Timeline for IVF?

I know I'm getting ahead of myself as I'm in the TWW for my IUI, and have one cycle of IUI left...but...
How long does it take to get to IVF?  I know that you generally spend some time on BCP's, is it a full cycle?  Once you start the process, how long until ER?  I'm planning a much needed april vacation and just curious if it will set me back much.  Hopefully I won't need IVF but I'm trying to be realistic:-)
Thanks
Di

[projectbaby]

The time line is pretty long....about two months..at least it was for me!!!  This was last Oct-Dec....sooooo...here it  goes:
I was on bc for 3 weeks or so....then they started the stims....about two weeks of this (injections and constant u/s and blood monitoring)and then ER....then wait 3-5 days then ET,
and of course the tww!!!! IT is a LONG process!!!  I got 16 eggs and 13 fertilized....none made it to freezing...the Dr. said that was his fault b/c he didn't give me enough of one med.....
We are doing another cycle but I am waiting for AF....I hope she comes soon!!!  I can't wait!!!!  well, I hope the IUI's work b/c
IVF is time consuming and lots of money!!!  Good luck to you!!!
Jacquie

[Di545]

Thanks Jacqui, that was very informative.  I'm thinking that if the IUI's don't work I can prob be on bcp's when I go away.  I would never be able to do IVF but my insurance covers it thankfully.  So, I'm getting through the mandatory 3 IUI's (4 for me, Clomid didn't count)before I move on.  
I'm so hopeful this month but still looking ahead if it doesn't work!
It sounds like you had a good response to stims!  Hopefully next time they stick!!!  Did you do any cycles w/injectables and IUI?  My RE thinks its a good way to get the meds straight before IVF.
Thanks again,
Di

[babysomeday]

Did you say your insurance pays for IVF??? Wow that is wonderful, what kind of insurance if you don't mine me asking?

[Di545]

Yes, my insurance covers up to 5 IVF cycles.  Whenever I get down about infertility I think how lucky I am to live in Mass.  I would never be able to afford the 3 IUI's/2 with injectables that I've had and certainly not IVF.
I have Harvard Pilgrim but I believe most plans in MA cover 5 cycles of ART for women <40.
Di

[anniesland]

OMG you are covered! Wow you lucky girl! My insurance covered me for $5000 and that got eaten up pretty fast! I did one iui with injectable and have done on ivf transfer so far and am doing another one the start of feb!
My ivf protocol was very much the same as project baby! We were luck to have 9 embies, we have used 2 so another 7 left!
Good luck!!

[babysomeday]

That is great they cover. I was looking on my plan last night and they don't mention it so my guess is they don't. I will have to call and see, just curious on the bills I may be getting from my recent appts. Well good luck to you :)

[Di545]

Yes, it's great to check your policy.  I was surprised to find a section in my manual about infertility.  But, it's always best to call your insurance co. directly as their policies change frequently.
I think theres about 5-10 states that cover IF.
Di

[babyadrian]

hi good morning ladies, me too my insurance covers fertility. 5 IUIs and 2 IVF, so well be doing the last ivf next month, will start my meds this wednesday.. im so excited yet so nervous about it, theres so many what ifs in my minds... but im hoping that this one will work and would sticks..

Goodluck to all of you ladies... ill be thinking of you all..

[jen_KE]

WOW!  My ins. covers only the meds I have taken so far and my office visits.  I am going to have an IUI next month and it's 100% NOT covered.  Going through this makes me REALLY mad that more states don't make it manditory to cover it since all of this is so costly!!