IVF - CF Female

[carmenNZ]

Hi all,

I am a CF female who is on the wait list to go through IVF. Just wondering if anything differs from the normal IVF process due to CF? The doctor I have been seeing does not seem to know anything about CF.

Thanks

 

[cheerfulpuppies]

Have you tried iui?

 

[amalone]

Hello! How exciting! I am CF+ and we started the 30-40 day first IVF cycle with our first set of meds yesterday. The big difference I have noticed is that the fertility folks want to be a little more conservative with us.Use only one embryo etc while my C.F. doc says it is fine to be more aggressive.in general my disease presentation is mild and health is good. So he isn't all that worried about the possibility of twins (we go back and forth a lot on how we feel about single/double embryo transfer). I'm finding they are not having a lot of luck controlling my thyroid, they want a "low normal" TSH and mine is mid to high normal and doesn't want to budge even with synthyroid. What else would you find helpful to know?

 

[laneyb]

Hi I too have been through IVF and my fertility doctor had never dealt with a cf lady doing IVF . I was a little nervous but she's good and my health is good so I just did it. One thing I discussed with my cf was doing one embryo at a time. We're still on round one and will be having our last embryo transfer from this round very soon. We decided to transfer one at a time so I can be as healthy during pregnancy. Having twins is hard on anyone with or without cf. It's a personal choice you have to decide. Let us know how you get on. It's great to have others to talk to who are going through IVF too.

 

[ambermarie03]

Hey there. I am also curious about this. I am 28 and am fairly healthy however, cannot get pregnant naturally. After 2 failed IUIs I sought a 2nd opinion from a new RE and they are suggesting IVF. He mentioned that with my CF we will need to make sure every t is crossed and every I is dotted. I actually have an appt set up with a perinatologist to discuss risks. Let me know what you find out. Where do you live? 'Im in Florida and apparently there is something they have to double check with state regulations due to me being high risk and because of how their particular office is set up. He mentioned I may need to see a specialist at the University because they do the transfers in the OR opposed to a fertility office.

 

[toria]

I've done IVF three times, two healthy pregnancies. First IVF didn't work. Both pregnancies twins, but lost a twin with each pregnancy. I have two wonderful boys, 16 and 10. IVF wasn't difficult, but the pregnancies were and the birth. IVF in general is well difficult emotionally, physically, and FINANCIALLY for every woman who goes through it. If your spouse is carrier, you can have your embryos tested to insure you don't pass on the disease. I know this is a very difficult time for you. Hopefully it will be a distant memory someday like it is for me.

 

[jerseygirl]

Hi there,
I am also in the same situation. I have tried 4 failed IUI's (non medicated) as my RE is very conservative and concerned for the risk of multiples for me. We are considering IVF. Of course, I'm worried about the cost, but also debating the situation about how many transfers do we transfer - knowing the risk of multiples, but could I make it through pregnancy - I would be willing to risk it (IF assuming there are embryos to transfer).
My doctor is more concerned about my support system AFTER babies born, not as worried with pregnancy.
Did anyone experience these thoughts or have any advice for me? I feel like time is not on my side and we although we are hoping for a natural pregnancy I'm afraid to keep trying with no success. Really appreciate any advice.
This has been more taxing emotionally on me than most things I have had to deal with CF. You would think we could catch a break! Thanks in advance for the support

 

[ethan508]

@Jersygirl; From what I remember the chances of getting pregnant with 2 verses 1 blastocyst isn't much better (maybe 50% vs 60%). I love my twins, but the pregnancy was super hard on my (otherwise) healthy wife. And we were just sleep deprived zombies for the first 3-4 months after their birth. You defiantly need a partner that is willing and able to get you some recovery sleep after the birth. And support from Mom, friends, and neighbors who can come watch your baby (or clean your house) so you can sleep or shower or get the shopping done is very helpful.

You are right IVF is really taxing and you will need support to get through it (both when you have successes and failures). Build your support group, and get mentally ready. And I'm sorry you have to go through it.