#The Chances for IVF Pregnancy Success

[mylordshesacactus]

on endlings, and despair

Hey, y'all. It's...been a rough couple of weeks. So, I thought--better to light a single candle, right?

If you're familiar with wildlife conservation success stories, then you're likely also familiar with their exact polar opposite. The Northern White Rhino. Conservation's poster child for despair. Our greatest and most high-profile utter failure. We slaughtered them for wealth and status, and applied the brakes too slow. Changed course too late.

We poured everything we had into trying to save them, and we failed.

We lost them. They died. The last surviving male was named Sudan. He died in 2018, elderly and sick. His genetic material is preserved, along with frozen semen from other long-dead males, but only as an exercise in futility. Only two females survive--a mother and daughter, Najin and Fatu.

Both of them are infertile. They still live; but the Northern White Rhinoceros is extinct. Gone forever.

In 2023, an experimental procedure was attempted, a hail-mary desperation play to extract healthy eggs from the surviving females.

It worked.

The extracted eggs were flown to a genetics lab, and artificially fertilized using the sperm of lost Northern males. The frozen semen that we kept, all this time, even after we knew that the only living females were incapable of becoming pregnant.

It worked.

Thirty northern white rhino embryos were created and cryogenically preserved, but with no ability to do anything with them, it was a thin hope at best. In 2024, for the first time, an extremely experimental IVF treatment was attempted on a SOUTHERN white rhino--a related subspecies.

It worked.

The embryo transplanted as part of the experiment had no northern blood--but the pregnancy took. The surgery was safe for the mother. The fetus was healthy. The procedure is viable. Surrogate Southern candidates have already been identified to carry the Northern embryos. Rhinoceros pregnancies are sixteen months long, and the implantation hasn't happened yet. It will take time, before we know. Despair is fast and loud. Hope is slower, softer. Stronger, in the end.

The first round may not take. We'll learn from it. It's what we do. We'll try again. Do better, the next time. Fail again, maybe. Learn more. Try harder.

This will not save the species. Not overnight. The numbers will be very low, with no genetic diversity to speak of. It's a holding action, nothing more.

Nothing less.

One generation won't save a species. But even a single calf will buy us time. Not quite gone, not yet. One more generation. One more endling. One more chance. And if we seize it, we might just get another after that. We're getting damn good at gene editing. At stem-cell research. In the length of a single rhino lifetime, we'll get even better.

For decades, we have been in a holding action with no hope in sight. Researchers, geneticists, environmentalists, wildlife rehabbers. Dedicated and heroic Kenyan rangers have kept the last surviving NWRs under 24/7 armed guard, line-of-sight, eyes-on, never resting, never relaxing their guard. Knowing, all the while, that their vigilance was for nothing. Would save nothing. This is a dead species--an elderly male, two females so closely related that their offspring couldn't interbreed even if they could produce any--and they can't.

Northern white rhino conservation was the most devastatingly hopeless cause in the world.

Two years from now, that dead species may welcome a whole new generation.

It's a holding action, just a holding action, but not "just". There is a monument, at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where the last white rhinos have lived and will die. It was created at the point where we knew--not believed, knew--that the species was past all hope. It memorializes, by name there were so few, the last of the northern white rhinos. Most of the markers have brief descriptions--where the endling rhino lived, how it was rescued, how it died.

One marker bears only these words: SUDAN | Last male Northern White Rhino.

If even a single surrogate someday bears a son, we have erased the writing on that plaque forever.

All we can manage is a holding action? Then we hold. We hold hard and fast and long, use our fingernails if we have to. But hold. Even and perhaps especially when we are past all hope.

We never know what miracle we might be buying time for.

[elleaitch22]

Love on Fire

Chapter 4: Second Chances

Pairing: Paige Bueckers x Azzi Fudd

A/N: Sorry this is so short! This is the last filler before the plot picks up! I hope you love it!! xx Elle

Warnings: Fertility treatment, medical procedures

Word Count: 3.2k words

-----------------------------------

Paigey 💗🧑🏼‍🚒🔥❤️‍🔥: whatchu want for dinner?

Princess 💗👸🏽👩🏽‍🍳: Idk. Not burgers. Or pasta. Or Chinese.

Paigey 💗🧑🏼‍🚒🔥❤️‍🔥: chipotle? cava?

Princess 💗👸🏽👩🏽‍🍳: Idk.

Princess 💗👸🏽👩🏽‍🍳: You pick. Please

Paigey 💗🧑🏼‍🚒🔥❤️‍🔥: cava?

Princess 💗👸🏽👩🏽‍🍳: Wrong choice. Try again

Paigey 💗🧑🏼‍🚒🔥❤️‍🔥: LMAOOO. i'll be there w your bowl when i pick you up from the bakery

Paige chuckled and locked her phone, tossing it into her passenger seat before driving the rest of the way to the hospital. Azzi’s texts were always one of the highlights of her day, even the indecisive ones. Especially the indecisive ones. It meant she stilltrusted Paige to show up for her, to know what she needed.

Since she had a 24 hour on shift, 48 hour off shift schedule, Paige was a child safety consultant on her off days. She taught a couple two-day cohort every three days at one of the hospitals in Baltimore.

Her drive to the hospital was short, but her thoughts stretched the whole way there. She’d memorized the phases of fertility treatment just as much as she’d memorized the child safety textbook. She was always preparing for Azzi’s second round. She just couldn’t stand the thought of not being helpful.

In between her first and second classes, she found Dr. Nelson-Agoda, one of the OB-GYN’s at the hospital.

“Hey, Liv!” She smiled, walking up to the doctor.

The doctor looked up from the tablet and grinned, “My favorite firefighter! What’d you bring me today?”

Paige paused, rubbing the back of her neck. “Well, Azzi wasn’t feeling well, so I wasn’t able to bring to anything today. But tomorrow, I’ll bring two things.”

“Whatever,” Liv rolled her eyes. “What’s up, Bueckers?”

“So, one of my friends is trying to have a baby. She did IUI, but the first round didn’t work. She’s going to try again, but when do they normally succeed? Is there anything I can do to support her? When are we supposed to give up, or try something else?” She rambled. “I just wanna be prepared for whatever she needs. Support her, you know?”

“I didn’t know Azzi was trying for a baby!” Liv beamed.

Paige’s eyes widened in panic, “I didn’t say it was Azzi!” At the deadpan look on Olivia’s face, “I think I’ve had two conversations with you where you haven’t brought her up.”

“Okay, okay,” She conceded. “Well she hasn’t told me I could tell people, so act like you don’t know when she announces it.”

Liv pulled her into a tight hug, “You guys are going to have a baby!”

“Well not if it doesn’t work. Can you just answer my questions?” Paige groaned, hiding a smile.

“Well, if there’s no success by the sixth round of IUI, I’d think about taking a break for a month or two, then try IVF. But if she has a chemical pregnancy or a miscarriage before 12 weeks, I’d just do IVF.” She paused. “I don’t know when she should quit IVF though. Some people do it for years, some only do three or four cycles because it’s so taxing and expensive. If you guys want to go with someone different, let me know. I got a few connections.”

Paige’s fingers flew across her keyboard, putting everything in her Notes app.

Baby Making 🤰🏽

Day 3-7: 1 pill/day

Day 10-11: go get ultrasound

Day 12: pick up trigger shot. shot at 9pm

Day 14: insem. appt.

Day 15-28: 1 pill 2x/day

Day 28: test early morning

IUI/IVF

No baby by IUI 6  IVF. ½ MONTH BREAK FIRST!

Chem preg ? or miscarriage before 12 wk  IVF

IVF v expensive. Can take years **do research

“You got any ways I can – ” Paige started.

Olivia’s phone went off, “I have a laboring mom, Bueckers. I’ll see you later!” She called, running off towards her patient. “She’s lucky to have you, Paige.”

Paige didn’t respond. She just gave a small smile and left before her heart got too loud.

-----------------------------------

Back at the bakery, Azzi was barefoot in leggings and a cropped tank, wiping flour off her face with the back of her hand. Her curls were a frizzed halo around her head, and she looked beautiful.

She didn’t expect a knock.

She paused, hoping the person would go away.

Another knock sounded. Azzi grunted loudly and walked to the door, her face lighting up when she saw who was there.

“Hi, Katie!” She beamed. She swung the door open, quickly locking it back once it was shut.

Paige’s stepmom pulled the girl into a tight hug. “Hey, baby. Paige told me about the first round not taking. I just wanted to come by, see how you’re doing.”

Tears pricked the corners of Azzi’s eyes, “Yeah, she said a lot of people have to try for a while before they can have a baby.”

“Well, Bob and I tried for a year before I got pregnant with Drew.” She led them to Azzi’s office in the back, sitting on the teal couch.

Azzi nodded into her shoulder. They sat together on the couch, just breathing. “Thank you for coming to check on me, Katie B.”

“Of course, Azzi B. I’ll be here. Whenever you need me, I’ll be here. And you have Paige doing this with you.” Katie reminded.

The younger woman let out a laugh, leaning back. “Oh, I know you have thoughts about that.”

She laughed back, “Well, yeah! I’ve been telling you she loves you forever, Azzi. Maybe you’ll start to see what I’ve been seeing.” She paused, “I’m just happy you’re not doing this alone.”

“I haven’t been alone since they moved next door.” She giggled. “I’m scared though, that this is all going to make me love her more, if that’s even possible.”

Katie was quiet for a bit. “Trying to conceive is known to bring people closer together or rip people apart.”

Azzi swallowed, “So you think it’s going to ruin everything?”

“I wasn’t saying that. I just want you to be careful because it could ruin everything. But it could also be the best thing that happens to you both. You can’t let it drive you two apart.” She explained.

“I won’t let it,” She said, shaking her head. “She’s the most important person in my life.”

Before Katie could say anything else, the front door opened. “Here she comes now,” she smiled.

“Azzi!” A low voice shouted.

A lazy smile stretched across her lips, “I’m in the office! I have another batch of cupcakes to frost before we go home though!”

“Well, I’m gonna get out of your hair. Stop by this weekend, your parents are coming over for dinner on Saturday night.” Katie wrapped her in a tight hug.

The two walked out, Azzi stopping in the prep room, beaming when she sees her best friend.

“Hi Paige! Bye Paige.” Katie called, continuing to the front.

“See you Saturday.” Paige chuckled, following her to the front to lock the door.

Azzi filled the piping bags with six different frosting colors.

“Did you eat today?” Paige asked, unpacking her Chipotle bag.

The brunette thought through her day. “Um, we had those lemon blueberry scones and sausage this morning. But we have this huge wedding order, and Caroline has strep, so I’m still not done.”

A sigh was heard from across the room, “You gotta eat, Az. You know that. And I know you were busy, but if you know it’s going to be a bust day, just tell me. I’ll get something delivered.”

“You’re the best person I know, Paige Bueckers.” Azzi smiled softly. The blonde brought the bowl over to the table Azzi was working at. Azzi looked up from the cupcake she was decorating and was met with a spoonful of rice, corn, and chicken. “Are you just gonna sit here and feed me?” She giggled.

Paige gave her the Azzi smile. “You’re about to be growing a child. My job will be keeping you fed and happy.”

“You always take such good care of me, P. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” Tears welled in big brown eyes.

“We take care of each other, always will.”  She whispered.

They spent the rest of the night talking about any and everything while Azzi finished decorating the cupcakes.

There was a calendar in the passenger seat. “What’s this,” she asked surprised.

“Oh! I made a calendar, so I can let Stewie know when I need to miss for appointments.” Paige replied, nonchalantly.

The entire way home, Azzi replayed her explanation in her head.

She cared enough to make sure she’d be available for every step.

God, I love her so much.

-----------------------------------

The vibes were immaculate in the Bueckers home.

Drew and Kamari were telling a story about what happened when they went out last weekend. Bob and Jon were talking about the new Avengers movie that came out a few weeks ago. Paige, Tim, and Jose were arguing about the best point guard in the league (Kyrie was the only valid answer in Paige’s opinion). Both Katies were talking about who they thought were going to win the conference finals.

Azzi brought out a tray with ramakins filled with personal apple pies.

Everyone dug into their dessert with fervor. Conversations halted, the room filled with sounds of spoons scraping ceramic. Everyone was eating, except for Azzi.

She cleared her throat, but it did nothing to help the lump in it. “So…I’ve been wanting to tell you all something.” She paused, looking at her parents. “I’m going to have a baby. I’m on my second round of IUI to have a baby.”

A beat of silence.

“You’re doing this…alone?” Tim questioned sternly.

Katie’s brows furrowed, “I’ve told you how hard it is. Raising a baby on your own.” Judgement seeped into her tone.

Azzi stiffened, hand wrapping around Paige’s hand tightly. The blonde squeezed back just as hard.

“I think it’s great, Azzi. You’re going to be a great mom.” Bob encouraged, trying to break the tension.

Azzi was tense as she spoke. “It’s something I’ve always wanted. And it’s not like I’m really alone.” She had a wobbly smile. “I have Paige. I have Bob and Katie. And Drew and Mari. And hopefully you guys too.”

“I just don’t want you to regret doing this without thinking it through.” Her mother replied.

Her dad sighed. “This just isn’t the right way to do things, Azzi. We had a plan.”

Bob interjected, “I did things the right way, and I still ended up raising Paige alone until Katie came into the picture. There’s no one right way to build a family.”

“I know that, Bob! I came into the picture. I saw how Katie struggled, and you can’t fault me for not wanting that for my daughter.” Tim exclaimed.

Katie Bueckers interjected, “It’s not like she didn’t think it through, Tim. She made a decision; don’t act like she’s being reckless.”

“We’re just trying to protect her,” Katie responded sharply.

“Why would we support her for making such a stupid choice?” Tim followed.

The room went silent. Tension peaking.

“You say you love her, but all you’re doing is making her feel ashamed. She’s stronger than anyone I know. She’s not doing this on a whim.” She started, tone firm. “She’s doing it with intention, with care, and with more grace than most people twice her age. She doesn’t need your approval. She just wanted your support.”

Azzi’s eyes were misty, breath shallow.

“If we wanted your input, we would’ve asked, Paige.” Katie said, sternly. “Azzi,” her voice softened. “We just want you to think this through. Come home with us tonight, and we can talk it all through.”

Paige stood quickly, hand still linked with Azzi. “Nah, we’re not doing this shit.” She spun and nodded to the door, “Let’s go, Az.”

Katie and Bob scrambled to follow them to the front door.

“I’m sorry that didn’t go as well as you hoped, Azzi.” Bob hugged her tightly.

“We’ll be here if you need anything,” Katie finished. “Let us know when you make it safely.”

They were ten minutes into the trip when Azzi spoke again. “Thank you, P.”

“Always.”

-----------------------------------

The next few days pass in a blur.

The four-tier wedding cake and six dozen cupcakes were transported to the massive wedding with no mistake.

Azzi continued to take her Letrozole every morning, and it was wrecking her.

She’d gone two days with a constant headache. She was eating four times a day, drinking a gallon of water, and sleeping seven hours every night. So it was definitely the medicine. And ibuprofen wasn’t helping.

And on day seven, she was having terrible heat flashes. Azzi hated being hot. Everyone, except a blonde firefighter, avoided her that day.

Even Paige was a little wary with her. Azzi’s mood swings were…something. She cried when Paige forgot her pita chips with her Cava order. She got angry with her when she dropped her off to the bakery five minutes later than normal. This that happened often set her off, but she was aware of it. She cried at least once a day apologizing to anyone she felt she was mean to.

One of Paige’s off days fell on a Sunday, which meant she was able to spend the entire day with Azzi.

Ice and KK hugged and thanked her when she walked it.

“She’s been mean all week. She even yelled at KK!” Ice whisper yelled.

The mentioned girl looked at Paige with a pout. “All I did was tell her we needed more raspberry filling for the cupcakes I was doing.”

Paige chuckled quietly, not wanting to set her best friend off, “Alright, alright. I’ll handle it.”

She walked back to the kitchen, continuing through to the prep room when she didn’t see a curly ponytail.

“Hi, Princess.” She smiled, eyes widening a bit when she saw the glare on her face. “What’s up, Az?”

Her face scrunched in frustration, “I forgot the baking soda in one of the muffin batters and now this fucking frosting is either too light or too dark, and I can’t start making this smash cake until the colors are perfect.” She huffed, “And now, I have you in my face asking me what’s wrong.”

Paige’s brows shot up at the last part of her rant, but before she could say anything, Azzi was speaking again.

“Wait, I’m sorry Paige. I didn’t mean that, I promise.” She said, eyes wet now.

The blonde came up behind the brunette. She felt the tension melt a bit when she wrapped her arms around her toned waist. “It’s okay,” She pecked the side of her head. “Why don’t we let Caroline dye the buttercream while you take a break.”

“I really need to finish this though.” She whined.

Paige smirked, “I brought ice cream.”

“CAROLINE!” Azzi shouted, “Please come dye this frosting. I can’t get it to the right color.” She dragged Paige to her office, not even waiting for her coworker to reply.

A pint of cookie dough was plopped on the coffee table in front of the couch, and Azzi got heart eyes instantly.

“You’re so good to me,” Her eyes were wet with tears again.

Paige couldn’t control her laughter this time, “You don’t have to cry, Az. I promised you I’d be here.”

“God, I didn’t have mood swings like this last month.” She smiled around the spoon. “Maybe that means it’ll work this time.”

The older woman set next to her on the sofa, “You’re doing an amazing job with all of this, Azzi. Just relax.” She pulled tanned legs onto her lap and massaged the soreness out of them. “I’m so proud of you.”

Paige’s fingers kneaded the soreness from her calves, but Azzi barely registered the relief over the heat that pooled in her chest every time Paige’s touch lingered just a second too long.

“No, I’m proud of you. You’ve been on Squad for three months now. How’s it been?” She murmured.

Paige knew Azzi was about to take a nap. Her words slurred a bit, so she decided to talk until the girl was finally resting.

-----------------------------------

The morning of the ultrasound, Paige was in a terrible mood. She was extremely sore due to debris falling on her back during a rescue call the day before. Her entire back felt like it was locked up and was covered in one big bruise. Because of the pain, she wasn’t able to sleep well at all. There was nothing that ruined her mood more than a night of shitty sleep.

She went to get a massive coffee before going to Azzi’s to pick her up.

The younger woman clocked the coffee before either of them could say anything. “Bad night?” She asked softly.

Paige sighed with a small smile – of course Azzi would notice that right away. “Yeah. There’s a big ass bruise on my back. Couldn’t get comfortable enough to stay sleep.”

“Poor baby,” Azzi pouted, rubbing the blonde’s arm. “I made you breakfast! Maybe that’ll cheer you up.”

She gave her best friend a plate with two cinnamon crunch bagels, four slices of bacon, and fruit salad.

“I’m not even gonna make you eat the fruit. And when we get back from the appointment, I’m gonna make you an ice bath.”

“I hate ice baths. You already know that.” Paige whined.

Azzi giggled, “Yeah, but you know it’s going to help with your pain, so we’re doing it.”

She moved around the kitchen, wiping everything down, just waiting for Paige to be ready to go.

Their trip to the clinic was quick. Azzi was a little nervous, but not too bad. She really wanted it to work this time, but she tried to keep Katie’s voice in the back of her mind. It could take months to get pregnant, and it didn’t mean anything about her or her body if it didn’t take this month.

Paige held her hand through the discomfort of the ultrasound.

“I’m seeing two mature follicles, and your lining looks very good.” Dr. Caldwell seemed impressed.

The blonde leaned over, kissing her best friend on the forehead. And Azzi released a deep sigh. There was a chance, a good chance this month.

As they walked to the car, all of Paige’s tension evaporated. “It looks like a good cycle, Az.” She was beaming.

“Let’s hope it’s good enough this time.” She whispered back.

Later that night, they were back in Azzi’s kitchen, this time for the trigger shot.

Paige kissed her abdomen before wiping the area with another cold wipe. She was so focused that she didn’t even notice Azzi’s thighs squeezing together a little.

She distracted Azzi with firehouse gossip about how Rickea was messing around with James from C shift. Flau and Ant printed pictures of him and covered the fridge with them.

“OW!” Azzi winced. The shot hurt more this time because she wasn’t preparing herself for the pain.

“I’m sorry, baby.” Paige muttered, planting another kiss on her belly. She said another prayer today. “God, please let this baby stick. Let Azzi be a mommy.”

Tanned hands ran through Paige’s head as she knelt in front of her. “When are you going to settle down, Paigey? You’re going to be the perfect wife. An amazing mom.”

In retrospect, she shouldn’t have said anything because the heated gaze she received in response sent warmth straight to her core.

“Yeah? You think so, Az?” Her voice was lower, raspier.

Azzi just nodded, breath caught in her throat.

Yeah, she was completely fucked.

-----------------------------------

The insemination came and went.

Azzi was silent during the procedure again, and just like before, Paige filled the silence with gentle words.

On the way home, Azzi finally spoke again. “I wish I could just know now. You know? I hate the waiting.”

“I wish I could just do it for you. I don’t like that I can’t help.” Paige replied.

Azzi grabbed the hand resting on the console. “You’re here, Paige. That’s more than enough.”

Azzi threw herself into work. She filled tons of end of summer and back to school cookie and cupcake orders. Paige brought lunch most days, reminding her that she needed to eat, so she could support a baby.

She waited for Paige to take the test this time.

The blonde sat on the bed, while Azzi washed her hands.

“You good in there?”

“Not really. I’m nervous.”

“Can I come in?”

“Yes.”

They sat shoulder to shoulder as they waited for the timer to expire, except no one moved when the timer went off.

“You want me to look?”

“Please.”

Paige stood slowly, hands shaking as she reached for the test. It was like it was all happening in slow motion. Azzi watched as the test turned over. Paige’s jaw clenched before her head dropped.

“I’m sorry.”

Azzi didn’t cry. Not at first. She just got up, walked to the living room, and sat in front of the tv.

She didn’t let Paige see the breakdown. She didn’t let her see her cry during season seven of Grey’s Anatomy. Cry through Derek and Meredith’s struggles with getting pregnant.

Until two nights later. The bakery had been closed for four hours, but Azzi was still in the back prepping dough for the next morning.

“Azzi?” Paige called out, but Azzi didn’t hear her. “I’ve been waiting at the house for two hours. What are you still doing here?”

She couldn’t hear her. Couldn’t give an answer. She just hunched over the counter, tears falling into the dough she was kneading.

Brown eyes shot up, wide and scared, when Paige finally touched her.

“What are you doing here?” Azzi asked, breathless.

Brown brows furrowed. “You weren’t home. It’s nine, Azzi. I got worried.” She pulled her best friend into her arms.

And she finally broke.

Heart wrenching sobs flowed from her mouth like a river.

“I just,” She wept. “I thought it was gonna work this time. Everything looked so good.” She said between gasps. “It’s so hard, Paige.”

Tears welled in blue eyes. “I know, Azzi. But you’re doing so good. You’re doing everything to get your baby. And I promise you; you’re going to get that baby. And when you do, you’ll see that it was all worth it.”

-----------------------------------

And Paige was right.

Because the next cycle, Azzi’s hands shook as she held a pregnancy test.

Two lines.

She did it.

She was going to have a baby.

[five-rat-lore]

I keep seeing the Helena is pregnant theory and oh my god it’s pissing me off so much it’s unreal, I’m so sorry but it’s grinding my gears.

It takes the average couple around 6 months to get pregnant, but up to a year is considered completely normal. Yes it is entirely possible to get pregnant from just one time, but statistically it’s very unlikely. If Helena was looking to conceive an heir, why would she got to the trouble of bedding Mark for the extremely unlikely chance to get pregnant, when she could go the IUI or IVF route.

Scenarios I would accept if the show went the pregnancy route:

1. It’s entirely an accident. If Helena had no intention of getting pregnant and it happened by chance that would be interesting and I think would potentially further her character, and it would put Mark in an interesting position too.

2. It is planned but they have a Lumon elite science explanation of how they made it happen. I wanna see Helena taking those little ovulation pee tests and shit, make it real. And I would need an explanation as to why it had to be Mark, rather than going for an easier route with a higher chance of success.

Idk man I like the energy you’re bringing because I too want Helly to have Mark’s babies, but every time I see the theory brought up it makes me irrationally angry. Again IM SORRY I know it’s just fun and it shouldn’t bother me this much but oh my god

[phoenixyfriend]

Big news of the morning, which I first heard on NPR's Up First (2/21/24), but here's a text version from APNews:

The Alabama Supreme Court has ruled that frozen embryos can be considered children under state law, a decision critics said could have sweeping implications for fertility treatment in the state.

Alabama already outlaws abortion at any point in the pregnancy with no exceptions save for life of the mother, but this goes a step further, and introduces the term "extrauterine children."

Ironically, this came from a lawsuit about destroyed embryos at a fertility clinic, but rather than just ensuring the prospective parents can sue for wrongful death that the embryos were killed (someone broke in, the clinic was not at fault), this law may actually result in mass closures of fertility clinics across Alabama.

Current standards for IVF involve harvesting as many eggs at once as possible, and fertilizing them all to raise the chances of implantation with successive rounds of IVF (in case it doesn't take the first time), and then remaining embryos are frozen for if/when the couple wants their next child, and once the couple decides they're done, the embryos are destroyed to free up space for more clients. The new ruling would force them to keep embryos frozen forever, or be sued for wrongful death, which they can't afford, so many are saying they may close their doors instead.

[dxmedstudent]

The Anti-Abortion Movement's Attack On Wanted Pregnancies

When you class cells as independent living people, it doesn't just affect people who are already pregnant. It affects people who also intend to be pregnant in ways people don't often realise.

From the article (I recommend reading it all):

"I have not been able to stop thinking about the Alabama patients who, without warning, had their IVF treatments canceled mid-cycle as clinics weighed the possible legal ramifications of the ruling. “We must evaluate the potential that our patients and our physicians could be prosecuted criminally or face punitive damages for following the standard of care,” said a spokesperson for the University of Alabama at Birmingham."

"...For the unlucky women of Alabama who were in the midst of that grueling process, that chance was stripped away, their reproduction plans put on hold without their consent. One patient who had her embryo transfer canceled detailed her devastation in an interview with ABC. She was already taking medications to prepare for the embryo transfer, and had purchased the drugs needed for the full cycle. “I’m angry that other people get to make a decision about whether or not I get to grow my family,” she said. “I’m mad that other people’s opinions affect medicine and the practice of it.”

IVF is a long, involved and expensive process -one with no guarantees, as the article lays out.

It's horrifying that people can follow all the procedures, and store sperm or eggs, or embryos, with the advice and support of an entire fertility team, only for their embryos to be caught up in a legal black hole because the law suddenly considers the clumps of cells to be people, and to transfer them may be to risk a murder charge.

Why is this complicated? Because fundamentally, not all embryos will become pregnancies or live births. The process of embryo development actually kills off or causes a large proportion of embryos to stall and stop developing - often because of chromosomal issues within the embryo itself. This is normal, even for unassisted conception - it's the reason why couples don't all get pregnant the minute they start trying for a baby, and why early miscarriages are so common. It's just something that happens so early that we often do not know.

So embryos used in IVF often stall or don't develop, and as a result not all of them can be used to implant to try to make a baby. Effectively, a good chunk of embryos are just a miscarriage waiting to happen (or in the middle of happening) - and are therefore rarely implanted. Any laws forcing couples to implant all these embryos would cause not only significant expense but also untold trauma. Part of why IVF works is because you can examine the embryos to work out which ones have an actual chance of surviving, whether that's via monitoring their development or preimplantation genetic testing to look for abnormalities likely to cause their demise - and even then it's not always successful.

And even if a couple only has excellent embryos (very unlikely, pretty much impossible), they may not be able to use all of them and may need to store some. Many couples may use those embryos to try for a sibling if they are successful, but sometimes plans change. It's actually fairly rare for couples to have viable embryos left over, but how to deal with them afterwards is a nuanced decision that should belong to the couple. Some choose to donate to other couples, some choose to donate to science and help train the skills of people doing the work, and others may choose to compassionately transfer them back into their body (which prevents pregnancy) or to have the lab dispose of them. These are THEIR cells, decisions should not be made without their knowledge or consent.

I've seen anti choice people assume that couples are wantonly freezing endless numbers of embryos or destroying them for fun, there's a tendency to assume that people going through this process are being callous and flippant in their selfish desire to make clones of themselves and disregard nature - in short people who go through IVF are often painted as selfish and infantile. But in actual fact this is something couples and individuals take extremely seriously and often grapple with for a long time. If anyone is taking this to heart, it will be the people who went through a long and painful process to extract those eggs, make those embryos and then try to perfect conditions to make them develop and implant.

It is extremely important that anyone legislating around the topic understands the process extremely well - how else can the law around it be adequately informed, reasonable or fair?

Trying them up in a legal black hole won't help said embryos - because if their families and medical teams cannot use them, then they can't ever actually get a shot at being gestated.

[salonitech]

Endometriosis and Fertility: What You Need to Know if You’re Trying to Conceive

If you’ve been diagnosed with endometriosis and are trying to conceive, it’s natural to have concerns about how this condition might affect your fertility. The good news? You’re not alone—and with the right medical guidance and treatment options, many women with endometriosis go on to have healthy pregnancies.

In a detailed video by fertility expert Dr. Hima Deepthi V., the connection between endometriosis and infertility is explained in a way that’s both informative and reassuring. Let’s take a closer look at what endometriosis is, how it can impact your ability to conceive, and what steps you can take on your fertility journey.

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside the uterus—commonly on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvic lining. This tissue still behaves like it would during a menstrual cycle, thickening and shedding, but since it has no way to exit the body, it can lead to inflammation, scarring, and pain.

How Does Endometriosis Affect Fertility?

According to Dr. Hima Deepthi, endometriosis can affect fertility in several ways:

Distorted pelvic anatomy: Adhesions or scar tissue may interfere with the normal function of the fallopian tubes or ovaries.

Inflammation: Chronic inflammation in the pelvis can impair egg quality or sperm function.

Hormonal imbalances: Endometriosis can alter hormonal environments critical for ovulation and implantation.

Egg reserve impact: In some cases, especially with ovarian endometriomas (chocolate cysts), the egg reserve may be reduced.

But here’s the key message: Not all women with endometriosis will have fertility issues. The severity and location of the endometriosis play a major role in determining how much it affects your ability to conceive.

What Are Your Options If You Want to Conceive?

Dr. Hima Deepthi emphasizes a personalized approach based on age, symptoms, and fertility goals. Common treatment options include:

Medication Management Pain relief and hormonal therapies may help manage symptoms but are not typically fertility-enhancing. However, for mild cases, timed intercourse or ovulation induction may be considered.

Laparoscopic Surgery For women with moderate to severe endometriosis, minimally invasive surgery can remove or reduce endometrial implants and improve fertility outcomes.

Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART)

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) might be an option in mild cases.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is often recommended for moderate to severe cases or if other methods are unsuccessful.

Each case is unique, and seeking early fertility consultation can significantly increase your chances of success.

You Are Not Alone—Support Is Available

Endometriosis can feel overwhelming, especially when fertility is a concern. But many women facing the same challenge have found hope and success through tailored treatments. Dr. Hima Deepthi and her team offer expert guidance and compassionate care, helping you take informed steps toward parenthood.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been diagnosed with endometriosis and want to conceive, don’t lose hope. Fertility treatment has come a long way, and with expert care, many women go on to build the families they’ve dreamed of.

For trusted fertility support and endometriosis care in Secunderabad, consult Dr. Hima Deepthi V.—a dedicated specialist ready to guide you every step of the way.

[kaiyonohime]

Embryo transfer was an expensive failure.

To transfer an embryo, they use ultrasound to guide a wire to the uterus to insert the embryo. Internationally there is between a 1 and 8 percent failure rate where the embryo does not leave the tube and has to be inserted a second time. This damages the embryo, and there is a less than 10 percent chance of a successful pregnancy after this occurs.

The normal pregnancy success rate is 46 percent.

At this hospital, the only hospital in my area that performs ivf treatment, the occurrence of needing to attempt an embryo transfer is 75 percent. Out of the four embryo transfers I've had, three have had the doctor need to attempt the transfer a second time.

Including today.

So, unfortunately, the chances of this embryo transfer working is nill.

I wish I could go to another hospital, but the nearest is a three hour journey by train. And a lot of the treatment in Japan requires coming in daily for injections.

My husband and I have agreed to try for another cycle, which means another month of daily injections for me, followed by a second month of near daily injections. But it's honestly looking like tiny tot will be an only child.

All I can say is fuck the Japanese medical system and fuck poorly trained doctors that apparently got their degrees from a fucking candy box and are so bad at their jobs I don't know why they're even allowed to fucking practice.

Fuck you Japan. Fuck. You.

[mariacallous]

In October, Melissa began an in vitro fertilization cycle. A resident of Birmingham, Alabama, her fertility journey to that point had been not just difficult, but harrowing—earlier that year, she had nearly bled to death during a procedure to resolve a second-trimester miscarriage. When the IVF process yielded just a single viable embryo, she had it frozen, and a few months later started another cycle. “It’s very easy to lose an embryo,” she says. “This is such a delicate process.”

Melissa has a daughter, born when she was younger, but IVF represents her best and last chance to grow her family. After the Alabama Supreme Court ruled last week that embryos are children, all of that is now on hold.

WIRED spoke with three women directly affected by the Alabama Supreme Court’s February 16 ruling, which stated that embryos are “unborn children … without exception based on developmental stage, physical location, or any other ancillary characteristics.” Fearing legal liability given the broad scope of the language, several of the state’s most prominent IVF providers—including the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama Fertility, and the Center for Reproductive Medicine at Mobile Infirmary—have paused treatments. That means patients like Melissa, who is going by a pseudonym given the sensitivity of the topic, are stuck in limbo, and in some cases running out of options.

“I’m rapidly losing time,” says Melissa. The 37-year-old has an autoimmune disorder that she needs to plan IVF cycles around; her ovarian reserves are low enough that her doctors say she has a window of a month, maybe two, to try again. If the ruling holds for much longer, she may not have another chance.

During IVF, patients take hormone-stimulating medications to trigger their ovaries to release mature eggs. The eggs are then retrieved with a small needle and fertilized with sperm in a lab to form embryos. Sometimes a successful IVF cycle can result in several embryos, but doctors typically transfer just one or two into the uterus at a time. Success isn’t promised; about one in three embryo transfers results in pregnancy.

That makes Melissa’s situation especially urgent. There’s no guarantee that her one embryo will result in a birth. But the ruling has disrupted the lives of women at every stage of treatment.

Lochrane Chase started IVF in August, after nearly a year of trying to get pregnant and using less intrusive fertility treatments, such as ovarian stimulation. The 36-year-old Birmingham native was able to freeze and store over two dozen embryos, of which several appeared viable after genetic screening. An embryo transfer in October resulted in a pregnancy, but Lochrane miscarried a few days later. “It was the saddest I’ve ever been in my life,” she says. She tried again in December; again, she miscarried.

Before another scheduled transfer in January, her doctor noticed fluid in her uterine lining; Lochrane underwent surgery in mid-February to address the issue, and scheduled another embryo transfer for March 18. Despite the uncertainty caused by the ruling, she has started taking the necessary hormones anyway in hopes that the situation resolves by then. If not, the medications would have been for nothing, and she’ll be left with no way forward.

That’s due in part to the severity of the new restrictions on embryos in Alabama. Both Melissa and Lochrane looked into getting treatment out of state as soon as the ruling came down, but quickly found that was an unworkable solution. Companies that transport embryos have paused shipping out of the state while assessing the legal risks associated with the ruling. In a statement emailed to WIRED, a representative from the University of Alabama at Birmingham said the health system is working to identify a company that is willing and able to transport their embryos to another facility as soon as possible: “It is our goal to help patients who are interested in this option do so safely, but—at this time—there are no options available.”

Even if patients could transport their embryos, IVF treatment often requires close proximity with the health care provider, making it infeasible for many.

“You have to do blood work every three days. You have to do ultrasounds. To travel to go do that, it’s almost impossible,” says Melissa. Within 24 hours of finding out that her treatment would be affected, Lochrane had made contact with clinics in Boston, Atlanta, and Winston-Salem, North Carolina—conversations that ended when embryo transportation shut down.

The impact is one of lost time and opportunity, but also of cost. Lochrane says she and her husband have spent $50,000 on fertility treatments so far. Each transfer costs $3,500; each round of medication another $500 or so. For Paula, a 38-year-old Birmingham resident, the bulk of her expenses are carried by Progyny, a fertility insurance company that she has access to through her husband’s job.

Paula, who also asked to use a pseudonym, has already undergone one embryo transfer, in April of last year. It resulted in a miscarriage. She now has three frozen embryos left, and had gotten authorization from Progyny earlier this year to attempt another transfer. That authorization has a three-month window, which expires on March 28. “The concern is, if we don’t do it before March 28, will our insurance do another authorization for us, because we live in Alabama?” she says. “It’s been very stressful. My blood pressure has been through the roof.”

In an emailed statement to WIRED, Progyny CEO Pete Anevski said that health care providers “can shift the authorization as needed,” and that the company “will continue to support its member patients and its network providers in Alabama.”

That support can only go so far, though, as long as the Alabama Supreme Court ruling persists. While all three women have frozen embryos, even that practice may be at risk. One of the many uncertainties of the ruling is whether freezing of embryos will be able to continue. “The cryopreservation of fertilized eggs is an essential component of infertility care at this point, and that whole enterprise is very much threatened,” says Sean Tipton, chief advocacy and policy officer at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, a professional organization that represents fertility specialists. Using frozen embryos for IVF is not only safe but has a higher success rate than fresh embryos.

It’s also unclear how the ruling will impact the egg retrieval process. About five to six days after fertilization, an early-stage embryo, called a blastocyst, forms. But not every fertilized egg goes on to develop into an embryo. This happens naturally, as well as in IVF labs. Under the Alabama ruling, this scenario could also open up a clinic to a potential lawsuit. “With this legal ruling, the question is, if an embryo fails to develop, will these health care providers be found liable for wrongful death or murder or manslaughter?” says Betsy Campbell, chief engagement officer at Resolve, an infertility nonprofit association based in McLean, Virginia.

In a Facebook post, Alabama Fertility Specialists said it is putting new IVF treatments on hold “due to the legal risk to our clinic and our embryologists,” and is contacting affected patients.

In a statement emailed to WIRED, the University of Alabama at Birmingham said its Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility is pausing egg fertilization and embryo development because of “the potential that our patients and our physicians could be prosecuted criminally or face punitive damages for following the standard of care for IVF treatments.”

The patients whom WIRED spoke with all shared a sense of crushing uncertainty and anger.

“People don’t understand that when you’re put in a position to make decisions like [IVF treatment], you don’t make it lightly,” says Melissa. “That it sticks with you forever. That it changes you. To have laws that prevent you from making decisions that—as gut-wrenching as they are, as hard as they are—that you can’t make them for the health of your family, it’s an indescribable feeling.”

Even Lochrane, a lifelong Alabama resident, says that the ruling has made her seriously consider leaving. “I feel so powerless in this state,” she says. Lochrane is on the board of local nonprofits, serves as a deacon in her church, and is deeply involved with numerous civic organizations. Her family is here, as are her friends. Still, she says, the last week has dramatically shifted her perspective. “If I could move to Boston and have an opportunity to have a family there but not in Birmingham,” she says, “I would be at the airport now.”

IVF providers, patients, and advocates are hoping that the Alabama legislature could allow IVF to continue in the state. Last week, Alabama House minority leader Anthony Daniels, a Democrat, introduced a bill that would establish that a “fertilized human egg or human embryo that exists outside of a human uterus is not considered an unborn child or human being” under state law. Republican lawmakers are also expected to introduce similar legislation soon.

“We’re hopeful that there will be a legislative fix,” Campbell says. How long that fix takes, though, will have life-altering consequences for many Alabama IVF patients. And if it doesn’t materialize, most will be left with no options at all.

“We have healthy embryos,” says Lochrane. “We just want to be able to have children.”

[toounknownkingdom]

How IVF Experts Can Increase Success Rates: Key Factors to Consider

In-vitro fertilization (IVF) has revolutionized the field of reproductive medicine, offering hope to millions of couples struggling with infertility. While the IVF process is highly effective, the success rates can vary based on a number of factors. Fortunately, the expertise of IVF specialists can significantly enhance the chances of a successful pregnancy. In this blog, we’ll explore how IVF experts can increase success rates and provide guidance on optimizing treatment for the best possible outcome.

1. Personalized Treatment Plans

One of the most crucial ways IVF experts can increase success rates is by developing a personalized treatment plan. Every patient’s fertility journey is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach may not work for everyone. By assessing factors such as age, medical history, hormone levels, and the underlying cause of infertility, IVF specialists can tailor the treatment to meet the specific needs of the patient.

Customized medication protocols: Experts adjust the type, dose, and timing of fertility medications to stimulate egg production in the most effective way.

Individualized embryo selection: With a personalized approach, the best embryos can be selected for transfer, increasing the likelihood of successful implantation.

2. Advanced Diagnostic Tools and Testing

IVF success is often greatly influenced by the accuracy of diagnostic testing. IVF experts use advanced diagnostic tools to assess both male and female fertility. By identifying any underlying issues early on, specialists can recommend the most effective treatment strategies.

Genetic screening: Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) allows experts to screen embryos for genetic disorders, ensuring only the healthiest embryos are transferred.

Hormonal profiling: Hormonal tests help IVF specialists understand the reproductive health of the patient and identify any imbalances that might impact treatment.

3. Optimizing Egg and Sperm Quality

The quality of the eggs and sperm used in IVF plays a significant role in the success of the treatment. IVF experts can help improve the quality of both through various strategies:

Egg retrieval timing: By carefully timing egg retrieval, specialists ensure that eggs are harvested at the optimal moment for fertilization, increasing the chances of success.

Sperm selection techniques: Advanced sperm selection methods, such as Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), can be used when sperm quality is a concern, ensuring the best sperm is used for fertilization.

4. Embryo Culture and Monitoring

The embryo culture stage is critical in determining the success of IVF. IVF specialists use advanced technology and expertise to monitor embryo development closely. Embryos are cultured in controlled environments, with temperature and pH levels optimized for growth.

Embryo monitoring: Regular assessments of embryo growth help identify the most viable embryos for transfer. The use of time-lapse imaging and embryo grading ensures that the best embryos are chosen.

Blastocyst culture: Transferring embryos that have reached the blastocyst stage (5–6 days old) often increases success rates. This is because blastocysts are more likely to implant successfully compared to earlier-stage embryos.

5. Embryo Transfer Techniques

The embryo transfer process is a delicate procedure, and expert handling is essential to increase the likelihood of successful implantation. IVF specialists use highly refined techniques to transfer embryos into the uterus with precision.

Catheter selection: IVF specialists use the smallest catheter possible to ensure the embryo is transferred gently and accurately into the uterine lining.

Endometrial preparation: Proper preparation of the uterine lining is crucial for embryo implantation. Experts can optimize endometrial receptivity through medications such as progesterone to create the best environment for the embryo.

6. Attention to Patient Health and Wellness

The overall health of the patient is a critical factor in IVF success. IVF experts emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle to support fertility and increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Diet and exercise: IVF specialists may recommend dietary changes and exercise routines to improve fertility health, manage weight, and reduce stress.

Stress management: The emotional and psychological aspects of IVF can affect the success of treatment. Experts often suggest counseling, relaxation techniques, or mindfulness practices to help patients manage stress throughout the IVF process.

7. Use of Cutting-Edge Technologies

Advancements in technology have significantly improved the chances of success in IVF. IVF experts stay updated on the latest techniques and innovations in reproductive medicine to provide the best treatment options available.

Cryopreservation: Freezing embryos and eggs for future use can help increase the chances of success in later IVF cycles.

Stem cell research: Experts are exploring the potential of stem cells to enhance fertility and improve IVF outcomes, although this technology is still in its early stages.

8. Managing Multiple IVF Cycles

For some patients, multiple IVF cycles may be required to achieve pregnancy. IVF specialists know when to make adjustments to the treatment plan after each cycle and can help manage the process effectively.

Cycle monitoring: Regular monitoring of hormone levels, egg quality, and embryo development can guide adjustments in the next cycle to improve outcomes.

Optimizing the next attempt: If the first IVF cycle is unsuccessful, experts review the results to make necessary changes, such as altering medications, improving embryo culture, or using genetic testing.

9. Emotional Support and Counseling

The IVF journey can be emotionally challenging, and IVF experts understand the importance of providing emotional support. Offering counseling services and a strong support system helps patients manage the psychological stress of the process and can improve overall well-being.

Counseling sessions: Many IVF centers provide counseling services to help patients cope with the emotional rollercoaster of IVF.

Support groups: Connecting with other couples going through IVF can provide encouragement and reassurance during the process.

Conclusion

The success of IVF is influenced by various factors, but the expertise of IVF specialists plays a pivotal role in increasing the chances of success. From personalized treatment plans and advanced diagnostic tools to optimizing egg and sperm quality, IVF experts use their knowledge and experience to provide the best possible care for each patient. By staying up to date with the latest advancements in fertility technology and offering emotional support, they help couples navigate the IVF journey with confidence and hope.

Take the First Step Toward Your Parenthood Journey

If you’re considering IVF and want expert guidance, don’t wait any longer. Our experienced IVF specialists are here to provide personalized treatment plans and offer the support you need every step of the way. Schedule a consultation today and let us help you increase your chances of success with the latest advancements in fertility care.

Contact us now to learn more about how we can make your dream of parenthood a reality

[weezly14]

so i used to use this more as a blog where i talked about my life and my feelings and there's been both a lot and nothing happening in my life lately but i sure do have feelings! so i'm gonna write it down and send vibes into the universe because why not. what else do i have to do today?

i've been a little MIA in terms of working on my fics. i've barely written. first it was a rough fucking winter; then summer kicked my ass just as bad. i hate summer.

"but why has it been rough?"

well, because i'm not fucking pregnant yet.

we've been trying for a baby (i hate this phrase) for ten months? ish? and nothing has happened. in school they made it sound like you skip protection once and you'll get knocked up; my mom got accidentally pregnant twice. and here i am, charting dates and peeing on ovulation predictor sticks and tracking symptoms and the whole nine yards, timing sex and taking fucking prenatals and vitamins and not eating sushi or steak during the two week wait and not drinking at all, and all i've gotten to show for it is my fucking period, every month like clockwork.

the studies say, it can take up to a year. yes, most couples get pregnant within six months, but sometimes it takes longer. sure, fine, whatever.

so it's been hard enough trying to get pregnant and then failing (because it does feel like failing, every time), but then two things happened in quick succession:

my best friend got pregnant, sort of accidentally;

i got sent for bloodwork and the results caused my doctor to refer me straight to a fertility clinic.

when i saw the results i cried, but i thought i was just spiraling and being over dramatic. sure, my AMH is really low, but it's technically still in range, and that's not everything, right? my other tests were mostly fine, not totally out of the normal range. then i called my doctor's office, only to be told "we're referring you to a clinic, your ob/gyn doesn't think you'll get pregnant without treatment."

it's a hell of a thing to be told while standing in the pasta aisle of a grocery store.

in the midst of being referred to the clinic, i of course googled. read articles and papers. cried to my husband, my mom, my friends. of course the clinic was booking weeks out; in three weeks i'll go for my first appointment. my mom said, well maybe now you'll get pregnant. it happens, you know - people struggle and then as soon as they get booked to see a specialist, or start IVF, they get pregnant.

my period started over the weekend. it was not a good time.

the thing about trying for a baby is that every month is the same fucking rollercoaster, only you can't get off, and despite knowing exactly how it'll go, it's still somehow traumatic every time. every cycle there's the devastation when your period starts, followed by the hopeful/planning mode of "let me now track ovulation, let's chart out when we need to have sex." then there's the actual sex - trying to still have fun with it as opposed to the clinical "literally all we need is for you to finish," though sometimes it is just the quickie before work or after dinner because it's Fertile Week and we need to optimize our chances so it doesn't matter if it's not very romantic, we can have romantic sex later. after that it's the waiting game, the two weeks of overanalyzing every ache, every twinge, of looking up expected due dates and thinking about how to announce to family and friends, of hoping and thinking that maybe you are actually pregnant - all followed by the two, three days leading up to your period where every trip to the bathroom has the potential to devastate. where every pms symptom is enough to set off a fresh round of tears until your period actually starts. i've stopped taking pregnancy tests early. the stark white negatives (or rude NO - on the digital tests) was too much for me to handle in my already hormonal, pms state.

it hasn't been a year, which makes me feel like i shouldn't be so upset already. on the other hand, my egg reserve is apparently incredibly low - that is, i'm rapidly running out of eggs, and who knows if the ones i've got are even any good. in three weeks we'll see a fertility specialist, and based on my extensive research and trolling on reddit and listening to podcasts, i'm fairly confident they're going to tell us it's IVF or bust.

because i'm running out of eggs, for reasons that might not exist, or might just be "sometimes things just suck for certain people." some people get a diagnosis of "unexplained infertility," which basically means the doctors have run every test and there's no reason you can't get pregnant. we aren't in that camp, we're likely in the "diminished ovarian reserve" camp. for reasons that are unexplained.

meanwhile, my best friend is pregnant, and i can't talk to her without crying.

we moved into a bigger house a year ago in preparation for kids. we got our finances in order, we made sure our marriage was solid, we planned - and now? we've always wanted two, maybe three. at this point i think we'll be lucky to get one. maybe i'm being pessimistic. i'm trying to be confident but also realistic. IVF doesn't work for everyone. even my clinic, which has the best numbers in the state, has a 63% success rate. sounds great, and it is - but that's 37% of couples who don't go home with a baby. nationally, the outcomes are something like 50ish% of IVF cycles will result in a live birth (they measure by both pregnancy and live birth, because even if you've managed to get pregnant, there's no guarantee you'll stay pregnant.)

today is a good day, by the way. today i can talk to my mom, i can call up our insurance, i can write this and be factual and calm and not crying. today i feel like we have a good chance, like we will end up with a take home baby. today i'm cleaning my house and looking up meal plans to increase my fertility. exercise regimens to help me get in shape to increase my fertility. tomorrow might be a bad day. bad days are when i can barely get off the couch, where i cry at the thought or mention of my fertility. where a tiktok of a dad and baby sends me spiraling. when it all feels fucking useless and unfair.

today is a good day. i don't know what tomorrow's going to be yet.

i've been isolating all summer, which isn't hard to do when most of my friends aren't local. but i find i don't want to be around anyone, really. i don't want to talk to people. i don't want to be asked how i'm doing, i don't want to be asked what's new or what i've been up to.

"i've been cleaning my house and trying to get pregnant and failing. last week i made a new recipe, and today i cried."

it's not an exciting life i'm leading these days. and anyway, no one wants to hear about fertility struggles.

it's not that i'm too stressed. i don't need to go on vacation, or get drunk and have sex, or relax and then i'll get pregnant. sure, i could use a vacation, but that's not the magic ticket. the problem isn't lack of sex. i have depression; the stress is always there, but that's why i see my therapist and my psychiatrist. that's why i take my meds and do my self-soothing shit.

i'm not pregnant because i'm just not. and hopefully the specialist will have a plan and hopefully that plan has a more than 30% chance of succeeding, and hopefully we get to bring a baby home - but today? today i'm not pregnant, and it's not a guarantee that i ever will be.

so even though today is a good day, i'm still really fucking sad.

but, you know. i'm trying to have hope.

that, too, is a cycle.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Megan Messerly at Politico:

INDIANAPOLIS — The Southern Baptist Convention, the nation’s largest and most politically powerful Protestant denomination, voted Wednesday to oppose in vitro fertilization. The move may signal the beginning of a broad turn on the right against IVF, an issue that many evangelicals, anti-abortion advocates and other social conservatives see as the “pro-life” movement’s next frontier — one they hope will eventually lead to restrictions, or outright bans, on IVF at the state and federal levels. The vote comes as Democrats in Washington, hoping to drive a wedge among Republicans, prepare to hold a vote on legislation to protect IVF, while former President Donald Trump struggles with how to message to evangelicals on abortion and other reproductive health issues that they would like to see him take stronger positions on in the post-Roe era. IVF has come under increasing scrutiny since the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision two years ago. Many on the right have begun to question whether the practice, which often discards fertilized eggs, is at odds with their beliefs on when life begins, even as it is relied upon by millions of Americans to grow their families and is supported by the overwhelming majority of evangelicals.

“It’s going to be a long process. It took us 50 years to take down Roe,” said Brent Leatherwood, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, the public policy arm of the SBC. “It may take us a similarly long time frame to get people to a place where they are thinking more deeply about something like this. It’s okay. It takes time. We have to be patient.” The resolution, which was passed by nearly 11,000 so-called messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting, declares that IVF “most often participates in the destruction of embryonic human life” and calls on Southern Baptists to adopt and “only utilize reproductive technologies” that affirm “the unconditional value and right to life of every human being.” Though the resolution is nonbinding, nearly 13 million Southern Baptists across 45,000 churches may now face pressure from the pulpit or in individual conversations with pastors to eschew IVF.

[...] The Southern Baptists’ Wednesday vote could encourage other evangelical denominations and churches to follow suit in declaring — or at least teaching about — their ethical concerns with IVF. [...] The Alabama high court’s decision forced many evangelicals to for the first time think deeply about the ethical implications of the procedure, which as commonly practiced in the U.S. results in the destruction of excess embryos. Doctors create extra embryos to ensure the best chance of a successful pregnancy. The leftover embryos are frozen, destroyed or donated to medical research. Many evangelicals are now coming around to the fact that their conviction that life begins at conception must be applied to IVF, too. If abortion is murder, the destruction of viable embryos created during the IVF process is as well.

[...] As evangelicals become more educated on the issue, they are largely falling into two camps: those who believe that IVF can be practiced ethically if no embryos are destroyed, and those who like Mohler and Walker believe IVF is inherently unethical because it separates conception from the act of sex between husband and wife. Walker, acknowledging the former view, noted the resolution was “drafted to pass.”

A last-minute amendment sought to make clear that IVF is permissible in some circumstances, but failed.

A sad day for common sense at the SBC Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, as a majority of the messengers shamefully voted to oppose In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).

This vote could signal a broader shift to anti-IVF sentiments among Christian conservatives (especially evangelicals). #SBC24#IVF

See Also:

NBC News: Southern Baptists formally oppose in vitro fertilization

HuffPost: Southern Baptist Convention Votes To Oppose IVF As Not 'God-Honoring'

[pachangam]

Starting a family is one of the most profound and life-changing decisions one can make. Whether you are planning for natural conception or exploring assisted options such as IVF, understanding the best time to get pregnant can significantly increase your chances of success. Factors such as physical health, mental well-being, and even medical astrology can play a crucial role in this journey. This article delves into when the best time to conceive is and provides tips on how to increase your chances of pregnancy.

[get-pregnant]

Transforming Dreams into Reality: The Test Tube Baby Journey in Nashik

Are you yearning to hear the pitter-patter of tiny feet echoing in your home? The journey to parenthood can be strewn with challenges, leaving couples feeling disheartened and isolated. However, amidst this struggle, hope gleams brighter than ever with advancements in reproductive technologies, particularly the Test Tube Baby Process, also known as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Let’s delve into how this revolutionary procedure is turning the dreams of countless couples in Nashik into tangible realities.

Meet Shreya and Rahul, a couple who epitomize the journey many embark upon in their quest for parenthood. Despite leading healthy lifestyles and consulting medical experts, traditional methods failed to bear fruit for them. Their longing for a complete family seemed like an elusive dream until they discovered the Test Tube Baby Process at AKPI’s clinic in Nashik.

Initially apprehensive, Shreya and Rahul found solace in the clinic's compassionate and professional approach. From comprehensive evaluations to detailed explanations of the IVF process, the team at AKPI provided unwavering support at every step. As they nervously awaited the pregnancy test after the embryo transfer, hope intertwined with anxiety, making each moment feel like an eternity.

Today, their precious daughter, Tara, fills their lives with boundless joy and love, a testament to the success of IVF. Their story mirrors that of numerous couples in Nashik who have realized their dream of parenthood through this groundbreaking procedure.

Before and After: The Test Tube Baby Journey

The journey towards parenthood through IVF entails meticulous pre-treatment evaluations to diagnose infertility causes and determine the suitability of IVF. Post-treatment, diligent monitoring ensures the success of implantation and a healthy pregnancy.

The Four Steps of the Test Tube Baby Process

For couples in Nashik, the Test Tube Baby Process offers a ray of hope in their fertility journey. Let's delve into the intricacies of this procedure:

Egg Production Stimulation: Hormone therapy stimulates the woman's ovaries to produce multiple follicles, preparing them for egg retrieval.

Retrieval of Eggs: Mature eggs are delicately retrieved from the ovaries using a fine needle under sedation or anesthesia.

Fertilization: The retrieved eggs are fertilized with sperm from the male partner, and the resulting embryos are monitored for viability.

Embryo Transfer: Healthy embryos are transferred into the woman's uterus using a catheter, offering the potential for pregnancy.

Addressing Concerns: Frequently Asked Questions

Are IVF injections painful? While minimal discomfort may be experienced during IVF hormonal injections, expert guidance can alleviate concerns and ensure a smoother journey towards parenthood.

Unlocking Success: Understanding IVF Success Rates

The success of IVF hinges on various factors, including age and underlying fertility issues. Couples can maximize their chances of success through lifestyle modifications and informed decision-making.

Navigating the Emotional Terrain of IVF

The emotional journey of IVF is as significant as its medical aspect. With evolving technologies and unwavering support, couples find renewed hope and happiness amidst the challenges of infertility.

In conclusion, the Test Tube Baby Process stands as a beacon of hope for couples in Nashik, transcending barriers and turning dreams into reality. With compassionate care and cutting-edge technology, parenthood becomes an achievable aspiration for all.

If you're ready to embark on your journey towards parenthood, reach out to us today. Together, we can transform your dreams into a beautiful reality.

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By sharing your experiences and insights, you can empower others on their fertility journey. Together, let's spread hope and awareness about the transformative power of the Test Tube Baby Process.

[aurawomen]

What role does ovulation play in the process of child conception?

Ovulation plays a crucial role in the process of child conception. Here's how it works:

Ovulation: Ovulation is the release of a mature egg (ovum) from a woman's ovary. It typically occurs in the middle of her menstrual cycle, around day 14 in a 28-day cycle. The egg is released into the fallopian tube.

Fertilization Window: Ovulation marks the most fertile period in a woman's menstrual cycle. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for several days, so having intercourse in the days leading up to and during ovulation increases the chances of sperm meeting the egg.

Fertilization: If a sperm successfully reaches the egg in the fallopian tube and fertilizes it, it forms a zygote. This is the beginning of a potential pregnancy.

Embryo Development: The zygote starts dividing and developing into an embryo. It travels down the fallopian tube towards the uterus.

Implantation: Once the embryo reaches the uterus, it may implant into the uterine lining. If successful, this results in pregnancy.

Without ovulation and the release of an egg, conception cannot occur. Understanding one's menstrual cycle and pinpointing ovulation is crucial for couples trying to conceive naturally. For those with fertility issues, assisted reproductive technologies like IVF can be used to facilitate conception, even without natural ovulation. Connect with the Best IVF Centre in India |Aurawomen for the best infertility treatment.

[amritatandon]

How IVF Treatment Help Women with PCOS to Become Pregnant?

PolycystOvary Syndrome (PCOS) is found in as many as 1 in 10 women of childbearing age and is among the leading causes of infertility. For those with PCOS who are unable to become pregnant naturally or with first-line therapies, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) may provide new hope. Supported by advances in reproductive technologies, IVF is becoming an extremely effective and Best PCOS Treatment in Chembur for induced infertility.

Why PCOS Makes Pregnancy Difficult?

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that involves irregular ovulation, increased androgen levels, and numerous ovarian cysts. These hormonal imbalances can disrupt the maturation and release of eggs, which in turn prevent natural conception. Besides this, poor egg quality and a higher risk of miscarriage also make it difficult for a woman to conceive.

How IVF Helps Women with PCOS Conceive?

IVF bypasses most of the obstructions posed by PCOS by controlling ovulation and fertilization in a clinic setting. The process begins with regulated ovarian stimulation, where hormone shots evoke multiple mature eggs to develop. This helps overcome the problems caused by the uneven or missing ovulation element of PCOS. The eggs are then retrieved and fertilized with sperm in the laboratory, and healthy embryos are thereafter implanted into the uterus.

One of the key advantages of IVF is that it makes blastocyst embryo transfer possible, a method that decreases the risk of twin pregnancies but keeps success rates high. In PCOS patients under 35 years, IVF success rates can reach 60% per egg retrieval, as reported by specialty fertility clinics.

Safer, Specialized Protocols for PCOS Patients

Top clinics employ customized protocols to enhance IVF results in PCOS women. Such protocols are specifically developed to minimize the risk of OHSS, a severe issue in PCOS patients.

Optimizing IVF Success

PCOS women can further enhance the chances of IVF success by following a healthy lifestyle, staying at an optimal weight, reducing stress through relaxation exercises, and being treated by PCOS-specialized clinics. Clinics that utilize novel techniques, such as ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) and pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT), can also enhance the rates of fertilization and implantation.

Thinking of IVF as a solution to PCOS-induced infertility?

Contact a seasoned fertility clinic with customized IVF protocols and successful experience with PCOS patients. Your path to parenthood begins with the first step by consulting Dr. Amrita Tandon, the Best Gynecologist in Chembur today!

[shabaresh]

Reclaim Hormonal Balance with Advanced PCOS & PCOD Treatment at Ekam Fertility

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) are among the most common hormonal disorders affecting women today. At Ekam Fertility, we specialize in compassionate, evidence-based care for women struggling with these conditions. Whether you're seeking a correct PCOS diagnosis, support for ovulation induction in PCOS, or expert hormonal care, our clinic offers everything you need under one roof—delivered with precision and empathy.

Understanding PCOS & PCOD: Not Just Irregular Periods

Though often used interchangeably, PCOS and PCOD have subtle differences. Both conditions affect ovarian function, disrupt menstrual cycles, and often lead to fertility challenges. In PCOS, the hormonal imbalance is more severe, leading to irregular ovulation, elevated androgens (male hormones), and small cysts on the ovaries.

PCOD, on the other hand, typically involves enlarged ovaries with immature follicles. While PCOD can be managed with lifestyle changes, PCOS treatment often demands a more holistic, long-term medical approach.

The Importance of Early PCOS Diagnosis

One of the critical steps to overcoming PCOS or PCOD is accurate PCOS diagnosis. At Ekam Fertility, we perform advanced ultrasound scans, hormone evaluations, and metabolic assessments to detect underlying issues. Timely and accurate PCOS diagnosis helps prevent complications such as infertility, diabetes, weight gain, and even endometrial cancer in extreme cases.

Our experienced fertility specialists and some of the best endocrinologists in Hyderabad work together to offer a precise, individualized diagnosis plan. Whether you're experiencing irregular periods, acne, unwanted hair growth, or mood swings, we guide you with clarity and compassion.

PCOS Treatment Tailored for You

Our clinic’s PCOS treatment programs combine medical management, lifestyle intervention, nutrition counseling, and hormonal therapy. Depending on your symptoms and fertility goals, our team creates a structured care plan. Treatments may include oral contraceptives, insulin-sensitizing agents, or weight management solutions.

Women trying to conceive are often prescribed ovulation induction in PCOS, where medications like Letrozole or Clomiphene are used to stimulate egg release. This method enhances your chances of a successful pregnancy. Our fertility specialists monitor you closely during this phase, ensuring safe and effective results.

If you're not actively trying to conceive, PCOD treatment focuses on regulating your menstrual cycles, controlling acne, and reducing the risk of long-term health conditions. We understand that every woman’s journey is unique, so we never offer a one-size-fits-all approach.

Ovulation Induction in PCOS: Boosting Fertility Safely

Ovulation induction in PCOS is often the first step in fertility care. Women with PCOS may ovulate irregularly or not at all, making conception difficult. At Ekam Fertility, our specialists carefully design ovulation induction protocols based on your body’s hormone response and ovarian reserve.

We use advanced cycle tracking, follicular monitoring, and hormonal support to time ovulation precisely. This significantly improves the chances of natural conception or increases the success rate of assisted fertility treatments like IUI or IVF.

Why Choose Ekam Fertility? The Best Endocrinologist in Hyderabad Is Here

Ekam Fertility stands out for its multidisciplinary care. Our in-house specialists include some of the, who work alongside gynecologists, fertility experts, and nutritionists to offer complete hormonal support.

Unlike general clinics, our team focuses specifically on reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Whether you're seeking ongoing PCOS treatment or managing the symptoms of PCOD, you’ll receive personalized care from the most trusted names in Hyderabad.

Our mission is simple: To empower every woman with the tools and treatments to live a healthy, fertile, and balanced life.

Take the First Step Toward Healing

If you're struggling with symptoms of PCOS or PCOD, don't wait. The earlier the PCOS diagnosis, the more effective the treatment will be. From PCOD treatment to specialized fertility care like ovulation induction in PCOS, Ekam Fertility provides everything you need to heal—mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Connect with the best endocrinologist in Hyderabad at Ekam today and reclaim your path to wellness.