IVF Plus 40

You Having A Baby

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 19:56:00 +0000

Dr. Oz has a new book out these days. You Having a Baby.

I have not read it, but I am a very big fan of Dr. Oz. There is also a workout DVD for pregnant women.

Keep up those positive attitudes and good luck to all.

Breast Cancer

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:44:00 +0000

I am taking a stand here and wanting everyone to sign a petition. I don't agree with the new standards that have come out concerning our health. I belong to Illinois Federation of Business and Professional Women and I have seen to many of those women die from cancer.

I received an email wanting us to sign a petition. Here what was in that email:

"The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force's recommendations could significantly change breast cancer screening approaches. And while these recommendations are not binding, they are often consulted by health care providers and insurance companies.

Most breast cancer experts agree far more than they disagree. One thing that the evidence clearly shows is that mammography reduces the risk of dying from breast cancer. Susan G. Komen for the Cure® continues to recommend annual mammography beginning at age 40 for women of average risk and earlier for women with known risks for breast cancer
Mammography is not perfect, but until we can develop more precise screening methods and can more accurately predict which women are at risk for breast cancer it is still our best tool for early detection.

Please sign our petition and help make sure there are no barriers for women to get the mammograms they need.

While controversies like this one make for good headlines, we must not lose sight of the fact that one third of all women who should get a mammogram don't, because they lack access, education or awareness.

This is an issue that needs our focus and attention. If we make progress with screening in vulnerable populations, we will continue to make progress in the fight against breast cancer.
The Komen Advocacy Alliance will continue to advocate for women in this country and will push to ensure that all women have access to mammography."

I urge you to click on the link and electronically sign that petition.

Miscellaneous Info

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 13:25:00 +0000

I am no longer in the mode of fertility treatments, but I still receive emails on the subject. I thought that I would share an email that I thought that you would find useful from Baby Center.

This is a great source for information on diet for both partners and other information about new medical discoveries.

This months issue talks in depth about foods you should eat and those to stay away from while trying to get pregnant. One interesting article is comparison of babies heart rate and success of the pregnancy. I do not agree with everything in the article because I have seen proof on the message boards that the article is not a 100% correct.

Check out the web site. I do hope that it will help you achieve your goal.

Stevia May Cause Prolems For Men

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 10:53:00 +0000

I was doing an article for one of my other blogs about artificial sweeteners and how they can actually make you fat. I cam across some interesting information about Stevia. I always thought that it was a good healthy substitute until now.

According to some research Stevia can lower sperm counts. "Reproductive problems. Stevioside “seems to affect the male reproductive organ system,” European scientists concluded last year. When male rats were fed high doses of stevioside for 22 months, sperm production was reduced, the weight of seminal vesicles (which produce seminal fluid) declined, and there was an increase in cell proliferation in their testicles, which could cause infertility or other problems. And when female hamsters were fed large amounts of a derivative of stevioside called steviol, they had fewer and smaller offspring. Would small amounts of stevia also cause reproductive problems? No one knows." Nutrition Action

There is a lot of information out there about Stevia and really none of it is conclusive. Even the information about it causing low sperm counts is controversial. But when you are having problems already, you don't need to take any chances. I know there are a lot of drinks out now that have stevia as a sweetener and I thought that you may want to have information to make a decision for yourself.

Here are some other web sites you may want to check out.

WebMd
Health World
Wikipedia
Nutrition Action
MSNBC

Vitex

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 13:52:00 +0000

I have had a comment about Vitex. I have not heard of it, so my research bone became activated. Here is what I have learned.

Vitex has been used in Mediterranean countries for years to help women with a wide range of female issues. Vitex agnus-castus L., commonly known as chaste tree, is native to West Asia and southwestern Europe. The small round fruits (seeds) have a pungent scent and flavor reminiscent of black pepper.

"In 1938, a German researcher, Gerhard Madaus, was the first to initiate use of chaste tree in the twentieth century. Recognizing the long value of the plant in gynecological disorders, he designed a series of animal experiment to determine which part of the plant had the greatest biological activity. Madaus found that extracts of the leaves, fruits, and bark retarded estrus (heat) in female rats, without evidence of adverse effects on reproductive performance. The fruits had the greatest activity." Steven Foster

"Chaste tree berry acts on the hypothalamus and pituitary glands by increasing luteinizing hormone (LH) production and mildly inhibiting the release of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). The result is a shift in the ratio of estrogen to progesterone, in favor of progesterone. The ability of chaste tree berry to raise progesterone levels in the body is an indirect effect, so the herb itself is not a hormone. " Natural Health Solutions

"Vitex does not actually contain hormones. It appears to increase progesterone by stimulating the release of a hormone called luteinizing hormone from the pituitary gland. Vitex is also thought to normalize excessive prolactin levels and promote fertility.

Female infertility
PMS, especially breast tenderness, cramping, and headaches
Acne, especially if it is related to the menstrual cycle
Fibrocystic breast disease
Heavy menstruation
Menopausal symptoms" About.com

There are some side effects with this herb.

"More common side effects include mild digestive upset or skin rash. Other side effects may include rapid heartbeat, hair loss, headache, dry mouth, nausea, rash, itching and bleeding between periods.

Vitex is not recommended during pregnancy. It shouldn't be used by nursing women unless under the guidance of a qualified health professional.

People with hormone dependent conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and cancers of the breast, ovaries, uterus or prostate shouldn't take vitex.

Small amounts of vitex could increase the production of breast milk in post-partum women. High doses may have the opposite effect and decrease the production of breast milk.

Vitex may affect levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine. People with Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, or any other condition in which dopamine levels are affected should avoid vitex unless under the supervision of a qualified health professional." About.com

"Interactions with dopamine agonists (potential/theoretical). An in-vitro study reported that chasteberry constituents had dopaminergic activity that may alter the effects of these medications and possibly the dose needed for treatment: selegeline, amantadine, carbidopa, levadopa, pramipexole, ropinirole, bromocriptine, pergolide. If you are taking any of these medication, it's a good idea to consult with your physician before taking vitex. " Natural Health Solutions

Seek guidance from a licensed naturopathic physician, who would have extensive knowledge of herbs and botanical medicines. Vitex or chaste berry is very safe ad can be taken daily for up to 18 continuous months, unless pregnancy occurs. It is usually taken in the morning as a single daily dose.

As a general guideline, your daily dose could be:
60 drops of Vitex tincture, standardized to contain 6% agusides.
175 mg. or more of standardized Vitex extract, standardized to contain 6% agusides.

You can also take a blend which includes Vitex like Fertilaid for Women to help you balance your hormones and induce ovulation.

I hope this helps answer any of your questions. Good luck to you all.

Sources:

About.com
Natural Health Solutions for PCOS
BabyHopes.com
Steven Foster Group

United Nations Interfering With Parenting World Wide

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 21:58:00 +0000

I just learned that the United Nations have put together a treaty that takes away any rights a parent has in raising their child. So far the United States has not signed the treaty.

It seems that this treaty will take away your right to decide on if you children will receive vaccinations no matter what your religious beliefs or any beliefs. You will not be able to discipline your child without the United Nations getting involved.

Some of the rights are being enforced throughout our court system now. For more information you can go to Parental Rights.

I am sorry, but I think the Government is getting to involved in how our lives are being lived. I think this is stepping way over the line.

Another Source for information on this treaty is United Nations Human Rights Treaty.

Suleman IVF

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:03:00 +0000

Just watching an interview with Nadya Suleman about her view on having eight babies. I had some reservation on the situation when the story came out that Nadya had 6 other children at home and had no job and living with her parents.

Well, after watching part of the interview some new information came out that has changed my mind about the situation. Yes she is living in a home that her mother owns. She says she is paying rent, but there is no absolute evidence that Nadya is or is not working.

Nadya had a lot of problems getting pregnant and finally went through IVF to have a baby. She went through IVF many times and had one child at a time until the 4th pregnancy when she had twins. She had 6 frozen eggs from previous IVF cycles. She felt that she could not leave those eggs and decided to go through IVF one more time to see if she could have one more child with those 6 frozen eggs.

She convinced her doctor to put all 6 eggs back. It just so happened that all 6 took and 2 eggs split. We all know how rare that the split could happen and even that all 6 frosties would implant.

Nadya did say that 6 children was getting to be the limit, but she couldn't just let the 6 frosties go. She was an only child and decided at a young age that she would have a big family because she missed having a brother and/or sister to grow up with. I know that my grandmother was a single child and ended up having 12 children. I have heard that she did have a miscarriage along the way. My other grandmother had 9 children. Back then it was unusual to have that many children, but not unheard of. Nadya gave me some insight on my grandmother years after her death.

I have to agree that Nadya probably should not have gone through the last IVF and maybe donated the eggs to another couple. But I don't know that I could have done that if it was me. Most people have no idea what it is like to want a child and not able to conceive them in the "normal" way. In my case not even through IVF. It is really hard from me to really judge Nadya without really knowing the true story or even walk in her shoes.

I think that she should be given the help that all the other people who have had multiples received no matter what the circumstances. Those babies deserve the right to have at least the basics. I feel for the children especially seeing them and reminding me of my daughter who only lived 10 days. I pray that the children grow healthy and happy.

The Dash

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 13:42:00 +0000

I read of a reverend who stood to speak at the funeral of his friend. He referred to the dates on her tombstone from the beginning to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth and spoke of the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time that she spent alive on earth, and now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own; the cars, the house, the cash. What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard, are there things you'd like to change? For you never know how much time is left.

If we could just slow down enough to consider what's true and real, and always try to understand the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger, and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect, and more often wear a smile, remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.

So, when you eulogy is being read with your life's actions to rehash....
would you be pleased with the things they say about how yo spent your dash?

Secondhand Smoke Causes Problems

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:44:00 +0000

More studies have been done on smoking and difficulties with pregnancy, but now a small study shows that secondhand smoke can cause miscarriages.

It seems that the longer women have been exposed to secondhand smoke the more problems they have getting pregnant and/or staying pregnant. An article on MSNBC says that secondhand smoke contains most of the toxins that harm reproductive system.

This is one reason I am glad that Illinois passed the no smoking law. With the DJ business, we were playing music in a lot of bars and hotels that allowed smoking in their banquet areas. Now we don't have to worry about smoke at all.

If you have smokers in the family, try to minimize the exposure to the smoke as much as possible.

Increase in Egg and Sperm Donations

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 13:38:00 +0000

It is a sign of hard economic times when more and more people are selling fertile eggs and sperm. In an MSNBC article, it is reported that a significant increase in people selling fertile eggs and sperm to help pay their bills or to help pay for college.

“I am seeing a huge increase,” said Mary Fusillo, director of The Donor Solution, an agency in Texas. She says egg donor applications have jumped in the past six weeks from two to five a day to 20. “It’s people who suddenly see it as a viable way to make a chunk of change all at one time.”

I am happy to report that donors are put through a lot of tests to make sure that they are healthy and disease free in most cases. This is something you have to investigate before accepting any donation.

Sperm donations can be made up to 10 times a month for $60.00 to $100.00 per donation. Women can sell their eggs for around $7,000.00. One college student sold enough eggs to pay for her college.

What does this mean for those of us going through fertility treatments? For those who use donor eggs and sperm, it means a wider selection of sperm or eggs to better fit your wants and desires.

Good luck to all who are going through fertility treatments. I hope and pray that you get that BFP soon.

Breakthrough in Womens Health and Frozen Eggs

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:40:00 +0000

MSNBC has a video on medical breakthroughs for women. One of the items in the article was that frozen eggs are just as viable as fresh or unfrozen eggs when it comes to fertility. Frozen eggs are just as viable as an egg obtained in a fresh cycle.

PGD (pre genetic diagnosis)

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 11:50:00 +0000

Pre Genetic Diagnose (PGD) is a little controversial and has not been shown to be accurate. Studies have shown that PGD is not very accurate and test results are not conclusive. Eggs that are normal, may show as abnormal in testing and be discarded, while abnormal eggs show as normal and be implanted back into the mother.

PDG is basically used to find out if a fertilized egg has an indication of having a genetic disorder.

"General guidelines for who should be offered PGD in most clinics are:

Couples with family histories of inherited genetic diseases
Couples where either partner is a carrier of chromosomal translocations (their chromosomes in their genes are “mixed up” – part of one chromosome has broken off and joined with another)
Women who have experienced recurrent miscarriages
Women over the age of 38 (which is considered an advanced female age for bearing children) attempting IVF
Any couple who has experienced repeated failed attempts at IVF (usually 3 or more)
Any couple where a man’s sperm count is low that it is necessary to perform ICSI

A single cell is extracted from an egg that has divided cells of 8 or more. The cell is then tested for genetic diseases. For women who are 38 or over this test can indicate which eggs are more likely to result in a successful pregnancy.

"This means that it is not necessarily better to use PGD just because you have had previous IVF cycles that did not work or because you are a woman over 38. PGD for this reason has not been proven to increase chances of pregnancy. However, if you know you have a chromosomal translocation or you are carrying a gene for a genetic disease or disorder, and your potential child is at a high risk of inheriting medical problems, PGD is useful for increasing the chances of a live birth and a healthy baby." Womens Health Information

Unfortunately the test is not always reliable.

"By relying on the result of one cell from the multi-cell embryo, it assumed that this cell is representative of the remainder of the embryo. This may not be the case as the incidence of mosaicism is often relatively high. On occasion, PGD may result in a false negative result leading to the acceptance of an abnormal embryo, or in a false positive result leading to the deselection of a normal embryo." Wikipedia

"However, PGD (referred to as PGS in Europe) for routine aneuploidy screening during IVF for infertile couples has recently come under severe criticism in Europe owing to several prospective, randomized control studies in Holland and Belgium. PGS has failed to show any improvement in IVF clinical outcome per initiated cycle for advanced maternal age, nor for recurrent implantation failure." Infertility.com

"PGD is very controversial because of the many ethical issues involved with this procedure. Many feel that it is unethical to create an embryo outside of the body and then destroy it. This is especially so because PGD is not 100% accurate, which could lead to the destruction of a normal embryo. Also, PGD does not guarantee that a child will be born without a disease or disorder since genes are not the only things that cause medical problems – fetal environment has a large impact as well. " Women's Health UK

Hopefully this will give you some information to make a difficult decision. Good Luck!

Sources:
Wikipedia
Infertal.com
Womens Health UK

Really Good Web Site

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 10:42:00 +0000

While doing research on different subject, I have come across some web sites that I thought would be good references while going through IVF.

A Brief Guide to IVF, IVF with ICSI, IVM and Frozen Embryo Tansfer - This is a .pdf file that tells you what is going to happen step-by-step and good tips when going through IVF.

Emory Healthcare - Has excellent pictures on what is going on in your body throughout the steps of IVF. It gives you a brief overview of what to expect in the different stages of IVF.

Fertility Plus has excellent tips on how to give yourself a shot and to prevent bruising and soreness. Tips on traveling with medications and needles. And what to expect during Egg Retrieval and Egg Transfer.

If you have more websites please post them in a comment.

Egg Quality and Size

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:23:00 +0000

Sorry, for some reason I have been publishing articles for another blog here instead of the blog that it belong on. I guess I need to pay more attention to what I am doing.

Now for an article that you may have more interest in. Egg quality and size. What are our doctors looking for when you go for your ultra sound?

What is a good number of egg to retrieve?

For most doctors they would like 5 mature eggs for a retrieval, but no less than 3. Anything less than 3 has a very low success rate of becoming pregnant. "However, the high number of follicles could indicate the presence of polycystic ovaries as well as the possibility of over stimulating your ovaries through the use of fertility medication. There may also be some egg quality issues that need to be looked into." (quote from Pregnancy Info Net)

An average number of mature eggs is between 12 and 20. But all doctors agree that the quality of eggs are much more important than quantity.

What size should the egg for retrieval?

It differs a little between doctors, but on average an egg should measure between 15 - 22 mm. Anything smaller is not mature enough and is highly unlikely to become fertilized.

Of course there is the flip side of the coin. Anything bigger than 25 is considered over mature and will probably be discarded. This happened to me in my last cycle. I had an egg left over from my last cycle and the doctor didn't even count it as a viable egg.

Sources:
Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago
Fertility Today
IVF Connections
Center for Applied Reproductive Science
Med Help
Pregnancy Info
Malpani Infertility Clinic

FSH Levels and What They Mean

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 10:15:00 +0000

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is a hormone that stimulates the body to grow and mature eggs. It is usually tested between day 2 and 4 of a woman's cycle. So what do the numbers mean?

If FSH is to high....

"When a women goes into menopause she is essentially running out of eggs in her ovaries. The brain senses that there is a low estrogen environment and more FSH is released from the pituitary gland in an attempt to stimulate the ovaries enough to produce a good follicle and estrogen. " Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago

High levels of FSH may indicate:
Menopause Polycystic
ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Ovarian problems

If FSH is to low...

"An example of how delicate this optimal balance is: While those of us who are learning about infertility tend to worry most about FSH levels that are too high, it is also the case that too little FSH can hamper conception. Hypothalamic anovulation (or lack of ovulation due to a malfunction of the hypothalamus gland) is a result of too little or no FSH production." Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago

Low levels may indicate:
No ovulation
Problem with pituitary gland functioning
Anorexia
High levels of stress

Some women's FSH level bounces around. One month it is in the normal range and the next it will be high. Women who have this problem are less likely to become pregnant. A steady FSH level produces better quality of eggs.

Remember, in IVF it is not how many eggs produced, but the quality of eggs produced will end in a viable pregnancy.

Sources:
Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago
FertilityCommunity.com
Justmommies.com
babyzone.com

Cool Website for Medications

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 18:04:00 +0000

I was doing some research for another post and stumbled across Fertility Lifelines. It lists some of the medications for IVF with printable instructions, video, and prescription information. It doesn't list all the medications, but it does have some.

It has some really good information on IVF and talks about fertility myths.

Please tell us about your favorite IVF related web site.

I'm Done

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:03:00 +0000

Well, I have my final results and it was negative. Alan and I will be taking a break for a while and discuss Foster Care and/or Adoption starting late next year sometime or maybe in 2010.

I will still post on this blog, but probably not as much as I have been. I will be concentrating on the Frugal Sister and the Healthy Living blogs more. If we decide to get into Foster Care or Adoption I may start a blog for that avenue.

The only bad thing about having to wait this long is now I will probably start my period on my Anniversary. Such luck.

56 Year Old Gives Birth To Triplets

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 15:36:00 +0000

Going through the news this morning I found this short article about a women who gave birth to triplets for her daughter.

MSNBC reports that a woman in Ohio gave birth to twins and their sister earlier this month. She was a carrier for her daughter. She decided to give it a try when her daughter and son-in-law were going through the adoption process. They of course went through IVF.

The 3 children were born October 11th by cesarean two months premature. Grandma and babies are all doing fine.

There may be hope for all of us.

Home Pregnancy Tests, are they accurate?

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:28:00 +0000

Well, I took an HPT this morning to see if my cycle worked. It is still a little early, but I thought that I would check anyway. I got a BFN. My beta isn't until Monday, so I still have a chance that I may be pregnant. I never got a BFP early anyway. I have no idea why I even took the test. So I thought that I would do some research to find out how accurate they are and when is the best time to take one.

The best time to take an HPT is 14 days after ovulation or 1 day after a missed period. Very few HPTs can accurately give results before this time. To get the best results, use the HPT first thing in the morning. Your morning urine has the most concentrated HCG levels that are used to predict if you are pregnant or not.

From Consumer Reports, the best brand and highest rated is First Response. The second was Clearblue Easy. Wal-Mart's brand Equate had failed to work in testing. I would not recommend that one at all. It looks like in this case brand name is the best for your money.

It looks like I will be going to Walgreen's after work today to get a First Response. I have been buying Walgreen's generic brand.

Good luck to you all and I hope that you get the results you are looking for.

Sources:

ConsumerSearch
Baby Center
WomensHealth.com

HCG Levels at Beta

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 11:25:00 +0000

I only have 5 more days until beta. Some women on the Fertility message boards have received their BFP. Some have high HCG numbers and some have low number. What do the number mean?

Anything above 5 is considered pregnant. Unfortunately some doctors feel that anything lower than 20 is considered borderline. Most doctors feel anything lower than 10 is not a viable pregnancy. I say don't count your chickens before they are hatched. Some women with low HCG on the message boards have gone on to have a healthy full term baby.

Here is the levels at weekly intervals.

3 weeks LMP: 5 - 50 mIU/ml
4 weeks LMP: 5 - 426 mIU/ml
5 weeks LMP: 18 - 7,340 mIU/ml
6 weeks LMP: 1,080 - 56,500 mIU/ml
7 - 8 weeks LMP: 7, 650 - 229,000 mIU/ml
9 - 12 weeks LMP: 25,700 - 288,000 mIU/ml
13 - 16 weeks LMP: 13,300 - 254,000 mIU/ml
17 - 24 weeks LMP: 4,060 - 165,400 mIU/ml
25 - 40 weeks LMP: 3,640 - 117,000 mIU/ml
Non-pregnant females: mIU/ml
Postmenopausal females: mIU/ml

In most cases if your HCG level doubles or close to doubles in 48 hours then the baby is growing and the pregnancy is viable. If the HCG level starts to drop it probably means you will miscarry.

Sources:
American Pregnancy Association
Bobrow
Childbirth
Dr.Spock

Pregnancy Symptoms

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:49:00 +0000

Since I am on my second week of my two week wait, I thought that I would post some pregnancy symptoms.

Sore Breasts
Tired a lot
Going to the Bathroom a lot and not urinating very much
Cramps
Spotting
Darkening skin around the nipple
Nausea
Bloating
Cravings
Headaches
Constipation
Mood Swings
Higher Basel Body Temperature

The a few of the most embarrassing symptoms is my favorite.

Gas
Cheeseburger Crotch
Memory Loss

BabyMed has a great chart specifically for those of us going through IVF and in our TWW.

Remember some women don't have any symptoms at all. Always wait for the official word from your doctor before you have that glass of wine or a huge cup of coffee.

Sources:
babymed.com
fertilityStories
WebMD.com
Parents.com
Healthline.com

IVF Medications

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:11:00 +0000

I have found that I was not the only one that was taking the shots and had no idea why I was taking anything. I was blindly doing what the doctors told me to do. So I thought that I would give some information on what medication does what.

Birth Control Pills (BCP) - Used to prepare for cycle. Some clinics use BCPs to help put women on a certain schedule.

Lupron - Causes estrogen levels to rise and suppresses ovulation.

Gonol-F and Follistim - Are used to stimulate egg growth.

Pergonal, Repronex, and Humegon - Use with women who have trouble ovulating. Are used to stimulate egg growth.

Letrozole and Anastrozole - Used to stimulate ovulation. "They especially hold promise for the select group of women that have deficient mucus or underdeveloped endometrial lining while on clomiphene citrate. "

hCG - Encourages the eggs' final development prior to retrieval.

Medrol - Prepares the uterus for embryo implantation.

Doxycycline - Prevents infection after egg retrieval and egg transfer.

Progesterone - Ensures adequate amounts of progesterone are in the body following egg retrieval until the placenta begins producing its own.

Clomid - Helps women ovulate.

If I forgot a medication, please add yours to the comments. I will try to find information on it if you don't already have the information.

Sources:

Chicago IVF
DocShop.com
Conceptions
IVF Medication List

Added medication 10/22/08:

A medication to add to the list is Ganirelix - It is to keep you from ovulating before ER.

Sources:
follistim.com
Wikipedia.com

Eating Dairy While TCC

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 18:40:00 +0000

One women on the message board was told that she should not eat dairy products while trying to conceive a baby. "The Infertility Cure" agrees. But what about all the other research that says differently?

Some reports have said that eating whole fat dairy can help fertility in women. I know that when I read eating regular ice cream helped women become pregnant, I kind of went a little overboard.

Eating whole fat foods can also help you lose weight better than eating the low fat versions. Why? Because the fat makes you feel full and you eat less than the low-fat or no-fat foods.

Innovation Reports quote:
"Researchers in the United States have found a link between a low-fat dairy diet and increased risk of infertility due to lack of ovulation (anovulatory infertility). Their study showed that if women ate two or more servings of low-fat dairy foods a day, they increased their risk of ovulation-related infertility by more than four fifths (85%) compared to women who ate less than one serving of low-fat dairy food a week. On the other hand, if women ate at least one serving of high-fat dairy food a day, they reduced their risk of anovulatory infertility by more than a quarter (27%) compared to women who consumed one or fewer high-fat dairy serving a week."

Some research says that you should only consume dairy that is organic. Hormones that are fed or given to animals can increase infertility problems. It is best to find a store close by or order food online that is organic.

What do you think? Will you eat or drink dairy while TCC? If so, do you intend to buy only organic foods?

Sources:
Article City
WiseGeek
Innovations Report
Concieve Online
Pregnancy Info.net
Baby Center

ET, Bedrest, and More

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 11:48:00 +0000

This week has been very active already. Last Saturday I did get a call from my doctors office letting me know that 2 eggs were fertilized and that egg transfer (ET) will be Monday.

Monday came and we did transfer two beautiful eggs and the transfer went very smoothly. I was uncomfortable with a full bladder, but no where near as bad as last time. I have been pretty much laying on the couch the last couple of days. Although I did run a couple of errands yesterday afternoon.

I do feel better about this cycle. I am positive that I will have at least one baby if not two to deliver late next spring.

Monday afternoon I did get a call that my great uncle passed away. He had been very sick with cancer. I am sad to see him go, but glad that he is no longer suffering. One of my sisters also had gal bladder surgery. She is fine and home recovering.

Oh, my doctor did do ICSI and assisted hatching. I have been home drinking grape juice and eating a little bit of pineapple.

ER and a little disappointment

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:52:00 +0000

Even after all that I have tried, I still only had 3 eggs retrieved today. I am scared that none will fertilize. This is my last cycle since my insurance only pays for 3 cycles. I am worried that even if I am lucky enough to have at least one egg to transfer that it won't stick.

One thing I can say is that no matter what happens at this point, my life will go on. After this month I will know if I will be a mom or go on to something else.

I will keep you posted on how things go.