Many symptoms weeks/months after failed IVF cycle (bloating, abdominal and pelvic pain, bleeding)

[Anonymous]

I had two complete IVF cycles and both failed (one in February 2010 and the other in April 2010). During the second cycle, I started doing acupuncture and the side effects (which I experienced during the first cycle) were much "lighter" (headaches, nausea, bloating, mood swings, etc.). However, during the second cycle I started having on and off pelvic pain, in particular in the area of the right ovary/tube.

After the negative pregnancy test for the second cycle, I stopped the progesterone and estradiol and got my period a couple of days later. Then I went without bleeding for 30 days (my normal cycle when not taking pills is 25 days or less). I started spotting and then bleeding and was bleeding for over 25 days (and had lots of clots). I also had bloating and on and off abdominal and pelvic pain on most of those days (in particular pelvic pain on the right side). During those 25 days, I found out I had one cyst in each ovary (16mm each). I started taking the low-dose birth control pill Apri (I took one pill a day for seven days and two pills a day for seven days) but it had no effect on the bleeding (although the cysts seemed to have disappeared). During those days, my RE decided my hormones were ok to start the third IVF cycle (early July 2010). However, on the fourth day of stim shots (and 25th day of bleeding and with a 4mm lining), the doctor decided to cancel the cycle. That was about 20 days ago and the symptoms still persist. I had a new ultrasound with my regular doctor last week and it was painful when they were checking the right ovary.

One of my doctors believes these symptoms are still related to the IVF drugs taken weeks/months ago, the other does not. Since these are also symptoms of ovarian cancer, I am obviously concerned. Did anyone experience these symptoms weeks or months after IVF? The drugs I took for my cycles were Follistin, Menopur, Ganirelix, Pregnyl/Novarel (trigger), Progesterone, Estradiol (and Doxycyclin, Low-dose aspirin, and Prednisone).

Just as a side note: Starting in late May (about two weeks after I stopped the progesterone and estradiol), I had a few drops of milk/clear fluid coming out of my nipple (at first, it was only the right breast, but this past week it has been both). The breast ultrasound done in early June was normal (they did not feel I needed a mammogram since I had one done in January 2010) and the prolactin level was also normal when tested in June. I have to squeeze to get one or a few drops, and it does not happen every time I try. I had stopped trying for weeks after my ultrasound but this past week I have been testing again and am still getting drops about half the times I try (and now from both breasts).

Anyone had anything similar weeks/months after IVF drugs?

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Who is your RE?

Why are they not following-up with you regarding this?

[Anonymous]

The gyn and one of my other docs say the symptoms are still from the IVF drugs, but the IVF doc says she is sure they are not...

I am very concerned so I am seeing a gynecological oncologist next week, but I am curious if anyone else had these symptoms weeks or months after the last dose of IVF drugs.

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

No, I didn't have any of those symptoms and don't know anybody who did. The bloating and pelvic pain I can see as related to the cyst. If you'd taken Lupron, I could see that messing up your hormones because it shuts down your pituitary gland. But since you didn't, I'm not sure it is related to your cycling, although I would not be happy with your RE if he is dismissing you.

[Anonymous]

Your symptoms are not normal. I would be careful not to trust any doctor that didn't take this very seriously. Get multiple opinions.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the help. I already have appointments scheduled to investigate this further.

[Anonymous]

Just curious... anything else on this? Any news?

[Anonymous]

New poster here...I seem to be starting down the same path as the OP. It breaks my heart to hear her story.

I'm now on 5mg of Provera to see if they can jump start my period. I personally think the dose is too low because all the medicine seems to be doing is causing me pain, bloating and discomfort. I will be shocked if I actually get my period when I stop taking the Provera.

OP, please keep us updated on how you are doing and what the gyn/onc says. I'm very concerned for you and I will pray that everything is OK. Maybe we all just need a good break from these drugs. They seem to be destroying our health.