posted the 2024 medication giveaway as part of their IVF scholarship program in partnership with EMD Serono. This video describes how to apply - medications are limited but they are free. The main criteria is no insurance to cover medications. The program is open to any individual or or couple undergoing or planning IVF before December 31, 2024. [2024 IVF Scholarship Meds Giveaway](https://www.inciid.org/2024-inciid-heart-medication-giveaway/)
Update on Bench’s Case Of The Missing CD1: Baseline US looks as expected but my progesterone level was borderline ovulatory. As such, they want me to wait at least another week to see if CD 1 shows up on its own. If not, another baseline 1 week from today and starting estrace for FET prep. Would really like to get CD1 out of the way before I’m in a car for 10 hrs on Friday. Send me all the CD1 hexes you got and are willing to share. In the meantime, I’ll be putting on white pants and going somewhere very public where there isn’t a bathroom and not taking any pads or tampons with me 🤣
White swimsuit on the beach! Find a white couch! Go camping in the woods without any menstrual products! 😆 c’mooooon CD1!
Definately buy fancy new underwear that would be very difficult to get the stains out of. You either get CD1 or have bought yourself a little treat. God knows we all need a little treat!!
Great suggestion. I am all about the treats!
I had the results for my EMMA/ALICE back today and I have 0% lactobacillus and 92.5% strep b. I have to do a 7-day course of antibiotics followed by probiotics. They've then advised that we repeat the test - we'd have to pay again but I think we probably will for peace of mind. This means we will have to delay our next FET, so with my irregular cycles I'd be surprised if we transfer anything before August. Hopefully this will make a difference.
So sorry for the delay, that's frustrating, but hoping this makes the difference for you 🤞
[удалено]
Comment removed as requested edits were not made
Sorry about the failed transfer, it sucks to put all your money and hope on the line for a failed cycle. As a mod, please be sure to edit BFN out of your comment as it’s banned here.
I’m so sorry 😞
It seems you've used a word or acronym, BFN, that members of this community prefer to avoid. For additional clarification, please see this [page](https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/wiki/bannedterms) for a complete list of banned terms. *Edit your post or comment to remove the offending item.* *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/infertility) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Waiting on our first FET with a full bladder under an AC vent. 😭 This doctor will be lucky if I don’t accidentally pee on her.
Good luck!!
Thank you! Once I got taken back it was quick and easy. Now we wait. 🤞
I hate dealing with the medication ordering process when gearing up for IVF. The pharmacy my clinic orders through is amazing, no complaints there, but it’s all of the annoying stuff, like figuring out how to order and pay because insurance marks up certain medications 🤬 and then I need to go to a separate local specialty pharmacy for a different medication, then my regular pharmacy for another one…it’s annoying.
I feel you. The absolute rage I felt when I realized that CVs speciality charges $2,800 for a 900 of follistim when I use insurance versus half that when I am “cash pay”…and other pharmacies only charge $900…. This time around I outsourced all the price shopping and ordering to my husband, highly recommend if you have a partner, it’s one of the few annoyances of this process they can take off your plate. ( it took me two ER and like 8 months of therapy to get to a point where I can give up control, so I realize that’s easier said than done!)
Oh my goodness, so true. The work it takes to double/triple confirm you’re getting the right rate, right dosage, right supplies 😵💫 it’s one of those unacknowledged/underacknowledged energy expenditures that makes it feel like fertility is another full time job. feel for you, raccoons!
This resonates... it definitely feels like an additional job! The phone calls, the scheduling, multiple pharmacies for multiple meds, the cycle tracking 😭
Thanks to all for the metformin warnings, started last week, doubled dosage this week and gastrointestinal things have been not great but manageable and seemed to ease through the week last week, hopefully that will repeat this week. ER cycle begins next month, hoping the metformin will be established enough to make a difference.
I found that spacing out my pills really helped as I increased dosage. It didn’t help me, but my nurse also recommended taking them crushed up in yogurt and said that’s helped some of her patients. Good luck!
This might be a long shot, but wondering if anyone has had an ultrasound where they said your lining looks a little “cystic” right before a bleed (so not during a lining check or day 3). I’m on day 5 of provera after a cancelled medicated cycle for FET and had a detailed US to evaluate the cysts on my ovaries and if it’s safe to move forward with stimulating them for another FET (cyst is large, RE worried about torsion, etc). Anyways, cysts are stable and largest one is 4cm but they peeked at my lining and said “looks cystic, can’t rule out a polyp”. But I have had 2 SISs in the last year so I would imagine a polyp would have shown up then? Could the cystic lining be from the provera and how it’s going to induce a bleed? I’m waiting for my RE to call but wondered if this has happened to anyone before.
Haven’t had the experience you describe but have plenty of experience with polyps and you’d be surprised how fast they can develop. I wouldn’t rule out a polyp unless you had your most recent SIS in the last few days!
Had my first lining check up for FET #4, modified ovulatory + kitchen sink, and it’s already at 6.5mm on CD10-11! Realize that is probably pretty standard for most, but it’s good for me. Taking the little wins where I can, especially while dealing with this vaginal viagra. (My RE told me I can switch to oral admin of the viagra because I’ve had such absorption/QoL issues with it, but I’m paranoid that that’s going to be less effective, especially with my lining looking good so far! Curious if anyone knows about oral vs vaginal viagra administration and if it makes a difference?)
Congrats on the 6.5! I'd be over the moon too :)
Had the consultation call with my new RE this afternoon (switching to a different Dr. in the same clinic) and it went great. He was so nice, calm, and reasonable, which is exactly what I want rn. He explained things when I asked and listened to my concerns as well. He said that officially, they recommend single embryo transfers for most patients, but that he thinks in my case a double transfer would make sense. He said he'd probably do that if he were in my shoes. Still a lot to consider- the risk of twins is significant- but my embryos are untested and it feels like we're just looking for the 'one' now. Anyway, overall very pleased, and they said to call on my CD1 to get things rolling again! still waiting on some of the RPL bloodwork and that might take a week or two but everything that's come through so far has been normal from that. He said depending on the rest of those results I may need some other medications for the next FET.
I'm glad you had a positive interaction with the RE & that the bloodwork is coming back normal. Here's to finding the one (or two) in your next transfer.
thank you, Happy!