Saturday, November 17, 2012

Decisions, Decisions

After our last failed IVF turned IUI attempt, we had some decisions to make.  Our chances of success with IVF are very slim, but not impossible.  If we were to move forward with IVF, Dr. Wu wanted me to try an over the counter medication that might help increase our chances.  I can't remember the exact name of it, but I do know that it was testosterone.  hhmmm.... That sounds scary.  She said females actually do have some testosterone and this would potentially help my egg production.  Side effects would include acne and possibly some extra hair growth, but I wouldn't grow a beard or anything like that!  Really?  I wasn't thrilled about this idea, but not opposed to trying whatever might work.

The other route we could go is using an egg donor.  I used to think that this was not an option for us, but if that is the ONLY way I could become a parent, then well, maybe....

6 comments:

  1. DHEA. I am on it.

    I put some information about it here: http://apassagetobaby.blogspot.com/2012/08/special-lady-cocktails.html

    My US doctor (as well as my Indian doctors and many other doctors) recommend it - though Dr. Sher (IVFAuthority.com) does not. I started it before my second cycle and we had a much improved cycle (though it did result in a chemical pregnancy.)

    The first few weeks on it was pretty weird with side effects and so I had to gradually go to the recommended dosage. I can't really explain except I just FELT weird. I didn't have acne, but I do think it is causing me to have more peach fuzz on my face. I hate it, but it's easily remedied while I am on the medication.

    On another note, I have ADD and it helps a bit with my concentration levels. DHEA is a touted supplement for many "aging" ailments, so I def think it is worth a try if you can get past the initial 2 weeks of adjusting to it. If I recall, I was extra irritable as well. I believe in it enough that I am still on it while we wait for our third cycle. The original study on it was with the women taking it at least 3 months before cycling, but last time I only had started it 1 1/2 months before.

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    1. Thank you so much for the information! I remember Dr. Wu telling me I would need to take it for about 2 months prior to our next IVF. I was willing to do it if it would help increase our chances, but the predicted success rate was still VERY low. Since our insurance doesn't cover any infertility treatments at all, there is a limit to what we can do financially so we decided to move forward with using an egg donor.

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    2. That makes sense. Our insurance is the same and we have the added costs of needing a surrogate. Ugh.

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    3. Doesn't it suck? I am jealous of those that have insurance coverage. Hubby and I have even momentarily thought about moving to another state just so we can get those benefits! Good luck to you!

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    4. It majorly sucks. My insurance covered a bit more of pre-testing than my husband's, but then I was let go from my job. Ugh.
      Best of luck to you as well!

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