Thursday, August 5, 2010

IVF - is it that scary?

Am just watching Giuliana & Bill, and they are going through the phase about going into IVF. It is a big decision but is it as scary? I am thankful that my family is there along the way and that put my mind in ease and had no problem making that decision to go through IVF. So it is important that you are ready and have the support of your family otherwise it's gonna be difficult. You've got to be physically and mentally ready for the long and difficult process.

I have my hubby, my family and God with me all the way so to me NO it's not scary!

Monday, August 2, 2010

What is IVF?

Well, now that I have 2 more months before I restart my treatment, I've decided to do more research to understand IVF better. An overview of IVF...

IVF, In vitro fertilisation is a process where the eggs are fertilised by sperm outside the womb. The main treatment for IVF is infertility when all other methods of normal or assisted reproductive technology failed. For my case, we did an IUI before. Instead of giving it another go, I had my cyst removed and went straight to IVF. Now, the whole process of IVF includes hormonally controlled ovulation process, retrieval of eggs from the ovaries and fertilising them with your partner's sperm. Once the eggs are fertilised, they are they transferred back to the female's uterus. My first treatment stopped at "hormonally controlled ovulation."

During which blood tests were carried out for hormonal measurement, ultra-scans took place to scan for the growth of follicles, hormones jabs were given to control and stimulate follicle growth. It's a long and difficult process that will strain your physically and mentally. Sometime, you might develop needle phobia! (I learn a new word today: Trypanophobia - for fear of medical procedure involving injections/needles)