Ania and Paweł – looking at this happy couple, it is hard to imagine that not so long ago they went through such a difficult path. Smiling and relaxed, they tell their story with incredible ease. They speak bluntly. Although fate treated them kindly, they know that the result could have been different…
They reported to the fertility clinic only after three years of fruitless trying for a child. Although subsequent months did not bring the longed-for pregnancy, they didn’t falter – they kept on trying. Ania never had any health problems; she passed every gynecological check exemplarily. Regular menstruations, very good test results, lack of any problems within the reproductive system – this all lulled her into a false sense of security. After three years, however, she decided to check her fertility in a professional facility. In the first place she was referred to hormonal tests. Her husband had to carry out general semen analysis.
Diagnosis – idiopathic infertility
The test results were normal. The doctor suggested cycle monitoring, which didn’t show any disorders, and ovulation was confirmed. The results of the conducted post coital test were also normal. Ania was referred to hysteroscopy in order to remove a small ovarian polyp. The HSG examination confirmed fallopian tube patency. Another three months passed with attempts at natural conception with small pharmacological support (stimulated cycles). Without success. When searching for the causes of difficulties with conceiving, the specialist who treated the couple referred them to genetic testing. Also in this case the results of karyotyping and of the analysis of mutations in single genes were normal. Another three months of efforts including cycle evaluation did not bring any results. The pregnancy was not obtained also after 3 intrauterine inseminations. The diagnosis was painful – idiopathic infertility. – It was the first time we heard that there is something like infertility of unknown etiology. The diagnosis was all the more difficult because there was no obvious solution which could help us. After the detailed analysis, several dozen tests with almost ideal results, still no one could tell us why we actually could not have a child. It would be probably easier for us to come to terms with an infertility caused by any specific disease or disorder – says Ania. – We knew that with such diagnosis the next efforts could last even several years without the desired pregnancy. We didn’t want this fight with time and another failed expectations. We decided to help the fate. According to the doctors, in our case the best chances could be ensured with in vitro fertilization – she adds.
Qualification for the Governmental Program
The couple was qualified for the governmental program. The first transfer was deferred due to the inappropriate thickness of endometrium found in Ania. After the egg cell collection, three embryos were frozen. Unfortunately, the transfer did not result in pregnancy. They had another attempt at the governmental program. Two embryo transfers did not result in pregnancy; another two were cancelled – again due to the inappropriate endometrium thickness. They had no more embryos in the deposit left.
– In that period I asked Ania where her strength to cope with that all comes from – says Paweł. Another tests, hormones taken, procedures – although I supported her strongly at that time, I knew that the treatment is most difficult just for her. Pain, irritation and other unpleasant problems – she had to go through all of it alone – he argues.
Perseverance and love above all
After another failed program, the doctor ordered extended diagnostics (including immunological tests) and repeated the evaluation of the ovarian reserve. The results were within normal range.
They decided that they would try the package program this time – they chose the In Vitro All Inclusive. This option allowed to choose the higher number of supporting procedures. We knew that each of these procedures gives more chances for fertilization, and we wanted to maximize these chances. The doctors recommended also additionally the scarification and intrauterine infusion of platelet rich plasma – says Ania. However, that could not have been so perfect – the first transfer in the program was cancelled again – due to the inappropriate endometrial thickness. However, the next infusion helped to the extent that Ania could attempt the transfer. We succeeded – the verification confirmed that I was pregnant. The joy was so huge that I remember very little from the first trimester of the pregnancy. Paweł’s happiness, congratulations form the family and friends, pride. Even all those unpleasant afflictions were not such a nuisance – maybe they were dimmed by my tremendous happiness. This is how our new life started – she sums up.
