Back to back IVF cycles

[Anonymous]

Just trying to get a sense of how people feel about back to back IVF cycles. My RE at Shady Grove does not think there is anything wrong with doing two cycles in a row, and that it would not impact the outcome, if we can handle it financially and emotionally. However, I have read that other clinics recommend one rest cycle so that your body has the opportunity to return to normal. Waiting is always the hardest part for me, but I want to be sure I am doing what is best and what will maximize my chances of getting pregnant. Thoughts?

[Anonymous]

I did two cycles in a row (both fresh), first was chemical pregnancy, second was successful twin pregnancy (kids are now 5). Basically, my first cycle ended with chemical in beginning of August and my 2nd cycle transfer was at the end of September. Emotionally draining, YES! Physically draining, YES! Fortunately, our insurance covered both procedures and meds almost completely so we were VERY VERY fortunate. I think you have to weigh all things -- physical, emotional and financial for yourself and decide what makes the most sense. If the financial aspects are going to put even more pressure and burden on you, it may be best to wait until that becomes less of an issue. If you think waiting will make things worse, then GO FOR IT!

Best of luck to you, OP! Hope we hear back from you about a ++ pregnancy very soon.

[Anonymous]

I recently did back-to-back IVF cycles at SG. I asked the same questions you are asking and my doctor said it was fine to do them back-to-back. He said that the 2-3 week period on BCPs before you start stims was enough of a rest period for my body. My first one was not successful (transferred one very good embryo, bfn) and the second one was a bfp (transferred two, one stuck). It definitely was tough but I think waiting around would have driven me crazy. At least with the second one you have a better idea of what to expect. For example, I got really sick from the retrieval sedation the first time, so the nurse gave me some anti-nausea meds, which made the whole retrieval experience MUCH easier for me. Best of luck to you.

[Anonymous]

I also did two back to back cycles -- in a way, it was easier than takin a break because I stayed "in the zone" the entire time. When you take a break you then having to get back in the groove of an IVF cycle. I think SG does a good job of monitoring their stats, so if they think it is OK, it's probably fine to do back-to-back cycles. Good luck!!!

[Anonymous]

I'm happy to hear that both PPs got BFPs with their back to back IVF cycles but I have to totally disagree. I would err on the side of caution...

If you want to get pregant and have "good quality eggs" than I would wait at least 3 MONTHS before doing another cycle and give your ovaries a rest so they can produce the best quality eggs. I know the wait is just awful, I understand your want to press on right away. I'm a big believer in an eastern/western medicine combo approach to fertility/health and any chinese medicine Dr will tell you that stimulating the ovaries more than 4 times a year is really bad for you and could decrease your chances for conception. It sounds weird and even hard to understand but basically, the eggs you are using for your upcoming IVF cycle were created months ago. Even my RE told me that. Western medicine Drs say its ok for you to do back to back cycles because they simply don't view the body systems the way eastern medicine holistic doctors do. For example, your digestive system could cause problems for your reproductive system, but no western medicine dr would tell you that. He or she would just focus on your reproductive system in isolation. And body systems take TIME to re-balance themselves...yes, there is such a thing as vital energy that flows through your body to keep your organs balanced and functioning properly. There are no quick fixes like us western drs and patients want. So I would allow your body to re-balance itself and your organs to improve their natural function after your recent stimulation so that the next time you do stimulate your organs, you get the best response. Think of yourself like a marathon runner...you wouldn't run a back to back marathon and expect to do your best/the same in both races (your body/muscles would not work as well during the second race as it did the first...your muscles need rest! Why wouldn't you allow your ovaries the same kind of rest?)

I think its worth the extra 2-3 month wait to get a BFP rather than jumping back into stimulation and not seeing the results you would like (like poor egg quality or not enough eggs) Ladies, I don't care what the western medicine studies say or the REs...this stimulation stuff really isn't that good for our bodies even though it can produce healthy babies. I know I sound like some sort of hippee but it is really common make sense if you think about.

Good luck to you. I hope whatever you decide to do, that it works for you. Every body is different but this is just my two cents.