Megan’s path to parenthood has been anything but smooth. After struggling with secondary infertility, it was Dr. Liam Thompson at TFP Nurture Fertility who discovered a dermoid cyst on her ovary that was contributing to her challenges.
Megan and Tom’s Family Aspirations
At 32 years old and living in Nottingham, Megan had always envisioned a bustling home filled with children, thanks in part to her large family background. The arrival of her first son, Jamie, filled her with joy, but after seven years of trying for a sibling, the gap in their family felt challenging.
During those years, while working at a local daycare, Megan witnessed countless families grow, making her own journey all the more painful. “Some days, I found it hard to stay positive,” she admitted.
Facing Unexplained Infertility
Megan and Tom sought help from their GP, but initial evaluations revealed no apparent issues. They were simply told to wait. Despite feeling frustrated, Megan meticulously tracked her ovulation and tried everything she could think of to conceive. With Tom nearing 40 and Megan in her 30s, they decided it was time to look into IVF.
With no NHS support available for their situation, the couple began searching for private clinics. Their first visit left them feeling unsettled, but upon discovering TFP Nurture Fertility, everything changed. “The open evening was so welcoming, and we both agreed it felt right,” Megan recalled.
Uncovering the Fertility Issue
- Fertility Assessment
Dr. Thompson and his team quickly diagnosed the root of Megan’s infertility with an ultrasound, revealing a 10cm dermoid cyst on her right ovary. “I was shocked; I had regular cycles and no pain,” Megan said. - Cyst Removal
The cyst was surgically removed, along with one of her fallopian tubes. After a period of recovery, she returned to TFP Nurture Fertility to start her IVF journey. - IVF Treatment
Megan underwent a short protocol for IVF, which lasted three weeks leading up to egg collection. They retrieved seven eggs, six were fertilized, and five developed into viable blastocysts. After transferring one, Megan was thrilled to find out she was pregnant with a baby boy, whom she named Ethan.
Dermoid Cysts and Their Impact
A dermoid cyst is a non-cancerous growth on the ovary that can contain various types of tissue. While it doesn’t always lead to infertility, larger cysts often need to be surgically removed to prevent complications.
“Secondary infertility can be incredibly perplexing,” noted Dr. Thompson. “In Megan’s case, being told to relax while dealing with a significant cyst must have been frustrating. We are delighted to have played a part in helping Megan and Tom expand their family.”
Reflecting on the Journey
When asked about the seven-year age difference between her sons, Megan embraces it as part of their unique story. Though the journey was tougher than she anticipated, she has grown immensely and cherishes every moment spent with her family. When Ethan was just a few weeks old, they brought him back to TFP Nurture Fertility, saying, “We always felt so welcomed here, it was important for us to visit the place where our journey began.”
If you’re looking for guidance or support, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to help you navigate your fertility journey and explore your treatment options.
And if you’re curious about daily positivity, check out this blog post about gratitude.
Summary
Megan’s fertility journey was marked by the discovery of a dermoid cyst that impeded her ability to conceive after her first child. With the support of Dr. Liam Thompson at TFP Nurture Fertility, Megan underwent surgery to remove the cyst and subsequently succeeded in IVF, leading to the birth of her second son, Ethan. This experience, while challenging, has deepened her appreciation for family and resilience.