Hi ladies!

I've been kind of on a TTC vaca. I had switched jobs and was waiting for my new insurance coverage to kick in and DH and I were just taking a break and trying to be a normal couple. We did TTC over these past few months naturally (of course that didn't work). It was a nice break from all the appointments though. I did acupunture the whole time and we just got to reconnect so it was a break much needed. I had my consult yesterday to start my first IVF!! We're very excited about this new journey and hope thats its a quick one! I hope everyone has been well.

So, yesterday at my consult I had expressed to my doc that I really want to transfer 2 but he was very hesistant about this, which in a way I can completely understand. After all I am not trying to be selfish I do want to ensure that my baby is healthy. He said that since I am 28 years old and our only issue is male factor that there is no way he would do a 5 day transfer with 2 blasts into a 28 year old for her first IVF. He also said that obviously the risks with twins are higher especially with premature birth and because I am 5ft, 100 lbs he fears that carrying twins with my first pregnancy would put me at great risk for this. Again, I do completely understand his side but in a way I was a little bummed. I feel like so many people have the option to transfer 2 but in a way I wasn't really given that. I guess my reason for wanting to transfer 2 is because I'm so afraid of it not working that I figured 2 would increase my chances. I know this is the wrong way to think. And of course I have thought about the risk of twins and I wouldn't mind at all having twins. Anyhow, I am happy to be doing this process and all I ask for is a healthy baby so I am fine with it.

Glad to be back here with you ladies!!

Re: Hi ladies!

I understand but your RE is being smart and following the latest, most ethical guidelines. Ivf has an increased risk of identical twinning so there is always the risk that you could put in two and get three. I know because that's what happened to me! They transferred two, one split into identicals, and now I have triplets. They are amazing but the pregnancy was a terrifying hell. One has mild special needs. I wouldn't change anything for myself, but I always tell young ppl being treated for male factor (as I was) to be cautious the first go round. Having multiples is a special experience, but sometimes I feel sad that I couldn't enjoy each of my babies one at a time. Good luck!

Re: Hi ladies!

Wow I had no idea that this could happen I've never even heard of it. I'm sure it is completely amazing for you, but on the flip side I could only imagine how terrified you were your entire pregnancy. I do completely understand and trust my RE and I would never go against his professional advice. As I said, my main priority is that I have a healthy baby I would never want to be the cause of something bad happening. Thanks for you advice and congrats on your three amazing babies!!

Hi ladies!

Hey hun! Good luck to you! Were actually in the process of moving from iui to ivf for next month! I'm 28 also and when the doctor suggested ivf (dh has low morphology) he said he would transfer one first try then if we wanted to transfer 2 the second time if need be then he would! I think most doctors would transfer only 1 for your first ivf based on our age! I'll find out Wednesday if iui #6 worked and if not then onto birth control to start the ivf process! I'm def a little nervous and want to learn more about the actual steps and timeline! Good luck!

Re: Hi ladies!

I'm 34 and they wouldn't do 2 with me for my first transfer and only did 2 on my FET because I have 6 frozen.

They have guidelines and they are doing what is best. Its good you have a responsible doctor.

Hi ladies!

National protocol/recommendation for someone under 35 dealing with male fertility issues is to transfer one. I understand you wanting to do more to increase your chances, but remember that if monitored properly (which you of course would be), one good/high quality embryo is all you need. I transferred one 8 cell embryo on day 3 and it stuck. I'm currently 4 1/2 weeks pregnant. Would your insurance cover multiple attempts at IVF if necessary? That might impact my decision. For example, if you only had one shot at IVF covered by insurance, I could understand wanting to go against your doc's rec and transfer two. Also, are you going to be using ICSI? If so, this compromises the structure of the egg making it more likely to split, thus creating multiples. I have a friend who transferred two, one split, and she had triplets. This is probably rare, but totally possible. I know its a hard decision, but you need to do what you feel comfortable with and take into consideration your doctor's rec -- they are the experts and know what they're doing.

Hi ladies!

I think you need to see what the quality of your embryos is like before a decision can be made. We were only dealing with MFI and always put back at least 2, but our case was pretty severe. I now have one ds. If we were to do ivf again, I'd only put back 1 because I now know I would have a very hard time with two.

Re: Hi ladies!

Hi ladies!

I agree you need to see the quality of embryos before deciding. When we first met with our RE he suggested 1 since I was 31. But for IVF 1 we put back 2 instead of 1 because they were only early blasts. For IVF 2 and FET we also put back 2 because they were considered mid grade quality. For IVF 3 we also put back 2 because of all our prior BFN and chemicals. This time I had had 1 high quality and 1 mid grade and I am now preg with 1 baby. DH and I knew the risks of multiples and discussed it prior to putting 2 back. So I would say see how your embryos look on transfer day and then go from there. If your RE doesn't think they are high quality they may ask if you want to put back 2. GL

Hi ladies!

I am 38 and had my dr put 2 embryos in. We also had one split and in the beginning of my pregnancy we had triplets. We lost one of the babies by week 7 but the possibility of triplets is real. I think the dr is making a good judgment call for your first ivf.

Hi ladies!

I also want to add that 2 people on this board had a split after xferring 2 embies! Triplets would put you and babies at a further risk.
My RE used to xfer 2, and now said that the rules of the practice have changed based on research.
I think you're going to be fine! If you're healthy, young and have excellent lining (and you're fit too!) you should be fine. While I had twins, and I love them dearly, it's NO picnic. Good Luck to you!~

Hi ladies!

Being pregnant with twins is no joke! I'm currently 34 weeks and I'm much bigger than I was when I had my first DD. I've run into issue after issue with this pregnancy that has not only shown risks to the babies, but also risks to my own health. I'm thankful that I was able to get pregnant again and I do love both babies, but if I had a choice I would not have wanted twins.

Message edited 8/25/2014 10:23:38 AM.

Re: Hi ladies!

Thank you ladies for all your support and replies! BTW MrsM84 yes we are doing ICSI. I have decided to follow my doctors professional advice and only transfer one right now. Of course I want a healthy baby and I don't want to do anything to jeapardize the health of my child.

Hi ladies!

i can see both sides. my first IVF i was 29, had textbook perfect embryos, transferred 2, and one was blighted ovum and the other became my now 3-year-old daughter.
if it was my first IVF i would transfer 2 in a heartbeat. now that i have one child im more hesitant about twins and would think it through. but having put back 2 and ending up with only 1 living child, i can def see both sides of it (as in - what if we had only put back in the blighted ovum embryo..). also though having a 3 year old now i cant imagine having twins....
long story short - i wouldnt make any decisions without knowing the quality of the embryos. bottom line, go in with an open mind. good luck!

Message edited 8/25/2014 8:41:11 PM.