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442340 tn?1326817417

Can I get pregnant after tx?

Hi All,

I know many of you are beyond "pregnancy" years, but hopefully someone can give me some insight.  I start tx in three weeks and I am only 26.  My husband and I want to get pregnant in two years from now, but I'm not sure if the interferon/ribavirin will affect my chances.  Does anyone know?  I've heard I could freeze some of my eggs, but it's so expensive that I wouldn't want to do it unless absolutely necessary.  Thanks!

BC  
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460032 tn?1212202524
And I should clarify that we had male factor infertility prior to treatment, however my IVF doc now thinks there may be some issues with my eggs (whereas prior to Hep treatment, everythign on my end was fine).  
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460032 tn?1212202524
You have to wait at least 12 months after therapy.  The longer one waits, the better. While going through the treatment, if they haven't already told you, you have to agree that you will use two forms of borth control.  These drugs can do all sorts of terrible things to an embryo.  

The good news is that after only 16 weeks of peg interferon and riboviron, I tested negative, and have since then and it's been 3 years. The side effects weren't that bad.  I was tired - really tired a lot, and had bad headaches, but that was it.  I've heard of lots of people who had it a lot worse and had to be on the treatment for 12 months.  

Back to your original question, I have unfortunately been going through IVF for the past 3 years, unsuccessfully.  Personally, if I had to do it again, I would have frozen some eggs.  While the pharmaceutical companies assured me that once the chemicals are out of one's system, it's like one's body is back to normal, but I would argue that somewhat.  

Good luck with your treatment and I'm here for you if you have any questions.  The whole process isn't easy.  
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Avatar universal
I believe you will have to wait for 6 to 12 months after finishing tx with ribavarin (which can cause fetal abnormality) before becoming pregnant, but after your system has been clear of residual riba for the proper amount of time you should be fine.  Your doctor can give you the exact timeframe to wait.  I've never heard of anyone who had fertility problems because of tx.

This is (of course) just my understanding of the subject.  Be sure to check with your doctor for accurate information.

jd
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