Summary of IVF #1

After a series of 3 ectopic pregnancies, all I have is my right ovary. Both my fallopian tubes and my left ovary were surgically removed. Since I only have one remaining ovary, our only option to get pregnant with our own child is through In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF). We made some research about IVF in the Philippines and the UAE. After some thought, we decided to have the procedure in the UAE.

We waited for 2 years before starting with IVF. The first reason is for my surgery to heal completely (it’s like having a CS operation). The second is to be more financially ready for the high costs of the procedure.

I left my job a month before the procedure. We started IVF #1 in May 2013. The procedure starts on the second or third day of your period. For the first 5 days, I was taking one injection per day. On day 6 to 10, the injections increased from 2-4 shots per day. These injections stimulate the ovary so that more follicles (the egg is inside the follicle) will grow and become mature. On the 12^th day, my follicles were collected. A total of 8 follicles were taken-- of which 7 were matured. But only 5 eggs were successfully fertilized. After 3 days, only 3 embryos have survived. They have transferred the best 2 embryos back to my uterus. After 8 days, my beta HCG (which determines the pregnancy) is only 2.2. I tested again after 4 days and my beta HCG dropped to almost zero, which indicates negative pregnancy and failed IVF.

During the failed IVF assessment, my doctor recommended that I undergo hysteroscopy and endometrial scratching. She said that this will “clean” my uterus and remove polyps and fibroids. Based on internet research, I also learned that there seems to be higher pregnancy rate after endometrial scratching. This is not part of the IVF package that we have availed so this is an extra cost that we have not taken into budget. However, we are ready to pay for anything that may increase the chances of pregnancy. The procedure is done under general anesthesia so I didn’t feel anything. However, after the procedure I felt minor cramps. I also had spotting until the day of my period. Though it may also be breakthrough spotting caused by the birth control pills that I was prescribed to take.

The next step is to wait for my period so we could begin with IVF #2.