need advice - Infertility Message Board

wlwoodma · 10-24-2003, 12:31 PM

Hi,

this is the first time I have posted here but have been reading the board for quite awhile. I have a lot of respect for the collective wisdom here and would appreciate it you all would let me know what you would do in my situation.

My husband and I have been ttc for over 3 years. I have two boys, 10 and 14, from a previous marriage. I was able to conceive easily both timesthen . I am now 41 years old.
When we first started with the RE they did a sperm analysis on my husband and it showed he had a low strict morphology. Because of this we opted to do IUI with a clomid/HGC shot. We did this three times with no luck. (although I ovulated fine) Then we moved on to IVF. The first cycle resulted in BFN but the second I got a BFP but miscarried within a few days.
After this I was pretty upset with the whole thing plus we had used up all our insurance money. We decided to pursue an adoption. However the adoption thing has really been discouraging too.

Then I kept thinking, maybe if we had used donor sperm I could get pregnant. Well I was afraid to talk to my DH about it, as I thought he would be upset but when we finally did discuss it he was pretty positive.
So then we went back to the RE. I told him my idea about the donor sperm and he talks us into having another sperm test first. Results of test - DH's sperm now great.
So we go through an IUI, I take a test when AF doesn't show up and get BFP but again miscarry again.

I am so frustrated and now am wondering if the real reason for our infertility is due to something causing early miscarriage as I have read they often happen before you even know. We have a appointment with the RE and I would like to know what tests we could request. I would also appreciate any other wisdom or thoughts you all might have.
thanks
w

misof · 10-24-2003, 04:07 PM

I have had two miscarriages now one on our own and one with an IUI cycle. I think it is worse than hearing just negative. It is alot to emotionally deal with so just wanted to let you know I understand, I feel for you, just try your best to hang in there.

As for what tests to ask for... I am not sure. I know someone who had soemthing in her blood that was attacking the babies and causing miscarriages, not sure what it was though. Other than that my only thought is the lining not holding the embryo. You could ask if your lining thick enough?

Sorry I can't be of more help.

jcrew33 · 10-24-2003, 06:52 PM

I have had 2 miscareges and found out that I have low progestone leavles . my doc said this could have been the problem if you dont have enough proges in your body your uterus linning will not be thick enough to support the fetus.. have you had your homone leavels checked yet??? mabe you should .. Good luck and let us know

sincerly,
jcrew

IndyAndrea · 10-26-2003, 06:28 PM

I agree - to have your hormone levels checked! Unfortunately, most doctors don't touch the miscarriage issue until you've had a certain number consecutively in a row (I don't know how many...)

It could most definitely be caused by low progestrone levels - a short luteal phase or the like. Talk with your doctor about this - and if you feel like you are not getting the care that you need - PLEASE find another doctor. Remember - you are paying them, not the other way around - and you have every right to get 100% service!

Let us know what you find out - and good luck!

wlwoodma · 10-27-2003, 07:57 AM

thanks for the replies! I am sure my doctor will chalk up the m/c to my age and bad luck, and maybe that is the reason but I would like to rule out any other possible causes. I am definately planning on being quite assertive with them as to testing. wish I could shop around for a new doc but these are the only ones close to home. (we live in the sticks)
Misof, I totally know how you feel about m/c being worse than BFN as far as emotions go. My Dh was being really cautious when I told him I was preg and I was wildly excited, now I feel totally stupid on top of the huge disapointment. I am glad at least he was cautious, I hate to have both of us feeling this way. the only positive thing about this whole experience is that I know now it is possible to get preg without IVF and we could financially swing a few IUIs. I just don't want to do them if I will just m/c.
thanks again, will let you know what the doc says-
w