{"id":9811,"date":"2023-01-03T14:22:04","date_gmt":"2023-01-03T14:22:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/next-fertilitynordic.com\/new\/?p=9811"},"modified":"2023-04-20T16:48:04","modified_gmt":"2023-04-20T16:48:04","slug":"samanthas-story-social-egg-freezing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/next-fertilitynordic.com\/en\/samanthas-story-social-egg-freezing\/","title":{"rendered":"Samantha\u2019s story: social egg freezing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Embryologist Samantha Wake gives a personal insight into her egg freezing cycle. The motivations, the process, and the implications.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For how long had I considered undergoing a cycle of my own?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve always been mindful of the reality of fertility deteriorating with age. When you see people struggling with getting pregnant every day, it normalizes infertility. I know how common it is, so I began to take precautionary steps. Once I saw the set up at the clinic (Next Fertility Nordic), I started to really consider it because I trusted the medical procedures and know the lab specializes in egg freezing. <\/p>\n\n\n

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\"samantha\"
Samantha Wake experience<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

I tested my Anti-M\u00fcllerian hormone (AMH) a few years ago, and it was on the lower end of normal reserve for my age category (the level increased slightly after stopping contraception). Similarly, there is early menopause that runs in my family so that is at the back of my mind. I also wanted to complete the procedure before I turned 30. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For how long was the work-up process?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I had a general fertility assessment at a gynecologist\u2019s consultation where the following analyses were ordered:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TSH, FT4, FT3, TPO Ak, Vitamin D, LH, FSH, Estrogen, Progesterone, Prolactin, DHEAS, Free Androgen Index, AMH.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Since my cycle was still irregular, I had a few ultrasounds that showed I had an ovarian cyst growing each month. Before starting stimulation medication there should be no cysts, so the cycle was put on hold for some months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before the cycle started, I also underwent infectious analyses (blood work) for: HIV, Hep B, Hep C and had a cervical swab for: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Trichomonas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I submitted a general medical history and signed consents for treatment 1 month prior to the cycle starting.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"uterus\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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How are the follicles stimulated?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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\"follicles\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

On Day 1 of my cycle, I arranged an ultrasound scan to check my antral follicle count (AFC) which was 15. This helps to show a rough prognosis of the cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dose of the follicle stimulating hormone was decided by the Doctor based on my age, AMH and AFC. Prescriptions were given so I could dispense the Gonal F injection pen and Provera (oral tablets) from the pharmacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the clinic the nurses showed me an example injection pen and gave instructions on how to use it. This video was helpful:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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