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To conceive my daughter we went through 4 IUI rounds and 6 IVF rounds. In the end it was successful and I am super happy but boy it was an intense, emotionally and financially stressful ride! Be prepared for many more drs appts, painful egg retrievals, more difficult self injections and a lot more money flying out of your pocket. It's scary at first but then you get used to the process. I was surprised by what I found I was capable of. SO can help by giving injections, taking you out to do fun, relaxing things and just being your rock. We are actually starting the whole process over again for baby #2 with IUI next month and IVF this summer if IUI is still unsuccessful. If you have any more questions feel free to message me! Good luck!

Hi, never did IUI due to a blocked tube and other issues, but did 2 full rounds of IVF (and one that was cancelled). It became clear that I wasn't a good responder (low quantity of eggs, slow embryo development) and eventually I was told that I had diminished ovarian reserve. I think this is quite unusual. I put it down to endometriosis in my ovaries. After careful thought, we moved to donor egg IVF. However, happily this worked and I'm 26 weeks pregnant. I would say go and look at the statistics so that you don't feel too disheartened if it doesn't work first time. Friends who did IVF got pregnant on the 2nd go. Another took 5 goes. I felt it was a real strain on my body personally. We had to ask family to help with the financial strain. That was awkward, but now we have two sets of happy grandparents-to-be. It's been a long journey for us, but of course it's worth it all if you finally get where you desire. Best of luck on your journey. May it be short and sweet!

Just reread your Q. My hubby helped by just being there for me without flinching or freaking out. He also felt frustrated by the process, but he was always there for me while I went crazy trying to second guess everything, while I went through procedures, injections, misery etc. Tell your partner to treat you with kindness and understanding because it is just such a stressful time. They should also attend every appointment you need them to. Get them to take you out for walks and distract you with cinema, historic house visits, lunches, swimming.... anything to take your mind off things when it gets hard. The 2ww is the hardest because you feel that you have a better than usual chance of success... but it is also far from guaranteed. I would also suggest that counselling is helpful, ideally with someone who understands the stress of infertility. Both of you can attend together. Also, if your partner is providing the sperm, make sure his diet is tip top. Oily fish, pumpkin seeds etc