Our IVF Journey: From Struggles to Success with PCRM
It’s hard to put into words the emotional rollercoaster of starting a family when you face fertility challenges. For us, a combination of PCOS, endometriosis, emergency ovarian cyst removal surgery, and a blocked left tube all led us to the Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM). Our story is one of uncertainty, hope, and ultimately, joy. Here’s how our IVF journey unfolded, and how PCRM became an integral part of our path to parenthood.
The First Appointment: Fear and Hope in Equal Measure
It was September 2023 when we first walked into PCRM, filled with nerves. Our first consultation with Dr. Fernando felt like a pivotal moment. After learning that my left fallopian tube was blocked, I was resigned to the fact that IVF would be our only option. But hearing those words for the first time was a lot to digest. The dream of starting a family felt so far out of reach.
But then, something surprising happened. Dr. Fernando didn’t just give us medical facts; he gave us hope. His optimism was contagious. He reassured us that IVF was indeed our best option and that, based on my condition, we were great candidates. Dr. Fernando even said that if everything went according to plan, he was optimistic we would be pregnant by Christmas. I couldn't believe it.
Educating Myself: Embracing the IVF Process
After that appointment, I dove into research. At the time, I didn’t know much about IVF, but I found comfort in the stories of others. I read blogs, followed social media posts, and watched every educational video I could find on the PCRM website. The videos on how to administer injections were especially helpful, even though I watched them more times than I’d like to admit. The fear of needles, side effects from medications, and the uncertainty of the process were overwhelming—but the more I learned, the more confident I felt.
Egg Retrieval and a Shift in Plans
By December 1st, the time had come to prepare for egg retrieval. I started the stimulation medications, which required three injections a day, administered at the same time every day. We had planned for a fresh embryo transfer, but during retrieval, we collected 21 eggs—more than expected. This meant a frozen transfer was necessary. At first, I was disappointed, but looking back, it was the best decision for us.
We froze 7 embryos from that cycle, and we were thrilled with the outcome. It was a step forward, but I still had a long way to go.
The First Transfer Protocol: A Setback
We kicked off 2024 with preparations for our frozen embryo transfer. Unfortunately, my body didn’t respond well to the first protocol, and the transfer had to be canceled. I felt defeated—our hopes of a fresh transfer had been dashed, and now this setback added to my growing anxiety.
But Dr. Fernando was there to lift us up. He reassured me that we still had many options to explore. All the hard work had already been done, and it was just a matter of finding the right protocol for my body. That gave me hope, and we pressed on.
A New Protocol and a New Beginning
On February 25th, we began a new transfer protocol. This time, my body responded incredibly well to the medication, and by March 1st, we were ready for the embryo transfer. It was an emotional day—filled with excitement, but also fear and uncertainty. Would it work? Would our dream of starting a family become a reality?
As I waited for the results, I tried to stay positive and keep myself busy. The wait was agonizing, but I held on to the hope that, just maybe, this time would be different.
A Positive Pregnancy Test: Dreams Come True
The moment we learned we were pregnant felt surreal. I went on to have a healthy pregnancy and carried our son to full term. Every needle, appointment, test, medication, surgery, sleepless night, and tear was worth it. Looking at our son now, I would do it all over again without hesitation. The journey was difficult, but the end result was more than worth it.
Gratitude for PCRM
We will forever be grateful to Dr. Fernando and the entire PCRM team for their unwavering support. Their optimism, knowledge, and guidance kept us going when we felt like giving up. Without their expertise and encouragement, our dream of starting a family would never have been possible.
IVF is a true emotional rollercoaster. There are highs, lows, and moments when your dreams feel so far out of reach. But trust the process, trust your team, and believe in yourself. With the right support, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Looking Back: A Special Day to Remember
March 1st will always be a special day for us. Reflecting on that moment when our little "popsicle" was transferred into my body, I can hardly believe how far we’ve come. It’s an indescribable feeling to go from the uncertainty of that ultrasound to holding our son in our arms. The journey was long, but it led us to the most beautiful reward.
To all the families before us who helped advance the science behind IVF, thank you. And to everyone at PCRM—thank you for turning our dreams of parenthood into reality.
If you're facing your own fertility journey, we understand how challenging it can be. PCRM is here to guide you every step of the way, with the compassion and expertise that make all the difference. Contact us today to learn more about IVF and how we can support you in creating the family of your dreams.
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About the PCRM Blog
Welcome to the Pacific Fertility Centre for Reproductive Medicine Blog! Nationally and internationally recognized for providing exceptional reproductive care, our team believes in empowering people with the knowledge they need to navigate their unique fertility journeys.
From information on the latest fertility treatments to valuable insights on egg donation, surrogacy, and everything in between, the Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine Blog is your ultimate resource for all things reproductive care and support. Read on to learn more, and contact us today if you have any questions or want to schedule a new patient appointment.