Infertility and Mental Health... How are you doing? | World
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- Опубликовано: 13 июн 2024
- June is World Infertility Awareness Month, and I want to take a moment to check in with you - how are you? No, really… how are you?
Infertility and IVF, especially for those of us with diminished ovarian reserve, can be incredibly taxing and tumultuous. I've faced my own struggles with mental health as I push forward into my second year of back-to-back fertility treatments. As much as we strive to stay positive, constantly telling yourself to stay positive can start to feel toxic. It's important to acknowledge that what we are going through is truly hard.😭
Many women ask me, "How are you so strong?" And honestly… I'm no stronger than anyone else going through this. I'm just doing the best I can, filling my days with activities that help alleviate the pain a little, because this infertility journey IS really painful. We all need our little outlets, right? 💫
In this video, I want to share:
- Emotional Triggers: The challenges we face during infertility.
- Coping Tips: Strategies I've found helpful in dealing with these triggers.
- Mental Health Support: What I've been doing lately to support my mental well-being.
- Resources: Tools and information to stay informed about IVF, infertility, and ways to improve our fertility.
The main message of this video is that you are definitely not alone. You have a whole community of women who are going through this, and we’re all in it together. 💗
🎉 Giveaway Alert: Win a Mira Hormone Monitor: Max Kit 🎉
I'm super excited to announce an amazing giveaway for all of you on your TTC journey. One lucky winner will receive a Mira Hormone Monitor: Max Kit which includes:
- The Mira Hormone Monitor
- 20 wands for testing
*Check the product out here: shop.miracare.com/en-int/prod...
Why You Need This:
- Lab-Grade Results: Accurately track LH, estrogen, and progesterone.
- Confidence: Know exactly where your hormones stand.
- Support: Perfect for anyone trying to conceive (TTC).
How to Enter:
1. Ask me anything about Mira and/or fertility hormones!
2. Stay Tuned: One random winner will be announced and the answers to your questions will be announced in a video on Jul 12, 2024
Good luck to everyone🍀and baby dust 💕
To get 17% off, use code "HELLYNN" here! mira-fertility.pxf.io/AWZO67
#mirahormonekit #mirafertility @mirafertility
Book mentioned:
- It Starts with the Egg: The Science of Egg Quality for Fertility, Miscarriage, and IVF amzn.to/4b1XjWh
Disclosure: Some of the links in this video description are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. It’s at no extra cost to you, but it helps support my channel. Thank you for your support!
About me ❤
My name is Hellynn and I live in the US, but I've traveled to Korea (where I'm from) to undergo multiple rounds of IVF. Being 40+ and trying to bring children into the world is hard, but I also have a condition called diminished ovarian reserve, so I've done back-to-back IVF egg retrievals and now have moved onto transfers after banking some embryos.
Navigating this world of infertility is definitely a challenge - a million new acronyms, hormones and protocols to learn - it's a lot. So I thought I'd just talk about everything I've been learning for the women out there who have had similar struggles. I'm also happy to share info with anyone who is interested in traveling to Korea for IVF, since it's much more cost efficient + high success rates here.
I am treating this channel as my diary, talking about the ups and downs of my journey to motherhood so that one day, hopefully, my babies will see how they were created... with fierce, enduring strength and love.
I hope you find my videos helpful - thanks for stopping by.
Please SUBSCRIBE here! bit.ly/HELLYNN
Follow me on
Instagram: / hellynn
RUclips: bit.ly/46ITp3z
TikTok: / hellynn_j
Join my FB support group where I give updates, share general info about IVF, but also getting IVF in Korea for those interested: / 1058899261969918
Thanks for watching! ❤
#ivfjourney #infertiity #ttccommunity #ttc #ivfinyour40s
To enter the giveaway, ask me a question about Mira or fertility hormones in the comments below! Comment before June 28th and winner will be announced July 12th! Good luck my loves!!💗
How does one find out if they have pcos or low amh or another issue using Mira? What are the signs of the tracker? Does one actually baby dance on the Day of peak lh or do they really have 48 hours to try to catch the egg? ❤
How do you interpret the hormone readings on Mira and know whether they are at normal levels during different stages of your cycle?
@@aro4781 Ooooh.. good questions!
@@Cherryjm123 Thank you for your question! I got you!
How does Mira help in the preparation for Embryo transfer? Thank you.
I am convinced that this community of women (TTC/IVF) are THE STRONGEST WOMEN ON THE PLANET. We navigate through SO MUCH emotionally and physically on a daily basis. Much more than the normal person. And we find a way to persevere and champion that which is meant to break us! The everyday struggle to get closer to that ultimate goal of pregnancy/motherhood is our driving force and has taken over just about every aspect of our lives! We are WARRIORS! I wish baby dust armor to all who are in the fight💪🏾 👶 🤰🏾
You are absolutely right. We are so strong and our babies will be so loved. 💖
I couldn't agree with you more especially on the "frozen in time" comment. It's wild to think I've been TTC for 7 years, but am still staying hopeful. Thank you for sharing this and normalizing the ups and downs and how much therapy helps during our journeys. Still rooting for you and sending lots of baby dust your way! ❤
Thank you for your comment - it's incredible... the resilience we have as women and as mothers. Baby dust to both of us. 💗💗
Hellyn my heart is with you at this moment 😢 I know exactly the pain you are going through because that’s what I’ve been dealing with for the past 3 years but I want you to know there IS light at the end of the tunnel and You will be pregnant!! ❤️
Thank you so much for your kind words. My heart is with you too💗
4:33 - girl you hit it right on the head with this one 👏🏻 and it’s not that we are a “control freak” but the fact that something so precious, so personal, and so important in our life is also something that is completely out of our control and only in God’s hands in the end … well everything is in God’s hands in the end … but to think that I personally can have complete control over something as simple as what gum I chew next, but no control whatsoever over whether or not I become a mother is just wild to me.
6:31 - me too, I really gave everyone too much credit in that they would understand better what this journey means to me or that they would be able to be conscious or empathetic to my needs without me having to state them and that went for both personal and professional relationships - I’ve had to learn to speak up and it’s been uncomfortable.
7:48 - my friends, my coworkers, my sister, and even my neice have all announced and gave birth to multiple children during these last 5 years of my infertility struggle - at first I did kinda shirk away from the baby showers and events surrounding their babies, but I personally have come to learn how to celebrate them again with the ones I love because life was passing me by and I didn’t want to miss these moments all due to the sadness I was feeling. I actually threw my sister her baby shower last year and it was one of my most favorite memories of that year!
8:16 - Two things can absolutely be TRUE at the SAME TIME - you CAN BE incredibly happy for those you love to have their sweet babies while ALSO BEING incredibly sad that it’s not your time yet and that it might never be, but you will do your part in holding out hope and being educated & proactive towards your goals.
9:28 - beautifully said and perfect advice Hellynn 👏🏻
10:26 - I will be looking further into this “tapping therapy” for sure. I’ve noticed sometimes just talking about my infertility past or current IVF journey, I will have moments randomly where I tear up, my throat feels so tight and burns like I have so much that I want to say, but I just don’t know how to properly communicate the emotions behind it and the words get all jumbled up and become a knot in my throat.
Sometimes at the end of my group YOGA class, we have our cool down meditation sessions where we have a cool eucalyptus washcloth placed over our face while we focus on breathing in our hopes and breathing out our fears - I ALWAYS just cry and cry under my washcloth for almost 10 minutes and then I just wipe the tears away and get up and go about my day. Not sure if I am addressing everything I should, but the release feels so nice.
18:05 - exactly, knowing your hormone levels from the comfort of your own home is wonderful and I’d love having access to those levels during IVF and future transfer God-willing 🙏🏻
*️⃣ When you partnered with MIRA HOME MONITOR did they happen to tell you what type of fertility devices they are working on for the future or might be coming out with next???
🆕 Also if you don’t mind me asking - did your RE fertility specialist say anything about which of the three hormones (LH, ESTROGEN, and PROGESTERONE) that he would like you to watch during embryo transfer using the MIRA and maybe what levels he wanted them at and why???
Thank you for everything you have done for the community!!! I’m so sorry about the outcome for your 9th retrieval, please always know you are strong and you are brave and you WILL make it to the other side of this! You’ve been thru a lot Hellynn, take this much needed break and try to enjoy it, maybe even just a physical break from all of this from your body will be exactly what you need! Either way, a better you means better outcomes all around! 🙏🏻👏🏻 have a safe, restful, & successful trip!
Thank you my love for this detailed reply💗Sometimes, we need to just acknowledge how hard it is and release it, ya know? I am so glad you are in this community with your beautiful energy, always supporting and giving advice to everyone. You have a kind heart and I am grateful for you.💖
Everything will be good, we are all in the same boat.
wishing you good luck!
I believe that!
I’m so glad I came across your channel, we’re here for you ❤
Thank you love💗
Hang in there, love. ❤
Hellynn I am glad that you are taking a little break from ivf...i follow your journey since you started with the transfers and i really think that you need to rest your body and mind and give yourself time. I am older than you and going trough it myself (1 cycle and 2 frozen transfers in less than a year) so i understand how you feel but i found it is really beneficiary for my mental health to pause few months in between transfers. In fact i postponed my next FET for the end of the summer and i plan to go on a much needed summer holiday first:) Sending you a big hug🤍🤍
I love that, I wish you so much happiness this summer! Perhaps a nice summer break not thinking about all of this is exactly what we need💖
I feel you girl!!
I added a comment earlier but it looks like it disappeared! I want to let you know about red light therapy since you said your follicle count has gone down. I started it last month and it helped increase my count. I’ve done 7 medicated rounds, had 3 cancelled cycles and 2 retrievals/fresh transfers. My last cycle failed but it was my best cycle yet. Don’t give up hope! ❤
Thank you for the advice! I will try red light therapy. They did it for me at my acupuncture clinic before, will try again!
39yrs, low AMH, DOR… did IVF for 4yrs and in that time, my BEST cycles have been right after PRP, including my first ever natural pregnancy at 38. I had done ovarian PRP twice in those 4yrs and just had the best results coming out of it…. Sadly, everything ended in chemical pregnancies, and we eventually moved on to donor eggs. If interested, I flew to San Diego and did my PRP with Gen 5 Fertility (both times) - they were great.
Thanks for the advice! I share why I didn't do PRP at the end of this video, but I am definitely looking forward to trying it out when I get back to Korea later. 💖
So happy that you’re taking time for yourself. Sometimes it’s good to have that relief and recharge. Sending you a big hug ❤
Question about Mira: Does Mira track PDG?
Thank you so much for your question, and your hug! 💖
You definitely need a proper rest from all those hormones.
If I’m lucky and get the Mira device, will I be able to buy wands in the UK later? 🇬🇧
Thanks, I will get back to you on all the questions :)
Me too
Hi Hellynn, I just recently subscribed to your channel. It's so comforting to know we have someone like you who shares your journey through infertility and constantly spreads positivity to us and every woman out there who's on the same journey. I just want to thank you for building such a positive community for us through your YT channel and other social media platforms.
I know that soon we will see the light at the end of the tunnel. Sending love from Philippines ❤
Mira Q: Can the device predict the fertile window even if the period is irregular? Or even when you stop having periods for 6 months or more?
Hi there, thank you for your lovely words. I appreciate you being part of my journey, and for allowing me to be a part of yours... we are all in it together❤ Thank you for entering the giveaway too🙂
Continuing to root for you ❤️
Have you compared results from Mira against results from clinic for accuracy? Sorry if you have already answered this in previous YT vidoes or on this one.
Hi Hellynn my heart goes out to you and I agree with everything you mention in this video. 10-20 years ago infertility was not talked about and was considered a taboo topic and I’m glad to see people sharing their journey everyone is so brave and it gives me a place to go when I’m feeling down during my own TTC journey. I would like to know if any other hormones will affect the results.
Hi there, thank you so much. I am glad that I can be a part of normalizing talk around this topic and some small way. Can you clarify your question? Do you mean the results for Mira or do you mean the results for your IVF or pregnancy, And do you mean any other hormones other than the ones that Mira checks for?
Hi Hellynn,
Thank you for sharing! May I know if Mira shows any benchmark for you to compare the hormones at different stages of the cycle? Wish you all the best!
Thanks for sharing! How did you regulate your hormones in between the cycles? Good luck with your journey!
Hey Helen, it’s so inspiring to see you stay so positive during your infertility journey. I have been in this boat for a few years myself. You’re so calming! Thank you for everything to do!
For Mira fertility, My question is how long does Mira store the fertility information? Does it provide trend reports between cycles on how my body is changing based on the IVF journey and medications?
Thank you... I have been trying to stay positive, but it's definitely not always the case! I'll get back to you on your Mira question 💖
You are an inspiration! This journey isn't easy but the resilience you exude is admirable. Im on that journey as well and I canceled my 2nd IVF cycle due to slow growing follicles. think taking the time to relax will do you some good. I am in Marc Sklar's program, and I would say his customized plan for me has helped me tremendously and has given me hope for the possibilities that lie ahead. I'd say consider joining his program. He is legit and a God send to us women dealing with infertility. Sending you ❤ and light ✨️
Thank you! Yes, I like Dr. Sklar's YT channel and have heard about his program - does he coach you on diet/lifestyle, or meds and IVF protocols as well? Curious.
@@hellynn_j I also want to add that i have DOR, 40+ yrs old, diagnosed with hypothyroidism and Dr. Sklar has me on the AIP diet due to my dairy allergy and to combat inflammation. I feel so energetic and happier so now that the root cause of my issues have been identified and im getting the care i need❤.
Hello from the UK 👋 thank you so much for this channel, i find it such a comfort to be able to listen to other women talk about their fertility journeys. Especially women who are considered 'advanced maternal age' (though i hate us being referred to as that). I only have people.on the internet that can relate and so it gets lonely doesn't it? I am 42 (nearly 43) and having my last FET transfer in less than a month. My last two embryos are going back in together. 🤞 I think you have made a good decision to take a break- you will know when the time is right to start again. ❤
My question for Mira is: what makes Mira better than regular ovulation strips or basal thermometers?
I love the UK, haven't been there in a few years and should definitely visit again. I'm really happy to have you as part of this community, and thank you for not making ME feel alone. I'm wishing you lots of luck for your transfer!
Also, thanks for your Mira question!
❤
I'm rooting for you hellynn!!
Does the device also track hcg?
Thank you love! And thanks for your question!
Gut, dass Sie eine Pause einlegen, je besser Sie sich fühlen, desto erfolgreicher wird Ihr Babyprojekt. Visualisieren Sie immer wieder, wie Sie mit Ihrem Baby im Park spazieren gehen oder etwas anderes Schönes tun, die Kraft der Visualisierung wird Ihnen helfen, Ihr Ziel zu erreichen. Ich wünsche dir von ganzem Herzen alles Gute und grüße dich, Mery
Hi Mery, thanks for your sweet message. This is probably the best advice I've received... sometimes we focus too much on all the fear that we forget to feel the joy of what's to come. I will definitely visualize. Sending love.
I am also TTCING you videos have been helpful to me ,when i was starting out my IVF journey ,so thank you for all you do.
My question is how does fertility hormone play crucial role in regulating reproductive function in men and women?
Hi Hellyn. Thank you so much for posting about your journey, it's been so inspiring to follow along. I'm 39, almost 40 in a few months and about to start IVF after 2 failed IUIs. I also have lower AMH. I froze my eggs when I was single at ages 35 and 36 but didn't get that many, so we'll see how many we get this time. We just want the best chance, so I'm gearing up for my 3rd retrieval soon. The Mira fertility hormone tracker seems like such a cool device! Have you done blood tests with your doctor and then checked the Mira at home to see how well the numbers match up? Is it pretty accurate? Wishing the best for you! Hopefully, after your break, your next cycle will be more successful!
Thanks for your question, I'll get back to you in the announcement video. I am sending you the very best on your next retrieval. Thanks for being a part of this community and sharing your story. You are inspirational too. 💖
Hi Hellen, thank you for sharing your journey. It is a guiding light for so many. ❤
How does Mira help throughout the process?
Thank you for being on this journey with me. Thanks for participating in the giveaway also!💗💗💗
so awesome that you're doing a mira giveaway! i was gonna buy myself one for my birthday 😅 (excitement lol)
my question is if you ever tested your hormones before you had DOR? do you have any idea of when it started? cheers 😊 and hugs
Thank you so much for your channel! I have searched for a channel on foreigners doing IVF in Korea and was so glad I found yours! Question: When is the best time to check your hormones during ttc?
@@aliciajung5520 Thank you for being a part of it! Got your Q, thanks!!
I also wanted to ask if you spoke to your fertility specialist about human growth hormone injections? I am thinking about this next. Also being on DHEA if your levels are low can increase egg count, 25mg three times a day (only if low). Not sure if you are on this already but if so apparently need to be on it for at least 3 months. ❤
Hi! I did speak to my doctor about HGH and he did not recommend it to me because he has led many studies on it and the results were always similar to that of the group that didn’t take HGH. I have taken DHEA before, but later on I found out that my levels are already optimal, and so I stopped immediately because it started to mess up my cycle. DHEA is definitely not for everyone. My next step is to just rest for a few months and then come back to Korea to do PRP, which is also not proven, but it’s worth a try once my ovaries heal! ♥️
Hellyn the book “its start with the egg” that book gave me 11 embryo 10 AA and 1 BA.. and im now pregnant first fry with FET. It gives you the Advanced Plan Trying to Conceive Through IUI or IVF..Thank you
Thank you so much! Already on it!
Hi Hellynn! 8 retrievals wow!!! That’s a lot of hormones injected in your body over the years. You’re a strong woman. Any side effect after all the medications from the retrievals? Well, your face looks clear so I guess good side effect? 😜
I'll answer your questions in the announcement video next month! Thank you for saying that I am strong, I sometimes tell myself this too :)
While currently going through an IVF cycle, how often do you use the Mira?
Do you have to continue testing the 3 hormones or could we buy the cheaper option to just test LH and E3G?
I think you mentioned Mira tracks LH, estrogen, and progesterone. Does it also track FSH? And then when it gives you results of the hormones it’s measuring, does it interpret them (eg: give a range for where you want that hormone to be on each cycle day?) Thanks!
Is it recommended to use first morning urine for the Mira? My fertility clinic instructed me to ovulation test with second morning urine to prevent a false positive.
Question about Mira: How often do you have to test? How long do 10 testing wands last?
Have you had to deal with customer service for the Mira at all, wondering how good they are.
All thoughts with you at this time of resetting! ❤
Question about Mira: I understand the importance of tracking LH and Progesterone, but how does tracking Estrogen help to conceive?
I feel so seen and understood watching your videos, while going through IVF myself. My question about Mira is - do you think investing in Mira is useful even if I am undergoing IVF?
I would hope tracking your estrogen while you grow follicles during IVF and/or tracking the progesterone levels after an embryo transfer could help motivate you when things are going well.
I think I would like to use it for during and after IVF & embryo transfer.
The LH tracker would help someone just TTC’ing.
@@lauraellerman9443 that makes so much sense omg I don't know how I didn't think of it like that. Now I am even more excited for this giveaway
Not considering IVF yet, but I am stressing out about not being able to conceive soon. I will turn 41 so time is precious for me too. I can only relate to your feelings and emotions.
For Mira give away - how often do you have to buy the sticks? Is it difficult to use? (It might be a silly question but I am not tech savvy!😮)
Thanks for your strength. Stay strong ❤❤❤❤
41 and NOT considering ivf YET?? 😵😵 girl don’t take time for granted. Many women do and then it’s just too late unfortunately 😔 you are considered advanced maternal age and your time is limited 😔
She mentioned Dr. Mark, you should consider him before IVF. IVF doesn’t give you personalized advisement on how to get better egg quality.
I really believe stress a huge factor when TTC, we live in a stressful time.
Good luck to you 🙏🏻💛
I actually conceived straight away after we stopped using the protection last year but unfortunately I miscarried at 8 weeks. Last week's ultrasound showed many follicles so the doctor was positive and gave me hope. We're going to try a bit longer naturally but I appreciate your concern.
Thank you for your question! I know it's hard to not stress with the clock ticking away... but me - I'm going to erase all the stress from my life this summer and have a really fun one :) Let's look forward to our futures... it will be bright. Thank you for your question, I'll get back to you in the announcement video! 💖
Can Mira catch a fast LH surge? I take at least 3 LH tests a day and sometimes I still miss the peak.
Can device detect/pinpoint the acutal time of ovulation?
Have been following your journey for a while. Have been on the journey for past 3 years and your videos help me sustain hope.
What is the importance of tracking these hormones once you are in the IVF process? I hardly see our doctors here in india tracking these hormones. May be once or max twice in the cycle.
Thank you for being on this journey with me ♥️ and thank you for your Q✨
Hi hellynn,
I,ve been trying for a year now and I have a hard time tracking my ovulation, doctors say I am healthy and I will conceive one day 😢
How accurate is Mira in tracking ovulation?
Hey Hellynn. I had my frozen transfer (fresh wasa failed) and I'm 4dp5dt. One of my embryos didn't make the thaw and I took a test today which was negative. I feel like I already know it's not worked. Can we use mira during our transfers and would the progesterone results reflect our bodies true values?
Hi there, I'm answering most questions in the giveaway announcement video but since you're in the middle of your 2WW, will answer this one here! Yes. You can use Mira during your transfers and the values are 99% accurate.
Is estrogen and estradiol same?
Hi are you taking any suplements/ vitamins? Hoping everything goes well for you 🙏
I am! I'll do an update on my supplements soon :)
Does Mira also tracks hormones levels throughout pregnancy or is it just for TTC? 💛💛💛
Love this question!
Hi Hellyn, may I know which hospital and doctor do you go to in Korea? I am going lUI at the moment but I am trying to get myself prepared for ivf. I am 42 years old and is having infertility treatment in Korea.
Hi there, I go to CHA in Gangnam and my doctor is Dr Lee Woosik. He is really busy because he has the most patients, but is very experienced with AMA cases like us. Are you Korean?
Have you looked into adopting leftover embryos?
No. I'm taking things one step at a time. If I did donor, I would probably do donor egg.
What hormones are being checked?
18:35 I believe LH, Estrogen, and Progesterone ❤
Do they track HCG?
Wouldn’t that be wonderful - actually having an at-home device that could check your actual quantitive HCG numerical amount via your urine for an affordable price? One day hopefully!!
Is there an app that comes with Mira? :)
good question!