tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374266320411149509.post4857383554310761187..comments2024-03-25T10:22:36.277-04:00Comments on Women In Astronomy: Postdoc-hood & Infertility: Part 2Amanpreet Kaurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08734178178113146899noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374266320411149509.post-30071770994635659732013-09-19T09:34:08.145-04:002013-09-19T09:34:08.145-04:00Best of luck to you! We went through a long wait ...Best of luck to you! We went through a long wait and a failed IVF cycle before our doctors zeroed in on the problem: we had a genetic polymorphism connected with high homocysteine levels (the MTHFR gene). High levels can cause infertility and miscarriage and they go up as you get older. Our doctors put my wife on high levels of folate and we both ate a lot of spinach and it worked. Might want to ask your docs about it just in case it could save you some money and stress.Mikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15808258854248022822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374266320411149509.post-37939064899363470232013-09-18T19:53:20.635-04:002013-09-18T19:53:20.635-04:00Good luck to you and your spouse with IVF! I am a...Good luck to you and your spouse with IVF! I am a scientist in astronomy, and my spouse and I are in the middle of our first IVF+ICSI cycle due to my rare infertility factor. We were able to successfully implant Day 5 blastocysts, and now we are waiting an agonizing two weeks to find out if we beat the ~50% odds of a pregnancy. We are very fortunate to have gotten to this stage in the first place, having been given a <10% odds of having a genetic child a year ago (and that is with IVF).<br /><br />It is incredibly emotionally challenging, from the initial discovery that one has a problem, to the raw waiting for days, weeks and months for progress or changes, to the medications and procedures, to the financials since only a handful of states offer health care plans that cover IVF (Massachusetts is one). IVF is very expensive to pay out of pocket ($10-$15k or more per cycle), and multiple cycles are the norm. Most people don't realize that those who opt for IVF at a young age are often choosing between having a child and any future prospects for saving for a down payment to buy a house.<br /><br />As a scientist, I've coped with voracious reading of the medical literature and online info., since the doctors often use non-quantitative language. Knowing the chances of success at a given stage helps. <br /><br />The emotional lows have been very low, and the highs have been very high until one realizes that the progress is just one step of many that have to all succeed. At times I've been able to bury myself in work, but that is not always possible and I've taken days off here and there.<br /><br />Best of luck in your journey and you are not alone!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com