Why we are NOT choosing IVF

Yes, I have been asked 1,000 times when we are starting IVF. Well we aren’t. It is not an option that we are even considering. I know that sounds weird but due to my history of endometriosis and ovarian cysts (You can check out the Endometriosis tab for that 10 year wrap up) it isn’t something that my body would handle well.

I am actually really shocked how many people just jump to that conclusion, oh having trouble getting pregnant, just do IVF. IVF is an option, not a solution in my opinion. I like to find out the reasons why my body is not working properly. Did you know that your body wants to get pregnant? But even though it wants to get pregnant that you have about a 25% chance of getting pregnant every cycle, even if you don’t have anything wrong (Stats per my OBGYNs). So yes that is why I am so dang happy anyone gets pregnant because even if all the stares are aligned, you may still not get pregnant, there are multiple factors involved. But we are not going there today.

Per WebMD the success rate is about 29.4% for pregnancy, so that is not even 5% higher than a natural conception… I just want you to re read that stat. IVF increases your chance 5%, I understand if you have other issues this 5% may be exactly what you need to have that baby in your arms. But for me that 5% means I need to look into more of WHY my body is not functioning correctly.

Yes I understand that unexplained fertility is a thing, but just going off with all the testing my doctors have done one me, thats what I’m falling under. But the big thing is why is my body having hormone issues now that I’ve been off birth control for almost 5 years! Do I have endometriosis, yes I was diagnosed back in 2008, but over the past 10 years I’ve been able to work on my body and actually diminish all symptoms and even have my estrogen levels with in normal limits. My ultrasound results were great, I have viable eggs left, my uterine lining is textbook. So based off all of this and the fact that I am not ovulating consistently I have been put under the “Unexplained” fertility section.

I am so thankful my OBGYN has given me all my options that he can do, given me referrals for specialists, and let me know if there are any lab work that a naturopath needs to order he will do it. I am aware that we can go the clomid method that basically forces ovulation and we just go to town and cross our fingers, That route is not out of the picture for us. But I would like to try to see if we can figure out why I am not ovulating every month since my tubes are clear and we can’t see any reason my ovulation would be blocked, especially since I have confirmation that I have ovulated since initial testing.

So since we are not going to do IVF, what are we going to do. I am going to see a naturopath so we can get to the root of the issue. Honestly that is my biggest concern, having my hormones off balance is the most important thing to me at this moment. Having hormonal acne at 31 when I’ve never had it is super embarrassing. Yes I was that teenager that never broke out, apparently now I’m getting payback. Also having hormones that are not regulated means I am an emotional rollercoaster and my poor husband is a saint for dealing with mood swings and crying spasms because my body is broken. Thanks babes you are the MVP!

So that is where we are at right now, I am not entertaining the IVF option, we are going the natural route and trying to find the actual issue. I will keep you updated on what is going on, and what we find out.

And as always feel free to reach out if you have questions, want to offer advice, or your experience with going through this journey, don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you for coming on my journey!