Our First Step to IVF

5 May 2011 

Today marked an important day of our IVF journey. After going thru 4 cycles of failed clomid therapy, we have decided to advance further to IVF. Some background info about us, I was diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and Hubby was diagnosed with Teratospermia (condition characterized by the presence of sperm with abnormal morphology that affects fertility in males) which lowers the chances of us conceiving.

"Teratospermia or teratozoospermia is a condition characterized by the presence of sperm with abnormal morphology that affects fertility in males."

"Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common female endocrine disorders affecting approximately 5%-10% of women of reproductive age (12–45 years old) and is thought to be one of the leading causes of female subfertility. The principal features are obesity, anovulation (resulting in irregular menstruation) or amenorrhea, acne, and excessive amounts or effects of androgenic (masculinizing) hormones. The symptoms and severity of the syndrome vary greatly among women. While the causes are unknown, insulin resistance, diabetes, and obesity are all strongly correlated with PCOS."

After much discussion between the both of us, we have decided to proceed with IVF in the hope for us to realize our dream to become parents. Thus, we had our discussion with our fertility specialist and comes to an agreement to start on our first (and hopefully last *keeps fingers crossed*) IVF journey.

We were briefed and explained on the protocol for IVF. I will be starting on a Metformin therapy + OCP (oral contraceptive pill) to begin the IVF protocol. I had searched and google from the internet and found the usage of both drugs were normally use for PCOS patients like myself prior to start of ovarian stimulation.

So I will be taking a course of OCP (1 tab once daily, night time for 13 days) and Metformin (1 tab daily, night time for 1 week and subsequently 1 bd, morning and night for 8 weeks). I guessed popping tablets are not that difficult but the challenging part will be the injections protocol coming in next week.

Nurse had given me both medications and asked whether we would like to take the injections as well or come again on 14 May 2011 to collect them and she can do the first injection for me. We had opted to get the injection on the said date so that she can give us a 'tutorial' on giving a proper jab. I had requested Hubby to do the injection for me as I don't really like the sight of needles and syringes.

Metformin and OCP for start.

So on our first visit - RM 3711.29 was paid. I guessed our credit card will be working extremely hard for the weeks to come. Pray hard everything will be going on smoothly.