For those who've had IVF Retrieval

I am only vaguely considering IVF. Is retrieval painful? Also, do you have to take meds/hormones, etc.? I'm concerned because I also take high BP medication. Any thoughts/guidance would be appreciated.

Re: For those who've had IVF Retrieval

It is a little uncomfortable. Nothing too unbearable, but it varies in person to person.

You definitely have to take meds/hormones. There are lots of different protocols, but you can't produce that many eggs on your own without help. Although I believe there is someone one here (screenname Donna?) who did a "natural" IVF. No drugs, just retrieval.

It's a fairly complicated process with very specific dates and instructions.

Even if you are vaguely considering it, it's probably worth talking to your doctor about their process to get a better idea.

Re: For those who've had IVF Retrieval

Retrieval was not painful for me. They give you anesthesia prior.

I don't take BP meds, so I don't know the answer to the second part. You should inform your RE of all meds you are taking.

Re: For those who've had IVF Retrieval

I just recently had mine.

Yes the process is long and complicated like Lauren said. Its about 7-9 weeks start to finish. On my cycle I was on 8 medications . Most of which were injections.

The birth control first to slow down your cycle

Then the stimulants- Two drugs mixed together. These can raise blood pressure, which is why they check you on every visit to make sure its stable. Im sure your Dr. Would monitor you even closer or put you on something that is possibly less a risk

Then the injections to supress ovulatating too soon.

Then the injection to ovulate.

Then An antibiotic and a steroid by mouth for 8 days.

And finaly the Progesterone injections ( in the butt...worst ones!)

That was just my "protocol" ...everyones is different depending on situation.

As far as retrieval. You are under anesthesia , so you do not feel it.

Afterwards I was in some pain for about 3 days, but I has some mild hyperstilmulation which is rare and I am one of the few , out of those on the board. It was like severe cramps and I basically took tylenol and laid in bed for a few days. In the end the pain was NOTHING if I get PG. And I would of course do it all over again, so it couldnt have been that bad.

I read most people expreience only mild discomfort if anything afterwards.


Mu only advice is to sit down and really understand the process, learn as much as you can if considering it.

it is a huge huge undertaking and it drains you physically and mentally. you definatly have to be prepared for that.

Re: For those who've had IVF Retrieval

there is "natural" IVF, it's much cheaper and you don't take many meds (one injection or two) but you don't make tons of eggs. It was perfect for me because I don't make alot of eggs even on full stim. I did get a BFN but that's my egg issue.

I went to New Hope in NYC but I think SIRM also does natural.

Good Luck to you!!

Re: For those who've had IVF Retrieval

bump

Re: For those who've had IVF Retrieval

Retrieval was not painful for me. I had only slight cramping afterwards, nothing major. You do have to be on meds both before and after your retrieval.

Re: For those who've had IVF Retrieval

My clinic gives a pill like valium for retrieval if you need it. I am definitely going to need it....found this out when they tried to do my SHG.

Re: For those who've had IVF Retrieval

like everyone said it wasnt painful for me, and yes you have to take meds.
Everyone's protocol is different.