Hello all. I’m new here and just about to start the IVF referral process after 2 ectopics between oct 15 and apr 16. They asked me if I had any questions and I don’t really know where to start so was hoping some of you may be able to provide some advice based on similar experiences with IVF and the NHS xx
Hello,
Welcome to our boards - and thank you for posting your query.
I am very sorry to hear about your recent ectopic pregnancies and losses - going through an ectopic pregnancy is traumatic and it takes time to recover both physically and mentally. It is fantastic that you now feel you have the strength and confidence to go through the process of IVF - you have come a long way already so please make sure that you give yourself credit for that.
I can only really speak about my own experience of IVF. I too, had 2 ectopic pregnancies and they resulted in both of my fallopian tubes being removed. It was devastating for me to learn that I had lost all hope of conceiving naturally and, for me, that was one of the hardest mental hurdles I had to get over. I had heard lots of ‘stories’ about IVF but nothing concrete and really found that it wasn’t until I went through the process that other friends and colleagues became willing to talk to me about their experiences. For me, I would describe the process as ‘all-consuming’. It took up a lot of my physical and mental energy - to attend all of the clinic appointments and keep up with the drug regime at work and home. It is also very difficult to not think about the process - so I definitely recommend that you give yourself lots of time to simply relax in whatever way works for you!
From a medical perspective, my consultant was very positive that IVF could work for us - the reason being that we had already managed to conceive twice (albeit in the wrong place!) and that this was a good start. In other words, if you have already conceived then fertilisation of the egg is more likely to be successful in the lab. It is for this reason we were told to approach statistics with caution as often the statistics of ‘rates of success’ are based on ALL couples not broken down into different categories - such as reason for infertility.
It is a good idea to make sure you are familiar with how the NHS works in your area for IVF/Fertility Treatment. Where I am based, the NHS will only pay for a total of two full rounds of IVF (and in some areas this is only 1 in others it is 3). This means you need to consider the financial implications if you want to try a third round and it is important you discuss with your partner how far you are willing to go before your stop. That said, try to remain positive - we were successful in getting pregnant on our first round of IVF so it does and can happen!!
The final piece of advice I would give is this - try not to lose yourselves in IVF. Remember to keep talking to your partner and keep your relationship strong.
Wishing you lots of luck with the process!
Emily (EPT Host 21)