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@vvverrraaa 

Last reply

vvverrraaa

IVF prior to DMT

Hi! I recently got diagnosed with RRMS and during the diagnosis I was in the process of preparing for IVF treatment. Has anyone had experience doing IVF and freezing embryos prior to start the DMT? I am thinking of using the window between diagnosis and NhS treatment to do the embryo freezing as my clock is ticking. Any experience sharing is welcome 🤗
First posted on the Shift.ms app
2
@Lou88
@Lou88
 

Hi, I don't have experience with the actual process yet, but recently went for a consultation and tests to investigate embryo freezing. I am diagnosed almost 18 months and with so much going on and the worry of the disease we both felt we are not in the right headspace to make to make a decision on children. For this reason we are looking into freezing embryos. My DMT is kesimpta, a medication which in Ireland it is recommended stop taking 6 months before trying to conceive, after talking to the fertility consultant they have said that I can begin the process and medications for the egg collection once I have a letter from my neurologist confirming that they agree hormone stimulating treatment will not impact my DMT. This is a relief and helps to take the weight of the decision about children off our shoulders for the time being, while keeping our options open for the future. I believe there are some DMTs that can be taken right up to getting pregnant and some that you can even take during pregnancy. Make sure to mention to your healthcare provider your future plans so they can offer a treatment that is appropriate for your future plans. My neurologist has said if I intend to try get pregnant naturally, it is recommended to come off my DMT for 6 months prior to trying, which could risk a relapse or worsening symptoms between those months and then however long it may take to conceive, if we even can naturally, however he said in his experience when pregnant, during the pregnancy women seem to be protected.

1
@vvverrraaa
@vvverrraaa
 

Thanks for sharing your experience. I am starting the process in Jan prior to starting DMT. The fertility clinic also asked me for a neurologist letter, there is a small risk of relapse but this is my only window before I start DMT and I'm soon to be 40 so time is not on my side. The plan is to have embryos frozen and fingers crossed we are successful, once I am stable on DMT I will try to have them implanted. My private neurologist said ocrevus is ok for pregnancy and so is kesimpta, even though that is not what I'm reading on MS websites.. I'm having my first NHS neurologist appointment in 2 weeks so will get more clarity from them. It's so confusing and I never know if I'm making the right decisions with MS. Will keep you posted on how my experience goes :)