Testimonial: My first in vitro fertilization (IVF)

At the beginning of summer 2014, rumours began to circulate in the media. The government wants to remove free IVF* in Quebec. Once my DEC was over, we knew that we wanted to start the process again and IVF was next for us.

In June, I called the clinic to reopen my file. I knew it would be long, we have to update some tests, and wait for our turn, we will certainly not be the only ones to have this “garocher” in a fertility clinic before returning to the era where each trial cost between $8,000 and $15,000.

And this waiting period suited me, I had started a new job, in agriculture, in vegetable greenhouses, a job that would lead me to unemployment during the winter.

It was quick anyway: in October, I called the clinic, on my #1 day, to start the first IVF. I was still working, but my employer was aware of my desire to take these steps again, so I felt comfortable taking a few half-days off per week to work towards this dream!

To put all the odds on my side, I started acupuncture treatments a little before this first appointment. It seems that it worked for Celine Dion, why not for me too! Our insurance does not cover this health professional, but you need what you need!

So how does in vitro fertilization work? We need to have an initial intra-vaginal ultrasound to see if our uterus and ovaries are ready for stimulation. This echo must be done between day 2 and day 4 of our cycle. When everything is right, medications are started to stimulate the ovaries and follicles and help them mature eggs. In my case it was Gonal-F and Luveris. Two days after the first ultrasound, we must take a blood test to measure the hormones present in our body. Two days after the blood test, we have another ultrasound to see how our follicles react. What you want to see on the screen is at least 6 follicles that have started to grow in size; then, the medication is adjusted based on the results of the blood test and the echo. In addition, depending on the size of the largest follicle, you start taking a medication that prevents ovulation (subcutaneous injection medication, like the others); for me, it was Cetrotide. Two days later, we have another ultrasound, again to see the evolution of the follicles. The latter must have reached a size between 15 and 20mm before the puncture, so we boost our hormone, echoing every 2 days, until we have reached these measurements. Then, we take a drug to induce ovulation, for me it was HCG, and exactly 35 hours later, it's the egg puncture.

At my first ultrasound, the doctor noticed that I had a small cyst on one ovary. It prevents ovarian stimulation from starting. Another disappointment, we have to wait for my next day 1, which will not happen for a good 35 days in my case. This cyst could simply be the envelope of the last egg that matured, I was told not to worry about it. If it happens again next time, they can have me take a cycle of anovulants to avoid ovulation and therefore cyst formation.

Well, let's go back to waiting then...

* I will not get into a debate here for or against the accessibility of infertility treatments, and Bill 20. You can read a summary of this bill here: http://aciq.ca/projet-de-loi-20/ I would just like to say that it is a proven program that has helped many couples become parents.

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