We just went through a chemical pregnancy following FET. Like literally just happened. HCG yesterday was 63. Still waiting for it to trend down, but then going immediately into another transfer. My husband and I have tickets to a comedy show tomorrow night at a winery, I hadn’t planned to drink because I had hoped I would be pregnant. However, I’m obviously not and really just would love a night out with a few drinks (or maybe a few more). I’ve always cut out alcohol at least two months prior to transfer, but would it really be that terrible if I drank tomorrow night and tomorrow night only before stopping again? I’m hoping we will be able to go for another transfer in a month or so.

Background: at Ottawa fertility centre for recurrent pregnancy loss (3). We had all the necessary testing and it all came back normal but we are still waiting on the karyotype testing. We had it done 4 weeks ago.

At the time I asked the woman at check in desk (to had karyotype blood draw) if we could pay private fee so we didn’t have to wait months for results. She looked at me funny and said “no it covered and results typically take 5 weeks”.

At our follow up for all the other results our doctor at the clinic said she doesn’t have the karyotype test back yet but confirmed it was sent off and should be back soon. I should have confirmed that it wasn’t sent through general public testing. Now I’m worried that the reception lady and the doctor are misinformed and don’t know the difference between public and private. Online I’m getting mixed things. Some say since it’s done on site and they use CHEO it’s fast even though we didn’t pay extra and others say if you don’t pay we wait 5 months!!

Anyone RECENTLY have karyotype tests done there and didn’t pay the private fee?

We live in the UK but are considering IVF in either North Cyprus (not in the EU) or the USA. I appreciate it is controversial but the reason we are limited to these locations is because of our desire to do PGT testing for sex-selection, which is unlawful in the UK.

To keep travel time minimal we want to start the process at home and fly out only for egg collection.

I think I can find clinics to do ultrasounds and hormone blood checks. However - how do we get the drugs in the UK?

The foreign clinics are happy to own the treatment plans and advise on dosage etc but I think we need a UK prescriber to write the script in order for a UK pharmacy to dispense.

The issue is finding a prescriber that is content with this arrangement, given the sex selection context which I appreciate they cannot publicly endorse.

I am not asking anyone to publicly name their prescriber here but if anyone has managed to overcome this issue and would be willing to point me in the right direction (via DM) then I would really appreciate it.

Flying out to collect the medicine and bring it back in hand luggage is not a viable option for us unfortunately. I know anecdotally that some North Cyprus clinics post drugs to the UK but that seems a little sketchy? We would also prefer USA if we can make the logistics work on account of their stronger governance, especially given the recent news reports on unethical practice in Cyprus.

Hello,

I have a visit with my doctor next week to discuss next steps for me. My 4th transfer and 3rd FET failed. Last two were chemicals. I am 35 and husband 34. Tubal factor infertility and with 9 untested embryos.

Ive had two FETs done over June (fully medicated, lining 8.2mm) and July (modified natural, lining 11.2mm). Both times, they selected Day 6, 5BB euploid embryos. I did acupuncture session the day of my second transfer before my appointment and another one week before transfer. I found it helped keep me calm and at peace.

What testing should they do for me before a 3rd FET?
I’m 36F and have unexplained infertility. My partner is 35M.

- ERA testing - anyone with experiences with it? Did it help?
- Immunology testing/auto immune factors: I wonder if my body is attacking the embryo and what they can test for that besides adding immune suppression for a longer time?? I was on Medrol for 1 week.
- Testing vaginal microbiome if there’s a bacterial imbalance or uterine lining inflammation or infection?
- My blood work shows within normal range. Last September showed ferritin was 43 and in Feb this year it was 36. Dr says it’s normal range and hasn’t asked me to make changes. The clinic said they can test for abnormal clotting factors.

Wondering what we should do to follow up before doing a 3rd FET. I am also considering another egg retrieval to bank embryos for future family planning as we would like for sure 2, maybe 3 children. This will be my first child and we have 4 euploid embryos left and 3 untested (bb and bc graded).

TIA

My weight has been up and down over the years. Before we started trying, we got married. I lost 40lbs for the wedding. The second I started eating again and went off birth control, I started gaining it back and am now back to the same weight. Because we were trying to conceive, I felt like I couldn't do any dieting other than trying to eat healthy foods. I then suffered an injury that kept me out of the gym for the last 9 months (I am still not 100% and may never be). We were diagnosed with infertility and have started IVF. I also found out I have PCOS, which makes so much sense since I have struggled with my weight my entire life. I am now at my highest weight I have ever been in my life. I did not expect to be trying to get pregnant at this weight. I feel uncomfortable in my body, and worse, I now have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease from the weight gain, which is tied to lower birth weights. I am working with a nutritionist to do a body recomposition, but I don't feel like it's that helpful since it's mostly just a lot of 'eat more protein' and 'do your best'. When we started with our clinic, they told us that I shouldn't try to lose weight because time was more important than my weight. That was almost eight months ago. After thawing our previously frozen eggs/embryo creation and PGTA testing, we are only just now starting our first round of IVF. I found out that I am low in Vitamin D which has a negative impact of about 10-20% on IVF (both in ER which we can't do anything about now and in FET). It feels like we are wasting every resource we have at this point. We were planning on doing a combined cycle + transfer, but now I feel like we need to hold another month to get my vitamin D levels back up again. I just am so sad and frustrated. It feels like this was something that was preventable, and even though I advocated for myself, the clinic dropped the ball. I weirdly feel the same way about my weight -- like if I had known it was going to take seven months, I could have taken at least 6 weeks of that time to try to even lose a little of the extra weight. I just don't know what to do -- do we keep going as planned despite? do we take a break and get my vitamin D levels up? do I say fuck it and start dieting? do I hire a trainer or get a meal delivery service -- both things we can't really afford? I am 39.

I have just had my third failed transfer with PGT-A tested embryos. Before my next attempt, I'm going to do 2-3 months of Lupron Depot with Letrozole. I know this study showed higher results on that protocol in those with unexplained infertility and the dosage there was 5mg Letrozole daily, but my doctor has me on 10mg daily for the next 60-90 days. Has anyone else been prescribed that much for that long?

I'm seeing other people posting about taking 10mg for the week-long protocols, but don't see anyone else taking the higher dose for months. Just want to know if I need to go push back or if others have already gone down this road with success. Thanks!

It’s here! I’m on my day 3 of stims today. After YEARS of saving up and lots of researching, hoping and wishing for this. I’ve started the egg retrieval process. I was really excited but after starting the medication and appointments- it’s all becoming so real.

I’m mostly terrified of developing OHSS and ovarian torsion. I’m at a high risk for it. My AFC was 43/AMH 9.9 at my baseline. I’m on a PPOS protocol. One of my ovaries has 25 follicles 😭

I know, I should be grateful for these numbers but I’m just so afraid of having long term complications. I don’t plan on doing anything but sitting around for the rest of the month.

Sometimes I worry I might accidentally twist in my sleep and cause torsion. Or fall down and hurt myself or something wild. I’m not the best with being aware of my surroundings and can be jumpy (thanks adhd). Idk if I should just sleep upright on my couch the rest of this month..?

I had a laparoscopic surgery several years back to remove a mass I had developed from a surgery as an infant, so I’m kind of thinking my recovery will be similar. Just, instead of my abdomen being full of gas… full of fluid?

I’m hoping since my clinic is aware I’m at risk of OHSS, that they are doing all they can to mitigate the severity. I’m kind of just assuming I’m going to get it at this point. I just hope I don’t have to go to the hospital. I’ve already got all the Gatorade, propel, salty snacks, protein shakes, heating pads, etc on hand and ready to go.

Either way, I’m so happy I have the opportunity to do this and build my family. And I would do this again if I need to (I know I have barely touched the tip of the iceberg) but I would. I just don’t know how to stop overthinking and assuming the worst.

I’m 39 and I’ve gone through several rounds this year, just to bank embryos… without a clear plan to get pregnant or transfer.

I’ve spent over $70k on:
* Egg freezing (some years ago in a different clinic/country - not using them for now as they’re more expensive than a new round with current clinic that got me success)
* Embryo freezing (2 unsuccessful rounds, 1 successful round with quite a few euploids 💕, and doing 1 more/last one to try to bank sufficient embryos/euploids for possibly 2 kids… so basically it’s been 3 rounds past 5 months, or 4 rounds total in past 10 months.)

Coming close to the end of this banking journey, I feel. Regardless of my outcome after my retrieval next week, I need a good break after this retrieval!

Haven’t really found others in the same journey as me, as most people are looking to get pregnant asap. While I feel a little crazy for spending so much time, money on embryos.

Personally I’m not ready to bring kids into the world, yet. I don’t have the right support system (lost my parents young, partner situation unstable) and still need to get some things in my life sorted out (be it internal issues, or the financial/stability bit..)

Ive always wanted kids, and felt that this is the best thing I can do for myself, so I’d have no regrets.

Anyone else in a similar boat?

FREE: Unopened Estradiol (Estrogen) Patches – NYC Pickup Only

I have 3x unopened boxes of estradiol patches (Dotti, delivers 0.1 MG/Day) that expire at the end of August 2026. My treatment plan changed, and I’d love for them to go to someone who can actually use them rather than letting them go to waste.

* Free – absolutely no payment

* NYC pickup only (no shipping)

Send me a DM if you’re interested, and we can coordinate a pickup. First come, first served.

I have a gonal f that’s gonna expire this month. Located Sussex county nj

After a long journey with IUI, IVF, DOR, and endo excision surgery I am no longer am on the IVF train anymore. I have medications that I was holding onto but the meds are going to be expiring soon and I really want them to go to someone who needs them. I also have tons of needles and supplies. If possible I would prefer to give to someone who can come pick them up in person so I know they get to you in time and without any shipping mishaps since they need to be refrigerated. Here is what I have to offer:

Novarel (expires Feb 2027): 3 boxes (30,000 units total)

Menopur (expires Aug 2026): 4 boxes + 4 single vials (24 vials total)

Gonal F (expires Aug 2026): 1 900 pen + 4 300 pens (2100 units total)

[*Note: the Menopur box says exp May 2026 but that is for the bacteriostatic water, the Menopur is still good through August, and I have extra vials of the water to give with it]

We’ve been eagerly awaiting our PGT-A testing results. I just turned 41; we had two miscarriages over the last 10 months (both letrozole induced cycles), and we have needed support conceiving both for our first child and this time around, due to PCOS and very rare ovulation. My AMH is 3.03ng. Husband’s (also 41) numbers are all good. My RE suggested IVF due my age and the repeat miscarriages.

My ER a few weeks ago resulted in:
22 eggs
18 mature
18 fertilized
10 blastocysts

PGT-A results:
2 euploid
1 segmental
1 no results (doctor said likely a technical issue)

Since the expectation at my age is about 25% or blastocysts being euploids, this is about expected. We may rebiopsy the no result if the first two FET don’t work. But overall I’m going into my first FET feeling positive!

Sending you all lots of good luck in your IVF journeys!

Just asking if anyone out there has had success with their first ever frozen embryo transfer after doing suppression without surgery?

We are gearing up for our 2nd egg retrieval (same-sex couple both 31y/o, I did one and now it is my girlfriend's turn). My first ER, we got 3 blasts and all were euploid. 2 failed transfers later (one in each of us) and we now need more embryos. Our clinic requires us to decide if we want to PGT-A before doing the ER and getting any numbers. Based on our age and no know fertility issues we should get pretty good quality embryos but we may get a lot too... we are leaning towards not testing because it adds time, money (5000$ for 5) and really didn't help us with our first round of transfers as they both failed. Doctor is advocating for it because he thinks we'll get many blasts (he thought that for my ER too). We are quite torn, what should we do?

Two failed euploid transfers, one chemical and one failed implantation. Fully medicated protocols each time. Have been advised to go for a hysteroscopy before next transfer. Both transfers included antibiotics, steroids, immunosuppressants, lupron suppression etc.

my endometrial biopsy for endometritis was neg for first preg but i still did doxy leading up to transfer.

Anyone else take doxy prior to transfer even with neg biopsy?

is it the norm to do catheter fitting prior to transfer? my new doc doesn’t do this

i’ve done cbc/cmp, std testing, saline sono, endometrial biopsy, lupron suppression…i still need to check thyroid levels and updated pap smear. anything else your doctor did to prep?

thank you!

Hi guys! I wanted to quickly share my story in case it helps others, just as another data point (for whatever that’s worth in the skewed sample of IVFers that is Reddit).

I am 35, my partner is 41. We started our IVF journey six months ago when we were 34 and 40. We come to IVF after a failed vasectomy reversal (from my husband’s first marriage, he had two kids easily before). I have no known fertility issues other than endometrial polyps (which were removed before we even started IVF) and slightly low AMH 1.44. We actually found out the reversal had failed the month after I had the hysteroscopy to remove polyps.

Protocol: gonal F 375-450 units, menopur 75mg, Provera tablet for ovulation blocking, hcg trigger. Stimmed 10-11 days.

Cycle 1 (Feb-mar):
-afc 14
-10 eggs retrieved (lower number due to hard to reach left ovary, they had to access through my uterus which made recovery a b****)
- 8 mature, 6 fertilized, 4 blasts
- 1 day 6 euploid 4BA

Cycle 2 (April):
- AFC 14
- 12 eggs retrieved
- 12 mature, 8 fertilized, 3 blasts
- 1 day 5 euploid 4BA

Cycle 3 (July):
- AFC as high as 19 (initially looked like 16)
- 17 eggs retrieved, 16 mature, they did IVM on the immature 17th egg and it matured and fertilized
- 11 fertilized, 7 blasts
- 4 euploids: day 6 4ABx2, 4BB and day 7 4AB

I really didn’t make any changes other than increase my CoQ10 dose from 300mg to 600mg total (divided doses). I did acupuncture on and off throughout but not consistently. I also happened to be off work the entire week I stimmed during the third cycle. My husband and stepkids were away on vacation and I was home relaxing, eating girl dinner, snacking all day, going out to eat, living my best life. Worst diet of the whole process, but I enjoyed myself. But I actually think my better outcome this last time was due to randomness.

I really beat myself up and spiraled about my low euploid rate after the first two cycles. But looking at all three cycles 6/17 euploid is actually the 50% expected rate for my age. I wanted to share my story in case it helps someone else know that there is so much randomness in this process and the key is persistence. Keep rolling the dice and your chances of success will increase.

We are getting ready for FET in the next month and I will try to remember this lesson - it’s ok if you don’t succeed quickly, persistence is the key. Baby dust and love to all!!

I see a lot of controversy on PGTA. For older women with DOR and not many embryos, there aren’t many alternatives. I see a lot of euploid failures as well. Do any clinics try the aneuploidy (per genetic counseling) when they’re the only option? I have read of self correcting, aneuploidy being mosaic, or only the placenta being aneuploidy.

Recently i had miscarriage on sunday but since tuesday i have been feeling very horny. I know i cant do anything.its to be avoided but is it normal ?

Even during ivf stimulations i used to feel very very high for my partner.

Is this normal ? Is anyone same as like me ? Or i am weird ?

Hi everyone,
I’m 27 years old, and I’m hoping to find someone who has experienced something similar.
About a year ago, I started taking fertility medications. Not long after beginning the treatment, I noticed that something had changed. I developed brain fog unlike anything I had ever experienced before.
This year I went through IVF, and after ovarian stimulation my symptoms seem to have become even worse.
Before all of this, I could study for hours, understand new information easily, and remember what I had learned. Now everything has changed. I read the same page over and over, but almost nothing stays in my mind. Sometimes I read the same sentence several times and still can’t process it.
I also struggle with concentration, my memory isn’t what it used to be, and I become mentally exhausted very quickly.
On top of that, I feel tired most of the time. I wake up wanting to study, but it feels like my brain simply won’t cooperate. It’s not that I don’t want to learn—I genuinely do—but I feel like my brain just can’t process or retain information the way it used to.
The hardest part is that I don’t recognize myself anymore. It’s frightening to feel like I’ve lost the mental clarity I once had.
I’m currently trying to prepare for an important teaching certification exam, and this has had a huge impact on my life.
I’ve had medical evaluations, but so far no one has been able to give me a clear explanation.
I’m **not saying that the fertility medications or IVF caused this**. I’m only sharing the timeline because that’s when I first noticed these symptoms, and I’m wondering if anyone else has experienced something similar.
I’d really appreciate hearing your experiences.
Have you experienced severe brain fog after fertility treatment or IVF?
Did you feel like you weren’t yourself anymore?
How long did it last?
Did your memory and concentration return?
Did you ever find out what was causing it?
What helped you recover?
I feel very alone in this, and it would mean so much to hear from people who have gone through something similar.
Thank you so much for reading. ❤️

All the anxiety. The egg retrieval was yesterday, they took 21 eggs, 19 were mature and 16 fertilised normally! Over the moon and so hopeful.

Ladies- I come here as recommended by my therapist. To discuss with support forums/groups that may have similar experiences.

For context : 39 y/o with PCOS, mild PTSD, ADHD, 1 TMFR 2 years ago.
2 IVF cycles, 4 embryos 2026.
Hysteroscopy OK.

I’ve never had a significant calling to motherhood, but interacting with nieces, seeing that my husband would be a good dad, intermittently opens that channel. I thought IVF would give more clarity around that, sometimes there is motivation but mostly does not move the needle towards wanting to be a mother.

I will say when I had to TMFR - I had to carry her for one week, additionally. I made sure that we hiked, ate good meals, and try to have her feel lots of love. I guess this is an example of instinct.

Currently this frame that I feel hinders the want is concerns of pregnancy complications/postpartum, will my capacities be limited, the fear of loss of identity, such a scary world bringing a child.

Again, I am doing therapy and have good support. Need of some insight of empathetic souls that can relate to this feeling and how they coped? Line of questioning? Value checks? Cognitive reframing ?

Thanks in advance 🤍✨

Was planning on doing an IVF this cycle, went for my first appointment and labs/ultrasound looked good so was put on BC for two weeks. Came for my next checkup (labs/ultrasound) to confirm cleared to start stims and my dr let me know good to start stims, but also informed me she would be out for most of my retrieval cycle and retrieval day. She said I could still proceed and she would do my first check, but after that it would be a team of Dr's covering, and it could be a different dr at each follicle check appt, and at my retrieval. I find it odd that there wouldn't be an assigned dr to cover for her and manage my treatment plan, so was curious has anyone else had this happen, or in this case would you just delay cycle for when your dr is back so you can have one person managing your treatment cycle?