AFA Discussion Forum

not a clue about these things

2009-06-23T07:42:42-08:00

My husband and I have been trying to conceive for over 3 years now. We have had the help of an RE and gone through many types of procedures unsuccessfully. I guess our next step is adoption. I have never thought that this is the route I would take to Motherhood. I am wondering what is the way to get started and about how much does it cost all said and done???? Is it best to do international or stay local?? I really need some help in how to get started........ Thank you.

what is the birth rate of children conceived via ART?

2009-05-24T17:27:23-08:00

I am writing an article on donor offspring and need some statistics.

I need to know approximately how many children have been conceived via ART.

A 1967 Time Magainze article gives the number of 150,000 in 1967.

I read somewhere that over a million children were conceived via donor sperm but I can’t remember where I read that statistic.

Does anyone know where I can get that info?

I am the librarian who wrote the article in last month’s newsletter, “Librarians at a loss for helping donor offspring.”

PCOS after miscarriage - what are the chances of regular ovulatory cycles resuming spontaneously?

2009-05-22T07:26:11-08:00

I used to have regular cycles (30-35 days) throughout my teens and early 20’s. Was on and off the pill. At a particularly stressful time in my life periods stopped for 5 months then resumed spontaneously. But basically I used to have regular cycles for a year or more at a time, even when off the pill. On another occasion I fell pregnant by accident so obviously ovulated at least some of the time.

Was then on the pill from age 23 to 29. Came off the pill, fell pregnant 4th cycle off pill, first attempt. Miscarried at 10 weeks.

That was 4 months ago. Miscarriage was very distressing emotionally. No period and no ovulation since miscarriage. Have just been diagnosed with PCOS. Am slim (BMI around 21.3), have had some acne problems on and off, no other symptoms.

Really want to get pregnant again.

What are the chances, given my history, that normal ovulatory cycles will resume again as they did in the past?

I have found lots of info about ‘anovulatory’ women with PCOS, as opposed to women with ovulatory cycles - but nothing about women who like me who seem to switch between both categories at different times in their lives.

Any help or advice very welcome.

many thanks.

Beginner’s guide

2009-05-20T13:38:23-08:00

My husband and I recently had our first appointment with a fertility expert. He gave us lots of literature, but it’s mostly a collection of brochures.
Which would be a good book to start? We’re looking for one that has a step-by-step guide for diagnosing, tearting, and dealing with infertility.
Thanks!

when to stop DHEA?

2009-06-19T03:21:03-08:00

I’m 42 and have had 1 unsuccessful IVF attempt. The embryos were of low quality. The sister at my clinic recommended I take 75mg DHEA for several months before the next treatment. I would like to know when I should stop taking the DHEA, before stimulation or after egg retrieval?

Thanks.

Another IVF cycle

2009-06-18T18:39:30-08:00

Hello

After 2 unsuccessful IUI’s, we had an IVF cycle. My reports are normal, we have male factor problem, but not severe. During the IVF cycle, I got 16 eggs retrieved, 12 matured, 9 fertilised (with ICSI). On day 5 we had 9 good blastocysts. Doctor transferred one with no problems with transfer. But my pregnancy test was negative. Also non of the 8 blastocysts could be freeze.
We are planning to go for another IVF. What are the factors I should be considering during my second IVF? All of the fertilised eggs were growing good until day 5. But nothing lived to freeze and my IVF cycle failed as well. Does that mean I should repeat the same cycle again?

Thank You.

regulating my cycle for ttc

2009-06-16T13:21:28-08:00

Hi,. I am new to TTC and all involved, please be patient with me.
My cycle had become somewhat irregular after a cone biopsy, although my cycle was never that way before. While working with my fertility dr. he thoroughly explained how to chart BBT and when to take the prescribed oral clomid at the low dosage (I did the 1st clomid already but then some problems began). My cycle was very irregular after taking the 1st clomid, and uderstandably dr wanted to have the bleeding issues under control so when the time came for the meds again it would be somewhat smoother of a process. I’m confused about all that my body is going through.
My cycles previously had been approximately every 21-28 days, but post cone biopsy had become every 2 weeks sometimes with lingering pink spotting. I’d taken a round of Necon (3 times per day for 7 days then the placebos for 7 days, then begin normal 1xdaily of the birth control Necn)to stop the bleeding and regulate my cycle, he instructed me to take this b.c. for 3 months, but am concerned that I’m bleeding every 2 weeks. Is there a reason for concern or should I just wait it out?
Thank you.

finances for IVF

2009-06-05T22:54:22-08:00

I live in georgia and had surgery back in December. I was told that both tubes were completely blocked and my tubes were removed. I am 30 years old,no kids, married, and my husband wants kids. The Doctor I saw only take payments up front of $10,000. Is there any where you know of that excepts a percentage up front and than payments per month?

lesbians trying to conceive

2009-06-07T13:25:13-08:00

I am married (in CA) to my partner and I have already conceived a child via IUI and he is now almost 3 years old. My partner and I would like to have a child together and I truly enjoyed my first pregnancy. She would like to have a child that is genetically related to her, but has no desire to carry a child. Is there a possibility for us to use her egg and donor sperm and having the embryo implanted in me? If so, what type of costs would this involve? Is there anyone in Austin, TX that would do this?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Embryos making it to freeze

2009-05-26T16:22:57-08:00

Lately alot of my friends who are doing third party are saddened when they find out there are no embryos left to freeze. They may hear they have 10 viable on day three and by five or day 6 all are gone. Some women want more communication with embryologist as to why weren’t the embryos frozen earlier. Any thoughts on this? Rumors abound that since fresh is such a more expensive process, the care put into FET preservation my not happen.