I’m currently going through IVF and let me tell you, the drugs are rough. The injections, the side effects, the emotional rollercoaster - it’s all draining. I’d love to hear about your experiences. How bad were the drugs for you? Any tips for managing the side effects? Let’s support each other through this challenging journey.
I had no side effects besides bloating and didn’t experience any discomfort when injecting Menopur, unlike others online who have complained about it. Overall, I had no problems with the medications.
I appreciate all the responses, they have provided me with a sense of reassurance. I hope my experience is as smooth as you all have described!
I was okay with my stims, but the cost was definitely the most difficult aspect for me.
I was terrified of the hormones, with warnings from friends and family, and developed anxiety due to trauma. Surprisingly, the hormones cured my anxiety and I felt energized and thriving for the first time in years. Despite most women not feeling much difference, everyone responds differently to hormones. Stay strong. 
I was really worried about the side effects of stimulants, but it turned out to be fine. Compared to going on and off birth control, the stims were much more manageable. I experienced some discomfort as the eggs grew, occasional mood swings (which is normal during a stressful time), and fatigue.
Every individual is unique, so while I can share my experience, it’s important to remember our differences. So far, I’ve felt great for the first week, with increased happiness and energy, though some insomnia. My follicles didn’t grow much initially, but by Day 10 of stims, I felt bloated and had more belly cramps. I’m finding discomfort and only have 6 measurable follicles. The process can be mentally exhausting, especially with early morning monitoring appointments. I still have about 4 days left on Cetrotide, 300 Menopur, and 300 Gonal. Best of luck to you too!
I had a positive experience with the stims. The first week was fine, but after that, I felt some discomfort in my lower abdomen. The injections were generally painless, but Menopur sometimes caused a slight burning sensation. Overall, the process was quick. After the ER, the discomfort subsided but I felt sore for a few days. I did not experience any emotional side effects during or after the treatment.
I found that managing the medications was the easiest part of the process for me. It’s important to take your time initially, with the gonal pen being simple to use with the pre-filled dose. However, the menopur requires mixing. My preference was the ganarelix due to its pre-filled needle, despite experiencing some burning. It took me about 10 minutes after a few tries to complete the injections. Your partner may not be able to help much, but their assistance in setting up, cleaning, or getting supplies was greatly appreciated. Consider using stress balls or ice packs if they help you, and don’t forget to reward yourself with a treat after each injection. Wishing you the best of luck on your journey.
The primary side effect I experienced from lupron was a metallic taste in my mouth. It was bothersome, but it could have been more severe.
Hello there! Just wanted to share that I completed my first stim cycle and underwent egg retrieval a week ago. I used Gonal-F, Cetrotide, and Menopur as you mentioned. Thankfully, I experienced minimal side effects aside from bloating due to PCOS. I actually felt great on the medications. Injecting was not as scary as I anticipated, especially with tutorial videos to guide me. Surprisingly, I didn’t feel the needles going in and the Menopur sting was more like a mild bee sting for me. Best of luck to you!
In terms of energy levels, being on 150 or 225 Follistim/Gonal should be fine, but once you reach 300 Follistim/Gonal, you may experience more side effects. I have done two retrievals with 300 Follistim/Gonal and could only stay awake for 3 hours at a time, taking multiple naps daily. However, during a cycle with 225 Follistim/Gonal, I felt slightly tired but otherwise normal. Just be aware that experiences can vary.
I was mentally in a great place while on the drugs. Towards the end of the stims, I experienced some bloating due to the swelling of my ovaries, which was expected.
I didn’t experience any problems with the medications or pain following the retrieval. Typically, I retrieve 10-15 eggs, which may provide some context, although I am aware that individuals with PCOS may have more challenges. The most difficult aspect is waiting for the results. Stay busy and distracted by going to a movie, comedy show, etc.
I think they are fine. Towards the end of stims and leading up to the egg retrieval, I feel stuffed and sometimes cry at odd times. However, it’s really not a huge issue.
As others have mentioned, I didn’t find the side effects to be too bad. Birth control had a negative impact on my mental health, but I generally felt okay while on the stims. The day after the trigger shot, I experienced bloating and lethargy, but it only lasted for a day. Using the Gonal pen was effortless and painless. Menopur stung a bit, but I could tolerate it. I didn’t recall feeling any pain or discomfort with Cetrotide.
Menopur stings a bit when injected, but the others are fine. Cetrotide makes me drowsy. Feeling very bloated at the moment. Scheduled injections for late in the evening to be home. Avoiding coffee before cetrotide due to caffeine restrictions. Today, I took a 3-hour nap because I didn’t follow this advice.
It was quite a wild experience for me, starting off with a burst of energy and happiness, but eventually feeling heavier and experiencing more pain with each shot. As we approached the egg retrieval, it became difficult to walk and I had to wear loose clothing. Having my partner administer the shots was a huge help, as I couldn’t have done it without him. The toughest part was after the retrieval, struggling to walk and sit comfortably. My thoughts are with everyone going through this journey. 
Do you experience sensitivity to hormones? Honestly, I struggle emotionally with retrievals due to my PMDD and hormonal imbalances. It can make me feel angry and not like myself. Despite having few follicles showing, I almost didn’t proceed with the retrieval due to feeling terrible and behaving badly. This isn’t a common experience for most people.
I didn’t believe that any stimulant medications were harmful.