Fertility Compass Part 3: Deciding on Another Cycle

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Before answering this questionnaire, we were able to make a decision that this cycle of IUI will be the last one.  Read more about it here.  But nonetheless, the results affirmed that we need to take a break from our fertility treatments and give ourselves time to relax and enjoy together as a couple. 

Deciding on another cycle

Your Results

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Your answers indicate some serious issues that may interfere with your treatment plans. Try to solve the problem before you continue treatment. If your doctor advises against further treatment, analyse the reasons. Take time to reflect and give yourself a solid two-month break.

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Do I have a real chance of getting pregnant?

Based on the conversation you had with your doctor, your chances of conception are good.

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Is another treatment cycle asking too much of my body?

Based on the conversation you had with your doctor you are physically well.

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Am I too distressed?

You should wait and seek support from a psychologist.

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Can our relationship support more treatment?

You try to offer each other support, but it seems difficult at times. It may be good to take a short break from treatment and spend time relaxing together.

Acknowledgement:

This tool was developed by Chris Verhaak, clinical psychologist from the Radboud University Nijmegen, Department of Medical Psychology. She wrote a thesis and published many articles on psychological aspects of fertility problems. She works as a researcher and as a psychotherapist in close collaboration with the department of reproductive medicine of the Radboud University Nijmegen, in the Netherlands.

Are you at some point wherein you do not know what to do next?  Are you unsure whether you should try another treatment cycle?  You may want to use this fertility compass to help you decide whether to go ahead with another treatment cycle, take a break or abandon treatment altogether. Click here.

But in the end, you have to remember that this infertility journey belongs to you.  Only you and your partner can decide as to how long you’re willing to try and how much you are willing to spend on this infertility problem.  It is really important to talk about it.  Plan a suitable time with your partner to discuss your next steps.

Should you decide to take a break or abandon treatment, don’t fret about it.  After all, your life is not all about having a baby.  There are so many other things in life that are just as important as having babies, and many of them are much more enjoyable.  So take time to relax and enjoy your life…

Fertility Compass Part 2: How am I coping?

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How am I coping?

Your Results

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You’re an active problem solver. You feel better when you’ve done something to change your situation. That’s great, but the ‘waiting period’ may be tough going as you realise there’s nothing more to do to bring pregnancy closer.

Stay positive by using the ‘Waiting Card.’ This series of positive statements will help you regain perspective when you need it most.

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You like to share your feelings with others. Expressing how you feel helps release distress. It’s important that you let your friends know how they can support you.

Share the link to www.fertility.com with your friends, so they can understand what you’re going through.

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You’re able to confront situations that remind you of your longing for a child. Going into some social situations may give you discomfort, but the release you feel when you share your emotions – even a little bit – is positive.

If you feel in need of more emotional support than your partner can give, but don’t want to share everything with a friend, ask to see a psychologist.

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You have a positive way of looking at your fertility problems. You try to be optimistic and think about positive ways to solve your problems. This helps you stay confident through stressful times.

Be alert to your partner’s emotional state. Men and women are different. They communicate differently, deal with emotions differently and solve problems differently. They also tend to cope differently with conception difficulties. Being aware of these differences you can help you avoid misunderstandings and experience your treatment journey as a team. Be aware of the differences and turn them to your advantage during the treatment journey.

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You seek company or other ways to keep your mind off the issue. This can help during a period of stress and uncertainty. It will help you to feel better.

The pressures of fertility treatment can get the better of any relationship, no matter how solid its foundations. Work as a team and strengthen your relationship.

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Your partner may be using different coping strategies. Ask him to use this tool and compare the results. You may come to understand each other better.

Husband’s Results

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You’re an active problem solver. You feel better when you’ve done something to change your situation. That’s great, but the ‘waiting period’ may be tough going as you realize there’s nothing more to do to bring pregnancy closer.

Stay positive by using the ‘Waiting Card.’ This series of positive statements will help you regain perspective when you need it most.

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You find it difficult to share your feelings. Discussing fertility issues may be uncomfortable, but it’s important that you reach out for support. Your friends and family can’t help unless they know how you feel. Infertility is a sensitive subject and many people may not know how to react. Guide the conversation and help them avoid topics that may be hurtful or make you feel uncomfortable. Feel free to say you’re not in the mood for a heavy chat and ask what’s new with them.

Use as many sources of support as you feel comfortable with. Each will have something different to offer and you will find what works for you best. Let your friends know how they can support you.

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You’re able to confront situations that remind you of your longing for a child. Going into some social situations may give you discomfort, but the release you feel when you share your emotions – even a little bit – is positive.

If you feel in need of more emotional support than your partner can give, but don’t want to share everything with a friend, ask to see a psychologist.

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It’s difficult for you to stay optimistic. Your spirits tend to fail. Try talking positively to yourself. If you are not used to it, create a ‘waiting card’ for difficult moments. Transforming your mood through positive thought is a skill you can learn.

Stay positive by using the ‘Waiting Card.’ This series of positive statements will help you regain perspective when you need it most.

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You have difficulties finding things to do to keep your mind off your fertility problems. Perhaps you don’t feel as if you have the energy to make arrangements, but if you try, you’ll feel better without doubt.

With a little planning, the time will pass and you’ll find the strength to continue from one cycle to the next.  Use week-to-week planner to help balance your treatment with some activities you enjoy.

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Acknowledgement:

This tool was developed by Chris Verhaak, clinical psychologist from the Radboud University Nijmegen, Department of Medical Psychology. She wrote a thesis and published many articles on psychological aspects of fertility problems. She works as a researcher and as a psychotherapist in close collaboration with the department of reproductive medicine of the Radboud University Nijmegen, in the Netherlands.

Men are from Mars, women are from Venus.  Men and women behave differently.  We do not always react the same way to events and often deal with our emotions very differently. Though both my husband and I are active problem solvers, I’m the type who likes to share my feelings with others, while he finds it difficult to share his feelings. 

There are times when I feel sad or I would cry when my period comes when I hoped it wouldn’t and I would share my feelings with my husband.  Though he may seem sympathetic because I am upset, I feel that he doesn’t understand my feelings.  I feel that he is not that concern about our infertility situation and he is not cooperating with me to find a solution to our problem. 

But later on, I came to realize that although he may not be as psychologically invested in achieving a pregnancy as I may be, he has also his own share of emotional pressures.  In fairness, he is always there for me.  He accompanies me to all my check-ups and fertility work-ups.  It is also hard for him, because he has to cope with his emotional responses to all the treatments, while at the same time he has to show me that he is calm and strong.  He believes that in every relationship, there should be a stronger person and that is his role.  He might also fear that talking about infertility or its possibility will make me even sadder and more emotional, which he does not want to happen so he tries to avoid the topic, not knowing that talking through our emotions could be helpful for us.

So, maybe just because he doesn’t want to discuss infertility or doesn’t know how to comfort me, it doesn’t mean that he doesn’t care about me or he is not that into this infertility journey with me.  He feels the pain too and is as much eager as I am to have a child.  It is just that the way we handle this problem is different.

Knowing this enables you to understand your husband and yourself better.  People differ in their ability to adapt their coping strategies according to the problem.  We should work as a team.  We are one.  This infertility problem should make us stronger as a couple and strengthen our relationship.  Come to think of it, we married each other because we love each other and would want to share our lifetime together.  The baby is supposed to be a bonus, a byproduct of our love for each other.

“Where there is great love, there are always miracles.” --Willa Cather, American author

How about you?  How are you and your husband coping with your infertility journey?  Check it out here.

Fertility Compass Part 1: Could I Benefit From Psychological Support?

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The Fertility Compass is one of the tools in www.fertility.com which can help you assess 3 things so you could better understand yourself and your situation.  It will help you 1). to know if you could benefit from psychological support; 2). to discover your coping style and learn new strategies to reduce emotional strain; and 3). to help organize your thoughts as you decide on another treatment cycle with your partner.

It is very easy because all you need to do is answer a few questions and the result will be generated for you.  Here are the results of the tests I took:

Could I benefit from psychological support?

Your Results

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Severe distress manifests itself as anxiety or depression.

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Based on your answers, it seems you have some feelings of anxiety. However it doesn’t appear that you’re feeling so distressed that you can’t attend work or follow your daily routine.

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Based on your answers, it doesn’t seem you’re depressed. Your feelings of sadness are a normal reaction to a stressful situation. You seem to be able to process your feelings.

Acknowledgement:

This tool was developed by Chris Verhaak, clinical psychologist from the Radboud University Nijmegen, Department of Medical Psychology. She wrote a thesis and published many articles on psychological aspects of fertility problems. She works as a researcher and as a psychotherapist in close collaboration with the department of reproductive medicine of the Radboud University Nijmegen, in the Netherlands.

Thank God, I’m still normal.  I’m not depressed yet nor am I going crazy.  So far, I am still in my right mind and have kept my sanity amidst this infertility journey that I am into. 

Try to find out your present state of mind and see if you need some counseling to process your emotions.  Just answer the questions here honestly.

Next question: How am I coping?

Useful Fertility Link - Fertility.com

I would like to share with you this website – www.fertility.com.

Whether you are trying to get pregnant, consulting a doctor about getting pregnant or is already seeing a fertility specialist, this website covers everything you need to know about fertility and infertility – and what to do next.

I find this website very comprehensive.  It answers frequently asked questions on infertility.   Topics include: How you can improve your chances of getting pregnant; What options are available; What to expect from fertility tests and treatments; Questions for your doctor or fertility specialists; How to cope with the emotional stress of infertility treatments; How to support your husband or a friend going through infertility treatments and many others.

There are also many useful tools in this website like:

Ovulation Calculator – to know the best time to conceive; this is usually during the “fertile window” – that is 6-day interval ending on the day of ovulation

Fertility Compass– to know if you could benefit from psychological support; to discover your coping style and learn new strategies to reduce emotional strain; and to help organize your thoughts as you decide on another treatment cycle with your partner.

Treatment Planner – to help you plan and balance your life.  With a little planning, the time will pass more easily and you’ll find the strength to continue from one cycle to the next.

For other tools, click here.

Learn more on the fertility pathway.  Every step is a step closer.

This website is a very helpful and valuable resource.  I hope this fertility link will be as useful to you as it has for me.  Happy Infertility!

When Enough is Enough – The Decision to End Treatment

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One of the hardest things to decide upon on infertility treatments is when to stop.  “When should we stop?  When will we know that we have done all that we can?”  Do these questions sound familiar to you?  I’m sure these questions have popped into your mind at least once in your infertility journey.  When is enough enough?

We had our IUI last Monday, June 20, 2011 at Cardinal Santos Medical Center with Dra. Angela Aguilar.  Result of which will be known by July 7, 2011.

My husband and I have finally made a decision that this will be the last try of IUI before we take a break from infertility treatments.  We have practically tried everything and have also set time frames for each treatment to work.  Though we are still hopeful that this last IUI will work, just in case it wouldn’t, God forbids, we will be taking a “vacation” from all the treatments.

I have to say that it is a vacation, a break only, because deep inside my heart I know that I will always long to have a child of my own.  Giving up fertility treatments does not mean giving up all chances of getting pregnant.  It is just a resting period for us… a time to regain our strength and energy and come back stronger for the fight on infertility and make our dream of conceiving a child a reality.

Having exhausted almost all infertility treatments available, I believe that we have tried our best.  And since our OB and also Sister Liu said that both me and my husband are generally healthy and are both okay, I don’t see a reason why we cannot do it naturally.  Though I have explored the thought of going into IVF, my husband does not want to go into that and moreover, my OB and Sister Liu do not suggest us to do it either.  They say that we are still young and can still do it naturally.  They say that IVF is too much for us at this time considering our age and infertility case.

So for now, I have to let go and let God.  As the Bible says, ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28).  Lord, I’m letting myself deep into Your hands.  I’m tired of carrying this heavy burden and exhausted from keeping up with this infertility journey.  So I’m going to just lay myself down on Your promises and rest.

Over and over the Bible repeats these words: “Wait for the Lord.”  Wait for God to act.  Wait for Him to do what no one else can do in your situation.  Your heart will be strengthened, “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14). 


“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)

“I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my hope.” (Psalm 130:5)

We’ll have to wait for the result.  This IUI cycle will be the last of the many treatments I have done… the last because I am pregnant already or just because we have had enough… 

Which is which? I am still hopeful that it would be the first reason.  Please pray for us. Thank you!         

Letter from God

http://www.flickr.com/photos/behind-the-lense/

To: YOU

From: GOD

Date: TODAY

Subject: YOURSELF

Reference: LIFE

______________________________________________________________________

This is God.

Today, I will be handling ALL of your problems for you.

I do not need your help so have a nice day.

I love you.

P.S.  And remember, if life happens to deliver a situation that you cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it yourself!  Kindly put it in the SFGTD (Something for God to Do) Box.  I will get to it in MY TIME.  All situations will be resolved, but in MY TIME, NOT YOURS.

Once the matter is placed in the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it.  Instead, focus on all wonderful things that are present in your life now.

Should you have decided to send this to your friends, thank you.  You may have touched their lives in ways you'll never know!

Now, have a nice day.  God has seen you struggling; God says it's over.  A blessing is coming your way... if you believe in God.

A small blessing to share.

One More Try: IUI#5

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When the world says, “Give up,” 

Hope whispers “Try it one more time.”

I have a check-up with my OB yesterday.  We are giving IUI another try for this cycle.  This is our 5^th IUI, but is the 3^rd one after immunological work-up.  This is again a stimulated cycle + IUI.  I took Femara 2.5mg for 5 days starting from Day 2.

Yesterday (June 16, 2011) was my Day 7.  Follicle monitoring results:  2 dominant follicles on my right ovary (1.4 and 1.5cm); endometrium lining, .8cm.

Dra. Aguilar asked me to check the LH surge using the Blue Cross One Step Urine Ovulation test on Saturday and Sunday.  Tentative IUI date is on Sunday or Monday depending on the result of the ovulation test.

The Blue Cross One Step Urine Home Screening Ovulation Test is a rapid chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of luteinizing hormone (LH) in urine to aid in the detection of ovulation. 

Blue Cross Ovulation Test

Ovulation is the release of an egg from the ovary.  The egg then passes into the fallopian tube where it is ready to be fertilized. In order for pregnancy to occur, the egg must be fertilized by sperm within 24 hours after its release. Immediately prior to ovulation, the body produces a large amount of luteinizing hormone (LH) which triggers the release of a ripened egg from the ovary. This "LH surge" usually takes place in the middle of the menstrual cycle.

The Blue Cross One Step Urine Home Screening Ovulation Test is a complete system to help you predict the time of ovulation, and peak fertility. It is during this fertile time that pregnancy is most likely to occur.

The Blue Cross One Step Urine Home Screening Ovulation Test detects the LH surge in urine, signaling that ovulation is likely to occur in the next 24-36 hours.

Important: The LH surge and ovulation may not occur in all cycles.

Instruction:

Allow the test device, urine specimen and/or controls to equilibrate to room temperature (15-30°C) prior to testing.

1.    Determine the day you will begin testing.

2.   Bring the pouch to room temperature before opening it. Remove the test device from the sealed pouch and use it as soon as possible.

3.    Place the test device on a clean and level surface. Hold the dropper vertically and transfer 3 full drops of urine (approx. 100µl) to the specimen well (S) of the test device, and then start the timer. Avoid trapping air bubbles in the specimen well (S).

4.   Wait for the red line(s) to appear. The result should be read at 5 minutes. Do not interpret the result after 10 minutes.

Some FAQs about Blue Cross Ovulation Test

Once I see a positive result, when is the best time to have intercourse?

Ovulation is likely to occur within 24-36 hours. This is your most fertile time. Sexual intercourse within this time frame is advised.

What time of the day should I perform the test? Do I need to use first morning urine?

We do not recommend first morning urine, but any other time of day is suitable. For best results, try to collect your urine at approximately the same time each day.

Will the amount of liquid I drink affect the result?

Heavy intake of fluids prior to testing will dilute the hormone in your urine. We suggest that you limit your fluid intake for about two hours before you collect your urine.

Source: Blue Cross Philippines 

So, for this cycle, we will use this ovulation test kit to identify the day which I am most fertile and most likely to get pregnant.  Getting the timing right can make the difference between conceiving or not. 

By the way, one Blue Cross ovulation test kit costs Php100 if you buy it from your OB.  In Watson’s, it costs around Php120.  If you want to get it at a cheaper price, you must go to Bambang, Manila.  There are many medical supplies stores there selling it.  I have bought it there at around Php80 per kit.

I will update you again soon.  Have a nice day!

999 Reasons to Laugh at Infertility

Laughter is the best medicine.  If you need some dose of laughter during your difficult infertility journey, you have to check this very hilarious infertility blog which gives you 999 reasons to laugh at infertility.

http://999reasonstolaugh.com

You will surely be able to relate with almost every post.  I did!  This site will definitely make you laugh, cry and nod your head in agreement… but mostly laugh out loud.  The first time I came across this site, I really can’t stop laughing.  The posts are just so funny, but very true! 

I hope you’ll like it as much as I do.

Learn to laugh.  Lighten up and don’t take yourself or this infertility journey in particular too seriously.  Happy Infertility!

P.S. You can also follow 999 Reasons to Laugh on Infertility via Facebook and Twitter.

Acupuncture: An Alternative in Treating Infertility

http://www.smartparenting.com.ph

I am back to my weekly acupuncture with Sr. Regina Liu since May 30, 2011.  Last week when I was waiting for my turn, I saw a few copies of Smart Parenting May 2011 issue on top of the table of the receptionist.  This is the one with Sharon and her two daughters, Frankie and Miel as cover.  Then, there was a post-it in the magazine with a note from Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng for Sister Regina Liu.  This was how I came across the story of Lisa Gokonwei-Cheng’s long journey towards motherhood.

Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng’s Long Journey Towards Motherhood

Here in the article, Lisa still childless five years into her marriage shares how a never-say-die attitude helped her find a treatment that worked for her, and eventually led to two happy and healthy boys.  

Her struggle with infertility took her five years, countless doctor appointments, even more countless tests, four in vitro fertilizations (IVF), one artificial insemination, four failed pregnancies, a lot of doctors, all sorts of anti-immune therapies, and over a year of acupuncture and herbal treatments.  And to top it all, she was not getting any younger.  She started this infertility journey when she was 35 years old and we know that our fertility is halved every year after we turn 35.

Being in this infertility journey myself, this article has inspired me to keep holding on to my dream of conceiving and having a child of my own.   If she can do it, why can’t I?

Her determination, optimism and fighting spirit were really commendable.  She did not lose hope.  She tried practically everything and in the end, she found the right treatment for her:  Traditional Chinese Medicine through the help of Sister Regina Liu.

Traditional Chinese Medicine:  Acupuncture with Sister Regina Liu

Sister Regina Liu is a nun of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of the Mother of God (a mission headquartered in New Jersey).  She is also a sixth-generation acupuncturist and herbalist from China.  Click here to read more on acupuncture and Sister Regina Liu.

Acupuncture is a cheaper and less invasive approach in treating infertility.  An acupuncture session with Sister Regina Liu can cost around P700 per visit.  The herbal teas and capsules cost about P2000 per week.   It is not cheap but compared to IVF, this is definitely cheaper and is a more natural approach.

Three Causes of Infertility Based on Chinese Medicine

The goal of Chinese medicine, whatever the ailment, is to achieve balance in the body.  In Chinese medicine, there are three causes for infertility.

1. The first is a kidney yin deficiency.  Yin is defined as essence or the material needed by sperm and eggs.  A kidney yin deficiency can be caused by stress or even by ingesting too much coffee, a diuretic. 

2. The second is the spleen yang deficiency.  Spleen yang is needed for digestion and absorption of the nutrients necessary for the development of follicles and sperm.  This can be caused by an excessive intake of raw, cold food or liquid.  

3. The third is blood stasis which is caused by emotional stress.  Poor circulation of blood leads to thin lining in the uterus, making it difficult for an embryo to implant.

Children are from God

When people ask Lisa how she finally got pregnant, she jokingly answers, “I got pregnant with a nun’s prick.”  But Sister Liu tells her, “Your children are not from me, they are from God.”

I really like what Sister Liu said.  Despite all her achievements, she remains humble.  She still gives God all the praise, glory and honor for the opportunity to help countless couples conceive through the ancient healing medicine of acupuncture.

Let us keep on praying to God to grant us our ardent desires to conceive and have a child of our own.  Let us storm the heaven with our prayers that all those couples who are trying to conceive will be blessed with a baby soon.  Baby dust to all of us!

P.S. This is the first time that I really read a Smart Parenting magazine from cover to cover and I love it.  The magazine is very informative.  You’ll learn a lot from it, especially if you have kids from ages 0-6 years old. 

Another Failed IUI Cycle

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Oh my!  My period just came again, just as it always does, on the dot!  That means I am not pregnant… another failed IUI cycle for us.  Huhuhu!

I have to admit that I really felt bad.  When you are undergoing fertility treatments, your hopes and expectations are higher.  That is why when it fails, the disappointments are even higher.  But what can we do, this is not something we have control over…

God has a reason for allowing things to happen, we may never understand His wisdom, but we simply have to trust His will.  I believe that no prayers are left unanswered and no prayers are unheard.  God answers prayers – YES: He gives you what you want; NO: He gives you something better; WAIT: He gives you His best in His time…    

So, in the meantime, I’ll stay happy with what I have… while working for what I want.  Happy Infertility!

IVF in Taiwan: Lee Women's Hospital (Dr. Maw-Sheng Lee)

Taiwan IVF Center: Lee Women's Hospital

Another doctor in Taiwan, who is famous for IVF is Dr. Maw-Sheng Lee.  I also emailed and inquired about IVF there.  The response below:

Procedure of In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

1. The successful pregnancy rate of the first IVF is around 50%.

2. According to our suggestion, it would be better to continue the treatment cycle for 2-3 times. The cumulative successful rate is about 95%.

3.One IVF cycle needs two menstrual cycles, about 2 months to be complete.

4.At first menstrual cycle Day 5, start to take Progyluton one tab. Once a day until Day 25.

5.And at Day 21, start Lupron injection 0.1ml or 0.05ml (more than 42 years old), also Once a day.

6. At 2nd menstrual cycle Day 2 or Day 3, you have to be in our clinic forblood test, vaginal ultrosound, semen storage and start treat with gonodotropin.

7..At secondary menstrual cycle Day 8 come back again for follow up the follicles.

8.The oocytes retriveal day is around on Day 12-16.

9. One IVF treatment cycle needs about NTD:120,000~150,000.(Including: The medicine fee, hormone assay, semen storage and preparation, oocyte pick-up,embryo culture and embryo transfer....etc)

10.Our donor sperm are all Chinese and the cost is NTD:20,000 per case.

11. Egg donor also all Chinese and the cost is NTD:250,000~270,000 per case...

12.The TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration)  procedure cost about NTD:21,000.

13. The ICSI procedure cost about NTD:10,000

14. The LAHA procedure cost about NTD:5,000

Please give us, husband's and wife's, infertility summary, English fullname, birthday, Identification No.(Social security No.or driver's license No.) and passport No. to make a certificate for VISA and Cellphone no. and TEL no. and FAX no. for setting your medical record. You have to give us both passport copy and marriage certificate copy.


If you need medicine (Progyluton and Lupron), Please transfer US$260.00 to CITIBANK N.A. TAICHUNG BRANCH, we can mail to you. Please give us your address for mail medicine.  Please ask your bank to remit through:


Beneficiary Bank: CITIBANK N.A. WEN-HSIN BRANCH
Bank Address: IF, 823 SEC.4  WEN-HSIN ROAD , TAICHUNG , TAIWANR.O.C
SWIFT Code: C I T I T W T X
Beneficiary:  MAW-SHENG  LEE
A/C No:  0053034740


Please E-mail (ivftaiwan@gmail.com) or FAX:886-4-22384602 the copy of receipt to us, and we will mail medicines to you.

What is IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)?

1. IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is an artificial reproductive technique to retrieve oocyte by vaginal ultrasound, select sperms at laboratory, and culture embryos in vitro, then the better embryos will be transfer to uterus, the pregnancy rate of the first IVF in our center is around 45~50%, and it's better than the average pregnancy rate (40%) of other IVF centers around the world.  If we combine laser assisted hatching (LAHA), the pregnancy rate will raise to 50~60%.
2. If you do the IVF treatment for three successful cycles, the pregnancy rate will raise around 90~95%.
3.Ordinary women extrude one oocyte per menstrual cycle, if by ovarian induction; you can get better quality and quantity oocytes. In order to get better oocytes, some medicines will be used in IVF treatment (Ex. Regulation of menstrual cycle, Pituitary inhibitor, and ovarian stimulating agent).

4. Generally, the oocytes for IVF are induced by gonadotropin (ovarian stimulating agent) and the follicle's maturation is observed by vaginal ultrasound, It takes around 4~5 days for follicle's maturation, Oocyte retrieval day is arranged when the follicle's mature. The oocyte retrieval is under vaginal ultrasound guide, through vagina, because it is woundless, and recovery more rapidly.

5. Sperms for IVF must select and purified. First, husband should collect semen in sterilize bottle by masturbation. Then send it to laboratory within 2 hours at room temperature.

6. Laser assisted hatching (LAHA) is a technique to open zona pellucida of embryo's in order to help embryos Implantation.

7. TESA, MESA , and PESA, Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI) is a technique to inject single sperm to an oocyte, It's for severe sperm problems or fertilization failure,It's fertilization rate is around 85% as same as IVF, If there are enough oocytes, the pregnancy rate is around 45~50%.If your husband is azoospermia, he must make to testicular operation, if it's normal, he may use fresh semen sample.

8. Cryopreservation of embryos is a technique to stock extra embryos. If this cycle is pregnant, you can thaw the embryos for next time for another baby. If this cycle fails, you can thaw the embryos for the next cycle, the pregnancy rate by cryo-embryos is around 30%, and it is not necessary to receive medicines again. (embryo strorage fee NTD:6,000/per year)

IVF Treatment Procedure

I.The First month (in your country)

A.Take Progyluton once a day on 5th day of first menstrual cycle until 25th day.

(Take Progyluton for 21 days; Progyluton is a contraceptive agent and it can regulate your menses cycle)

B.Injection Lupron 0.1ml (or 0.05ml more than 42 years old) at 21st day of first menstrual cycle until the oocyte retrieval.

(Lupron is a Pituitary inhibitor controlled and synchronized ovulation for the next cycle).

II.The second month (in Taiwan ) about 3~5 weeks.

You may choice stay on 3 weeks or 5 weeks in Taiwan.

Come back to our clinic at 2nd or 3rd day of the second menstrual cycle for:

1.Blood sampling

2.Ultrasound (tracing the follicle's development, ovarian cyst).

3..Husband takes semen out for storage

Gonal-F (recombinant FSH) by injection for 5 days

Come back to our clinic on the 8th day

Take blood sample, and ultrasound.

Until Oocyte mature

Two more days

Oocyte retrieval ( AM.5~7 o'clock), and husband takes semen out

3~5 days

Embryo transfer (about 3 weeks)

15 days

Pregnancy test (about 5 weeks)

Do you need Hotel reservation and Airport Pick-up? 

(1)Airport Pick-up (4 seats) NTD$2000/car

(2)Airport Pick-up (8 seats) NTD$2300/car

We may arrange The ALICES HOTEL and Airport Pick-up for you( airport to Taichung about 2 hours).

Lee Women's Hospital                     Division of infertility clinic

263, Pei-Tun Road Taichung ,            406 Taiwan Republic of China

TEL: 886-4-22347057                      FAX: 886-4-22384602

Our web: http://www.ivftaiwan.com    E-mail address: ivftaiwan@gmail.com