Hi friends!
Last year, we started our IVF journey. It included lots of test and lab work. Due to my age, my egg count and quality are low quality. This makes trying to conceive a difficult task.
In April, I was put on Letrozole to stimulate my follicles--to no avail. I was then put on Clomid; where it took almost three weeks to grow ONE 25mm follicle. We tried Intrauterine insemination (IUI). Unfortunately, when it was time to test HCG levels, I was at a 5, (negative pregnancy test). The IUI success rate for someone my age, is about 1-2%.
Our to the next: We move forward with IVF; IVF comes with a high cost and my health insurance does not offer IVF coverage nor does it offer coverage for IVF medications. The IVF success rates for someone my age is less than 8%. This means we may have to try more than one cycle.
In June, I was put on stims to stimulate my follicles. The sizes between both ovaries have been fluctuating. My right ovary has definitely been uncooperative during our Wanda checks (vaginal ultrasounds). At the end of stims, it was estimated I had a few large follicles and I’d move forward with egg retrieval.
July 3rd, I went in for my retrieval and my doctor was able to retrieve five eggs. During this time, there’s a seven day egg monitor. I received updates that only three out of the five were fertilized but that was the end. We still had to allow them to grow. Fast forward to the last update, only one embryo made it to blast.
After blastocyst, we had our embryo sent off for PGT-A testing to make sure it was chromosomal ok. A long two weeks came and went and we were notified that our one and only embryo came back with Monosomy 18; Trisomy 22 making HER (yes she was girl) an aneuploid that wouldn’t be viable for life. We were prepared for the news because of my age.
After a few long talks with our fertility doctor; we’ve came down to the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make. Donor Eggs! This being said, I wont be able to use my own eggs. The DE process will cost double if not more.
Hugs,
Amanda & L
Disclaimer: Please know that with IVF there are many odds that can go against us and while you’re donating; you’re donating with an open heart. Whether the cycle brings us a baby or not; your donation is and will be greatly appreciated.