What can you tell me about your experience with assisted reproductive technology?

My cousin was conceived through In-Vitro. She’s in college now, so I’m certain things have come a long way since then.

My aunt contracted breast cancer a couple of years afterward; they said it was related to the treatment. She had a mastectomy and a “natural” reconstruction and has been fine ever since (with the tits of a teenager, no less).

We tried for four years before we had a pregnancy that went full term. (Or almost, he was born at 36 weeks.). My ex had some endometriosis and had a couple laparoscopies when we first started trying to get pregnant.

We did GIFT a half dozen times. Pregnant twice, but miscarried both. And then we had a change in insurance coverage that covered IVF three times.

Despite the IVF, we got naturally pregnant in the “off month” between the second and what would have been the third IVF. The GYN, who had been my ex’s Dr since she was a teen, said he had “primed the pump” from all the fertitility drugs.

The hardest parts were the disappointments, especially the two miscarriages. My ex did have some mood swings from all the hormones, but that was bearable. It was difficult dealing with the fact that it is definitely not a sure thing.

Hugs and wishes to you and your husband as you set out on this.

My sister did it, she had triplets. While it has been hell on her they are three perfect kids. We have all helped when we can but that is one worn out woman. I’m sure you already realize that multiples is not only possible but probable if it is successful.

@ARE_you_kidding_me oh, believe me, I’m aware. :) There is an increased risk of multiples with any of these treatments. So far we’ve only had to face the risk of twins, but the fertility issue that I have makes multiples slightly less of a concern. Either way, you have a little bit of a say in the amount of risk you’re willing to take. I love a success story, though. Thanks for sharing, and @Seek, too.

@zenvelo we’re entering our 4th year now, I have a history of severe endometriosis, myself. The disappointments are agonizing after a while. I’m very sorry for your losses, but happy to hear that it all worked out in the end. Thanks for sharing.

I know of two women that underwent the IVP. One didn’t get pregnant but found out she has breast cancer that metasized into her bones. She was told it was caused by the treatments, something to do with the amounts of estrogen. She will never beat this kind of cancer.
The other woman got pregnant and had twins. She got brain cancer and died when the twins were two years old. This was also due to the treatments. I’m not telling you this to scare you but to make sure you know all the pros and cons. The first woman told me no one ever told her of the cancer risks, that if they had she would never have done it. There was cancer on both sides of her family.

@chyna Unless I’m mistaken the treatments that work with endometriosis don’t involve hormone supplements.

@areyoukiddingme. Actually endometriosis is the reason my friend that has breast cancer went with that treatment.

Yikes, what is the link between these treatments and cancer?

A link between cancer and IVF is not conclusive. A very recent report shows no link with breast cancer.

There is a slightly increased risk of cancer with both endometriosis and with fertility treatment, and I’ve seen that studies linking fertility treatments to cancer are inconclusive at best. To the best of my knowledge, both are quite low. But, the risk is there, at least with endometriosis. I am only guessing, but I’d assume a family history or a predisposition to certain cancers would put you closer to the high risk group?
@chyna sorry to hear about your friend.

My experience was you get treated like cattle. They shut off your cycle so you will sync up with the other women who are going to attempt an IVF or medication assisted AI. If you have anything out of the ordinary going on they might not pay attention to you unless you insist. Warn your husband he will have to help you if something isn’t right. It’s very hard to do it on your own.

I know women who have had luck on their first try! I think you’re a good candidate for IVF. There are risks, but I think they are pretty low. Do some research if you are worried about that.