When Sophia and Jake learned about Sophia’s Endometriosis and a low egg count, they were faced with the daunting reality of her dream to become a mother. A routine hospital scan had unveiled these challenges, prompting doctors to advise that it could be a now-or-never situation for Sophia to pursue motherhood.
Sophia had always dealt with painful and lengthy periods, which left her feeling fatigued and drained. Conversations with friends led her to realize that her experiences were far more severe than theirs. As a teenager, she had been prescribed birth control pills and told that there was nothing more to be done. However, by the age of 29, Sophia, who worked as a delivery driver, was acutely aware that something was amiss with her health. The pain had even caused her to collapse while on her route.
“I was in the middle of my round,” she recalled. “The pain was excruciating, and I panicked, worried about being seen.” After collapsing, she was rushed to the hospital, where it was discovered that a cyst had ruptured.
An MRI revealed that her left ovary was completely enveloped by a large cyst and adhered to her uterus. The diagnosis included Adenomyosis, where endometrial tissue grows into the uterine muscle, along with Endometriosis affecting her bowel and intestines. Both conditions affect a significant number of women, with studies indicating that those with Adenomyosis are 42% more likely to also have Endometriosis.
Following an initial laparoscopy that cleared the Endometriosis, Sophia felt well for two years, which gave her hope to start a family. Now in their mid-thirties, Sophia and Jake, a same-sex couple, considered their options. Though either could carry their first child, Sophia’s lifelong dream of motherhood made this the right time for her to take the lead.
IVF Journey Amid Endometriosis
Recognizing the complications from Sophia’s condition, the couple was aware that the time to start IVF was limited, especially as her symptoms worsened. Doctors informed them that Endometriosis had returned, and her egg supply was dwindling. If they wanted to try IVF, it had to be soon; a further laparoscopic procedure could deplete her egg count even more.
After researching local clinics, they chose TFP Oxford Fertility, drawn by positive reviews and its proximity. They felt immediately reassured. “They didn’t promise pregnancy,” Sophia said, “but they offered hope, and we both decided to go for it.”
At the beginning of their IVF journey, Sophia felt remarkably well. Stopping her periods and inducing a temporary menopause provided her with significant relief from Endometriosis symptoms. “I was relaxed, re-energized, and ready to go,” she shared.
Before treatment, the couple underwent counseling to ensure they were aligned and understood the responsibilities of parenthood. Since they were using a sperm donor, this session helped them explore the emotional and legal aspects of donor conception. They enjoyed the process of selecting their sperm donor, ultimately choosing one from Europe whose profile resonated with them.
During the egg retrieval, the Oxford team successfully retrieved eight eggs from Sophia, all of which were fertilized. Unfortunately, only one embryo continued to develop by day five, as seven others ceased growing. TFP Fertility employs EmbryoScope™ technology to nurture embryos in optimal conditions during this crucial period.
On transfer day, Sophia and Jake watched in awe as the embryo was carefully placed in just the right spot. “Seeing the embryo emerge was a truly magical moment,” Sophia recalled.
Support from TFP Oxford Fertility
The two-week wait for the pregnancy test was filled with anxiety. Sophia struggled with negative thoughts, fearing that her dream of motherhood might slip away. “I thought, this is it. I’ve always wanted to be a mom, but maybe it won’t happen,” she admitted. Thankfully, Jake remained optimistic, providing much-needed support. “I wanted to keep Sophia calm. I felt deep down that she was pregnant,” he said.
Throughout the journey, the clinic team offered constant reassurance, which helped ease Sophia’s worries. When the day of the pregnancy test arrived, it was a significant moment, especially since it coincided with the anniversary of her beloved uncle’s passing. “It felt like a miracle,” Sophia exclaimed, “but I was pregnant!”
Nine months later, their beautiful son, Ethan, arrived, resembling his mother with his wild hair and playful spirit reminiscent of Sophia’s uncle. Reflecting on her journey, Sophia remarked, “You often don’t realize how limited your time is to conceive when you’re young. Then, with Endometriosis, it can feel like your dream is slipping away. But for us, it ended with the happiest of stories.”
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In summary, Sophia and Jake’s journey through IVF amidst the challenges of Endometriosis showcases their resilience and hope. Their story is a beautiful reminder that with the right support and determination, dreams of parenthood can come true.