IVF Book Review : "The Complete Guide to IVF"

Just a little over a week ago, the packages started arriving. Exciting!! I spent a few days digging around on Amazon.com, trying to find the "best" IVF books out there.

My IVF book criteria:
- They needed to be somewhat recently published (this was really hard to find actually!)
- Go into at least a bit of detail on specifics surrounding what an IVF cycle is like
- I was also looking for at least one of them to include a story (or stories) about people who underwent IVF - preferably a first-hand account.

I ended up purchasing three books, one of which I've already finished and reviewed below. Stay tuned for more... this next book I just started is proving to be the best yet!!
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The Complete Guide to IVF:
An Inside View of Fertility Clinics and Treatment

Straight from the book description: The most recent studies show that 40,000 cycles of IVF are carried out in the UK each year - and approximately a million are carried out worldwide. It is estimated that at least 200,000 IVF babies are born annually - and this figure is constantly rising. With assisted conception increasing year on year, 'The Complete Guide to IVF' offers an invaluable and insightful approach to the process. Packed with first-hand accounts of patients who have been through it, and Kate Brian's own experience of IVF, this book will de-mystify the treatment and give a 'behind-the-scenes' account of what really happens. Addressing the entire experience, right from the initial clinic visit through to the assisted conception cycle, 'The Complete Guide to IVF' provides an accessible, down-to-earth and reassuring account of using IVF to conceive.

Published year: 2009
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My rating: (3 out of 5)

Who would benefit from this book? Anyone who is in the very beginning stages of understanding what IVF is all about and wants an easy-to-read overview; this could include not only patients, but also friends or relatives alike.

What I liked about this book: I purchased this book for two main reasons - it was one of the most recently published books on IVF that I could find AND because it seemed to contain (based on the description) the first-person perspective that I was looking for. Did it fulfill those wishes? Yes, it certainly did. It was an easy read that touched briefly on many main areas of IVF, starting with the beginning stages of suppression and egg stimulation, going all the way through retrieval and transfer and what to expect along the way. Throughout the book, in each section, the author would include comments or experiences she had with that particular topic, as well as include a very brief quote from another infertility patient, which was a nice touch. It also had a chapter dedicated to male infertility, covering not only causes but also how to emotionally deal with infertility and be a support system for a partner.

What I didn't like: While I am glad I bought it, I don't know that I'll use it as a reference tool all that much. I think the problem was that it was so surface level it didn't leave me with many thoughts of, right - what an interesting point, or wow - I didn't know that! Sure there was stuff that I didn't know, simply because I'm in the very beginning stages of really trying to learn the ins and outs of IVF, but I wish it would have had a bit more to it.

That being said, it does make for a very good "first" read. I'm glad I did end up reading it first, because otherwise, I'm afraid I may have felt like it wasn't telling me anything new.

Another potential downfall, though completely no fault of the author or this book, if you're from the U.S. you should know that this was written by someone who underwent and interviewed residents of the UK for this book. Why do I mention it? Well some of the info might not be quite as catered to what U.S. clinics are like; however, I didn't get the feeling that there wouldn't be too many differences, so it still seemed very applicable.

Infertility Book Review : "Expecing Miracles"

You can never be too informed when it comes to infertility. I've found, and I'm sure many other IF women would agree, that the more you know, the better you feel about the situation. Infertility takes away so much power from your life, that for me, I've felt a great sense of control in just knowing what lies ahead. Or, often it's just been to confirm that I feel like I'm in good hands with a given doctor.

I've read a few books already on trying to conceive and infertility, and will be reading more in the future regarding IVF specifically, so stay tuned! I wanted to share these resources on my blog, in the hopes that it might help someone else out there in bloggerspace. :-)

One of the first general infertility books I read was titled "Expecting Miracles" by Christo Zouves, MD, a gift from my parents (probably more from my Mom - thanks Mom!) for Christmas.
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Expecting Miracles

Straight from the book description: Expecting Miracles provides a moving, in-depth look at the options, the decisions, the unexpected twists, turns, and disappointments that these couples experience as they work with Dr. Zouves. As he shares his own story and those of the patients, egg donors, and surrogates he has known, Dr. Zouves gives readers a rare view of the human side of reproductive medicine and all that goes into helping infertile couples realize their dreams of parenthood.

Published year: 1999
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My rating: (4 out of 5)

Who would benefit from this book? Anyone currently pursuing ART treatments, whether that is IUI, IVF... heck maybe even people using clomid. It's a good first look into the issues couples deal with when trying to conceive after some time who are unsuccessful and seek the help of a reproductive endocrinologist (RE) to determine why they can't get pregnant.

What I liked about this book: I loved the perspective this book is written from: An infertility doctor's experiences with couples and their own story and journey through infertility treatments. Each chapter is dedicated to one specific couple - he provides you with a set-up for what they're dealing with and then you follow them through treatment, learning about what things they choose to do, and then learn about the result of their cycle. It's cool because you get a really good perspective on various issues people deal with and how they personal dealt with them. It is definitely one of those books that you don't want to put down - at least not while your in the middle of a chapter learning about the "fate" of their family.

What I didn't like: I gave it 4 out of 5 only because the data in the book is somewhat out-of-date now (which makes it difficult to say "hey I should try that" or "guess I'll have that to look forward to"). There were many times when I said to myself, I don't think this is how they'd approach that nowadays. As long as you read it for the purpose of getting an insiders perspective on how they handled their situations, and not necessarily a way to direct your treatment, you'll be good to go. Don't get me wrong, there were a lot of things that you can take away from this even from a treatment perspective.

Overall, I think I learned most that many times, even when you think there's no hope left, there may be additional things to try or a better doctor in your future.

More than worth a few bucks on Amazon. Enjoy!

Multiple Blessings - A Great Inspirational Read

Last night I finished reading Multiple Blessings: Surviving to Thriving with Twins and Sextuplets
by Jon & Kate Gosselin and Beth Carson. As most of you know, Jon and Kate (from the TLC show Jon and Kate Plus 8) are the proud parents of twins and sextuplets, complements of shots/injectables & IUI. Like myself, Kate also had PCOS and didn't ovulate on her own. What is neat about this book is that it tells their story from Kate's first person point of view and takes you on a journey through the early years - from getting married to the birth of their twins, their journey through infertility and the birth and first year of their sextuplets. Since I'm a big fan of their TV show that focuses on current day life, it was neat to go back a little and find out where they've been since then. For me personally, it was also nice to learn more about their bout with infertility.

In reading this book I was overwhelmingly struck by a few major points. One, I am completely and utterly amazed that a woman's body can go through the things that her body went through both before, during and after pregnancy, both mentally and physically. Her story gives me great hope and a belief that I too can keep marching on through even what might seem the toughest of times.

Secondly, and on a related note, it is quite clear to me that the only way she has been able to keep her strength and sanity is to have complete and utter faith that God is in control of all things and His will, will absolutely be done. It is just amazing how He has provided for this family. Kate mentions in this book, and it's pretty obvious on the show, that she is a very controlling and take charge type of person. While that is good, it is also very challenging at times - I too share this same blessing/curse. I have such a hard time just "letting go and letting God" take care of the situation. I think that if something needs to be done, I will map out a plan and will begin to see the outcome before I've even started on step 1. Oh if I can only learn to just relax a little and trust that everything will work out as He has planned. I can say, however, that already through this journey I have noticed a change in myself in this respect. Not that I feel I've "arrived", but I have definitely learned that infertility is a one-day-at-a-time process and that in and of itself requires a little letting go. I continue to pray for peace that things will work out as He has planned and that I simply cannot stress over every little detail.

Another very huge, and concerning, concept that I took away from this book is the concept of "selective reduction". Honestly, until I read this book, I hadn't really given any deep thought to what it entailed, however, it could potentially be a very monumental part of the ART process. For Kate and Jon, their position was very cut and dry from the beginning - they wouldn't consider selective reduction for a minute. Selective reduction, in case you are unfamiliar, is when they reduce the number of fetuses in a multi-fetal pregnancy by way of injection during the first trimester (but usually after 12 weeks) in order to reduce the risk of complications in a pregnancy. As you might expect, this procedure is highly controversial.

I came across a Washington Post article by Liza Mundy entitled, "Too Much to Carry?" that follows a few couples through this process. I have to say that their stories put a very real situation around this issue. She also wrote a book called "Everthing Conceivable: How Assisted Reproduction is Changing Our World". I think I am going to get myself a copy and make myself read it. I should mention the fact that the odds of the mother and/or babies having a complication from a multi-fetal pregnancy is more than double that of a singleton. This fact is what pushes some people to undergo selective reduction, but what very huge, and heavy thing for a person to be faced with considering. If we are going to go through infertility procedures we need to be prepared for anything that might come our way and we need to know where we stand on such important issues.

At this point, let me just say that there is one part of Mundy's article that echos in my mind and in my heart: "Some of these people tried to get pregnant for the past five years and prayed to God. And now that they are pregnant, they are telling God: You gave me too many. I sometimes feel like we are playing God, and that is very emotionally stressful."

Sites I Love

Here are some links I've found to be very helpful in our infertility journey.

Doctors

Dr. Peter Ahlering, with SHER St. Louis, MO - My Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE).

Dr. Geoffrey Sher - Founder of SHER Institutes for Reproductive Medicine (SIRM).

Find an RE in your area - Enter your Zipcode and get a list of clinics in your area.

Vitals - Find or research a doctor.

IVF Clinic Success Rates - Check out a success rates and compare before starting treatment!


General Trying to Conceive Resources

Fertility Friend - Keep track of your cycles online. Offers a basic complimentary membership.

Ovulation-Calendar - FREE, downloadable ovulation calendar program for Windows.


Paying for Infertility Treatments

FreedomDrug Online Pharmacy - Cheap(er) Infertility Meds

Early-pregnancy-tests - Cheap(er) OPK & pregnancy tests, if you buy in bulk. Fast shipping!

IVP Care - Pharmacy that my clinic in STL recommends


Education on Infertility

FertilityJourney - Podcasts, General "What-is" type info on fertility.

Dr. Licciardi's (RE) Blog - Ask questions and get general infertility info from a practicing RE.

FertilityFriend - Learn about your reproductive cycle and start FREE monthly online charts.

Tears & Hope Video - A short video designed to help explain infertility to family & friends.

Resolve's Infertility Etiquette for Family/Friends - Helpful tips on what to say and what not to say to a couple who's dealing with infertility


Infertility Insurance Coverage

FertilityLifelines - Get FREE, confidential help on determining if you have infertility benefits.


Infertility Support & Forums

SoulCysters - A site specifically for people suffering with PCOS.

FertilityCommunity - A forum for all things TTC w/ infertility - lots of specialty forums as well.

IDreamofBaby - A forum for TTC, both w/ and w/o infertility issues, & pregnancy support.

Hannah's Prayer - A non-profit Christian support group for women dealing with infertility.

CafeMom - This is a TTC & Infertility Group. There are MANY more different groups available.


Infertility Blogs

Dr. Geoffrey Sher - Founder of SHER Institutes for Reproductive Medicine (SIRM).

Stirrup Queens - A wonderful resources for all-things infertility.

List of Infertility Blogs, by Category - Stirrup Queens well-organized list of infertility blogs.


Infertility Books I Recommend

Click any book in the navigation bar to the right to read more!


In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Specific Resources

Due Date Calculator - Gives you a date based on your egg retrieval.


SIRM and/or Dr. Ahlering Success Story Blogs!

sefurlong.blogspot.com - Sara was a patient of Dr. Ahlering's at SIRM, St. Louis, MO

ahopeawishadream.blogspot.com - Jenny was a patient of Dr. Schultz at SIRM in Peoria, IL