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Post by ellene on Aug 26, 2009 14:25:20 GMT -5
Hi Everyone- I have been trying to get pregnant for over 1 year. I had also had 2 lap surgeries diagnosed with stage IV endo.
My question: How long do you try one fertility option before going to the next? I am on my 4th round of clomid and HCG injections. When do I throw in the towel and try the next fertility option?
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Post by ouchy on Aug 26, 2009 14:35:28 GMT -5
I may have asked this before. Not sure.
1) have you charted your cycles temperature-wise?
2) are you really good at reading your cervical fluid--the #1 predictor of fertility?
3) This 1-yr of trying you talk about...was it each month precisely-timed intercourse? Sex on non-fertile-cervical-fluid days won't get you anywhere.
We've had women here w/ stage IV endo who have done rounds and rounds of clomid and been told that IVF was their only option wind up pregnant after reading "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" by Toni Weschler. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it.
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Post by ellene on Aug 26, 2009 14:38:44 GMT -5
I have been charting for about 4 months. I have been using a fertility monitor for 1 1/2 years. The past 4 months have been timed intercourse. I am also turning 33 next month.
I will certainly get the book also. Is anyone else out there dealing with stage IV and trying to conceive?
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Post by italialynn on Aug 26, 2009 15:13:14 GMT -5
I only have stage II and have been actively trying for four years this December. My last surgery revealed a blocked tube, so that was to blame (sorta). I haven't tried any fertility methods because I simply don't believe in them. It's just my own personal opinion. I don't see the point in pumping your body full of unecessary hormones if the doctor's can't diagnose why you're infertile in the first place. Unless there's a blocked tube or your uterus is a holy mess, endo doesn't *actually* cause infertility. Doctor's do like to blame it though and throw IVF and IUI in our faces. I've cycled normally, ovulated normally, and my husband is fine. I've charted, watched my cervical fluid, and peed on more sticks that I care to mention. It just hasn't happened. I just had my last surgery in April, and am having my first cycle off BCP's (I was on them for 3 months post-surgically). I'm kind of at the point in my life that if it happens, it happens. I'd love more than anything to conceive a child with my husband, but if it doesn't happen for us, I have to believe there's a reason for that. I just can't stress about it anymore. Plus, I'm still in alot of pain due to adhesions. Maybe this is all happening for a reason. So to answer your question, I'm not sure when the right time is to move on to another treatment. When I consulted an RE, the magic number seemed to be "3." Three times trying clomid, three IUI's, and then on to IVF. It's ultimately your choice. As Ouchy mentioned, I HIGHLY recommend reading TCOYF. It will tell you everything you need to know about your body and reproductive system.
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Post by ellene on Aug 26, 2009 15:19:41 GMT -5
I just got my period today, so I am feeling a little bummed. I appreciate your response.
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Post by ouchy on Aug 26, 2009 16:04:40 GMT -5
That gives you time to go to the bookstore, buy the book, read it, and be ready to go when you ovulate this month! Read up on cervical fluid first!
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Post by omaklackey on Aug 26, 2009 17:04:51 GMT -5
Totally agree with Ouchy! Research, research, research. We have to know our bodies better then our doctors do. Endo is not a proven 'fertility' issue like Italia lynn said. A year is actually pretty normal time frame for someone who is over thirty so I hope you can still do this!! I had a friend who was 35 when she was trying to get prenant. It took them two years. she was very healthy and there was nothing wrong with her or the hubby that they could find... just took awhile. They call it 'advanced maternal age' GOOD LUCK and don't give up yet.
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Post by Karen on Aug 26, 2009 17:32:52 GMT -5
I'm with the girls on this one - READ THE BOOK! Not only is in informative, but I think it might be a good cheerleader for you. Doesn't mean it'll make you get pregnant, but it's one step closer to knowing your body all that much better, which can only benefit you in the long run. Best of luck!
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Post by italialynn on Aug 27, 2009 8:00:51 GMT -5
I know it's hard, but try and keep your chin up. Like the girls said, a year of trying isn't very long in the grand scheme of things. The infertility battle is one of the hardest things I've ever had to face...I remember bawling my eye's out on the toilet every time I'd get my period. It's just a vicious cycle though and if you're not careful, can lead to serious depression. Try and keep positive about it and educate yourself till your blue in the face!
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Post by rainyday on Aug 27, 2009 10:53:21 GMT -5
I was in your same situation 3-4 years ago. We finally did conceive naturally bu miscarried at 8 weeks. I too have Stage 4 endo. After miscarriage, we saw a doc who diagnosed endo for me. Till then we had no idea. Strange I know. Well after that he was adamant about only succeding with IVF. So far we have tried 3 fresh and one frozen cycle, all unsuccessfull ( two miscarriages).
So I agree with others that with endo other methods may or may not be useful ( Ialso have PCOS so it will be bit more different for me than you). I would suggest that if your tubes are open, then try on your own for a few more months. The book recommended is really useful.
Goodluck.
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Post by alchemist on Oct 19, 2009 4:51:40 GMT -5
I am 34, been trying over a year (granted not every single month) and have been diagnosed with a fibroid and possible endo. having hormone tests and a HSG next month to see if the fibroid is blocking my tubes
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