For Ella and Mark Thompson, Christmas 2014 was particularly magical, as they celebrated their first holiday season with their long-desired baby, Noah.
Ella and Mark began their journey toward parenthood in 2009 while they were engaged. “I thought that getting pregnant would happen right away, and we could announce our news at the wedding,” Ella recalls. However, after their wedding day came and went, they spent a year trying without success. Ella turned to ovulation testing kits and countless online searches for guidance. The couple, hailing from Fareham in Hampshire, faced nearly two years of struggle before visiting their GP. “It felt like everyone around us was getting pregnant effortlessly,” Ella shares. “Every month was filled with hope, followed by disappointment when my period arrived. I tried to reassure myself that ‘next month’ would be the month, but it took an emotional toll.”
Seeking Help
In October 2011, Ella and Mark underwent tests with their GP. Richard had a sperm analysis while Ella had blood work and ovarian scans. With all results coming back normal, they were referred to a specialist in 2012, where further tests yielded the same outcome. They were ultimately diagnosed with ‘Unexplained Infertility,’ which was incredibly frustrating for them. “We kept thinking that if there was a problem, we could fix it,” Ella explains. “Not knowing the reason for our struggles was tough.” This led them to confide in family and friends about their challenges, seeking support from those who had experienced fertility treatments.
Fertility Treatments
Ella and Mark went through two unsuccessful cycles of IUI at their local fertility clinic. Despite Ella’s anxiety about injections, they remained optimistic. After these attempts, they were advised to consider IVF and chose the Wessex Fertility clinic in Southampton for their treatment. “We always felt like individuals, and the staff were incredibly caring,” Mark said.
Three years after they began trying for a baby, they embarked on their first IVF cycle. “We researched clinics extensively and chose Wessex Fertility based on their success rates,” Ella recalls. They were fortunate to receive one round of NHS-funded treatment and decided they could undergo up to three cycles before reassessing their options. Ella was apprehensive about the egg retrieval procedure, fueled by a frightening video she had seen online, but in reality, she found it painless. Ultimately, they retrieved nine eggs, with seven being mature enough for insemination. Out of those, three fertilized, leading to two day-three embryos. Ella felt nervous waiting for the lab call regarding their embryos. “I was disappointed with only two fair-quality embryos for transfer,” she said. The couple faced a two-week wait for the pregnancy test, but unfortunately, it was negative.
Continuing the Journey
Following their negative result, they had a consultation to discuss their treatment experience. “That meeting provided useful insights and options,” Ella explained. “I also started acupuncture in June 2013 to boost our chances.” By July 2013, they began their second IVF cycle, turning to ICSI for fertilization due to their previous low success rate. This time, eight eggs were collected, and four fertilized, but again only two embryos were viable for transfer. Sadly, this cycle also ended unsuccessfully, leading them to consider one last attempt, this time with an endometrial scratch to improve embryo implantation.
In October 2013, they started their third IVF cycle. They collected six eggs in November, and after performing ICSI, four embryos were fertilized. “We opted for Eeva technology to help identify the best embryos,” Ella explained. “This system provides time-lapse photos and even a video of the embryo transferred.” On day three, two embryos were deemed viable for transfer, with one graded as excellent and the other very good—better than they had ever produced before. “I felt more at ease this time and continued acupuncture throughout. I even took two weeks off work to focus on my health,” Ella said. The pregnancy test fell on her mother’s birthday, and this time, the test showed positive. Ella felt different—her breasts were tender, and hope surged within her.
The Joy of Parenthood
The couple was ecstatic! “I took daily tests for two weeks just to believe it was real,” Ella laughed. Four years after embarking on their journey, they were expecting their first child.
“Our seven-week scan at Wessex Fertility was nerve-wracking,” recalls Ella. “When Dr. Sue confirmed everything was fine, I broke down in tears. The emotions were overwhelming.” They had regular scans until the 20-week mark, learning they were having a boy. Ella went into labor on August 21, 2014, and Noah arrived on August 22, weighing 8lb 11oz—his due date. “He’s brought so much joy into our lives. He’s content, sleeps well, and is perfect in every way.” Their first Christmas with Noah was a dream come true, filled with family and love. “We hosted a big family gathering, and it was wonderful to see everyone spoil Noah. It was everything we had hoped for.”
Conclusion
In summary, Ella and Mark’s journey through unexplained infertility was filled with ups and downs, ultimately leading to the joyous arrival of baby Noah. Their experience highlights the importance of support, research, and resilience in the quest for parenthood.