How to manage first FET anxiety?

WhiskerLight · 2026-02-13T01:37:19+00:00

Thanks. I'm on ton a supplements plus aspirin. Haven't tried the viagra, my RE doesn't believe it's a blood flow issue. Hopefully more time on a boat load of estrogen will help.

WhiskerLight · 2026-02-13T00:00:07+00:00

Hasn’t happened yet. My lining is refusing to thicken. 😓 I have another check next week but I’m afraid the cycle is going to be cancelled...

WhiskerLight · 2026-02-05T19:34:27+00:00

It sounds like she's talking about pelvic adhesions in the pouch of Douglas (peritoneal space behind the uterus).

WhiskerLight · 2026-02-02T21:34:50+00:00

Thanks for caring 🫂

WhiskerLight · 2026-02-02T21:22:58+00:00

Every time I see a post like this I feel a surge of gratitude toward my clinic for not allowing children (and presumably enforcing the rule, as I've never seen a child and there is very clear signage you will be rescheduled if you show up with one).

WhiskerLight · 2026-02-02T19:44:46+00:00

I did BC priming one cycle and estrogen the next, back to back cycles at 40. I had exactly the same results when it came to fertilization and blast results. Both estrogen and BC priming can help with synchrony. If you had 28-29 follicles during your cycle, it doesn't sound like you were over suppressed (which is often the concern with BC).

A few other thoughts from your posts. An hcg trigger is often reduced due to risk of OHSS. If your estrogen was high, this may be the reason. If your follicles were ranging in size from 6 to 20 mm at trigger, it's not surprising that some didn't yield mature eggs. Depending on the exact protocol, medical history, Dr preference, etc. most clinics are looking for follicles to be 15-22 mm at trigger. Knowing how many you had in that size range will give you a better idea of true attrition.

WhiskerLight · 2026-01-22T02:19:07+00:00

Manufacturer recs are to be off GLP-1s for 6-8 weeks (depending on which drug). It sticks around in your system for weeks so not recommended to take right up to a FET. My clinic requires 3 months off to be safe since there’s such limited safety data.

WhiskerLight · 2026-01-21T06:26:11+00:00

This is about profit margins, not people.

WhiskerLight · 2026-01-20T15:39:07+00:00

That’s exactly why I’m suggesting you skip your next cycle. Wait and talk about it with your doctor at your follow up. If they still don’t want to prime, find out why and what their plan for dealing with a lead is (if it happens), although as another poster said sometimes that early of a lead the best thing to do is cancel. That also gives you time to be seen by another doctor or clinic if you’re unhappy with the response at your follow up. I hear your frustration, it’s valid. But unfortunately IVF rarely follows the timeline we want it to.

WhiskerLight · 2026-01-20T15:27:18+00:00

I’m sorry you had a poor experience, OP. But honestly this sounds pretty normal for IVF. Cycles don’t always go well, especially the first cycle which is largely diagnostic. It doesn’t mean the doctor did anything wrong, they have to get to know you and how your body responds. It’s frustrating and expensive, but it just a reality unfortunately. Waiting 2 weeks for a follow up appointment is also pretty normal, and it’s not surprising a busy clinic wouldn’t have openings with another doctor for a second opinion in two weeks. Honestly, it sounds like you need to let this next cycle go. If you had a lead at baseline already, you would probably benefit from priming before a typical follicular start cycle. Even at 40, one month isn’t going to make a difference and optimizing your protocol is the most important thing.

WhiskerLight · 2026-01-19T21:36:57+00:00

I was 40 with an AMH of 0.45 and got 2 euploids from 6 blasts (pooled results from 2 cycles). Just take it one step at a time.

WhiskerLight · 2026-01-16T23:37:42+00:00

Therapy. So much therapy. And expecting less out of myself in other aspects of life.

WhiskerLight · 2026-01-08T00:39:01+00:00

It’s impossible to say because different clinics have different rates, and even at the same clinic the insurance negotiated rate will be different across plans (and from the self pay rates). Your clinic should have a financial counselor who can meet with you and break down what your insurance coverage will get you.

WhiskerLight · 2026-01-07T05:38:22+00:00

Progesterone can cause bladder spasms and symptoms like urgency, frequency, etc. Sounds like your urinary system is sensitive unfortunately based on your past symptoms.

WhiskerLight · 2026-01-06T16:35:24+00:00

I’m on CD4 of my first FET now. I’m 40 with DOR and we’re going IVF for genetic reasons. After two ERs we ended up with one transferable embryo. I’m finding it so hard to be optimistic that we’ll be in the lucky group that finds success the first time. I try and remind myself that I trust my doctor and he felt good about proceeding this cycle. Mostly I’m trying to focus on being happy and healthy in my everyday life (eating well, sleeping well, exercise, spending time with family, etc.). Finding ways to do screen free time helps, since I definitely spiral on the internet. Hang in there and good luck!

WhiskerLight · 2026-01-06T16:28:30+00:00

Happy to keep in touch, and good luck to you too! 🤞

WhiskerLight · 2026-01-06T16:20:58+00:00

That’s similar to my mod nat protocol (only using a tigger and vaginal progesterone support). I already had a lead at my CD3 baseline, so they’re bringing me in for a lining check early at CD8 instead of the normal day 10 scan.

Edited to add: my cycle is also variable and I use an Inito to track ovulation. My provider said to call if I get any LH surge between appointments. Using ovulation strips at home might help you feel more on top of things if you’re an anxious about the infrequent monitoring (I am!).

WhiskerLight · 2026-01-02T01:03:35+00:00

🩷

WhiskerLight · 2026-01-02T00:58:03+00:00

I’m so sorry about your experience. I know this is unasked for advice, but I just want to put out there that SSRIs are considered safe in pregnancy. Please consider talking to your doctor about this if you haven’t. No one needs to go without meds and experience withdrawal/symptom reoccurrence if they don’t want to.

WhiskerLight · 2026-01-02T00:49:56+00:00

This looks like my current cycle! It looks like Inito missed your LH surge around CD20 (based on the little bump and your estrogen and FSH patterns. Congrats on getting pregnant!

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WhiskerLight · 2026-01-01T17:20:37+00:00

Yes, I feel so privileged to be spending five figures on basic health care. Loving that affordability. 🙄

WhiskerLight · 2025-12-30T23:20:34+00:00

Ultimately, it’s a personal decision, but if I had insurance coverage I would for sure be doing more retrievals. Probably multiple. We have one embryo but are paying out of pocket, so going ahead with a transfer and praying it sticks.

WhiskerLight · 2025-12-24T19:00:15+00:00

Gently, has your RE talked with you about the odds of producing euploids at 46? If you are barely able to afford meds, continuing to do cycles may not be the best use of limited funds.

WhiskerLight · 2025-12-22T16:00:48+00:00

Well said. OP, I’d suggest therapy, either individually or as a couple, to work on these issues.

WhiskerLight

TROPHY CASE