Our story began just like so many others, with a wish for a child. But at first we weren't in a hurry about it, because we thought we could get pregnant at any moment after stopping the pill. Unfortunately the wish took a long time to come true. After about 3 years of trying for a child naturally, we eventually decided to go to our GP.
The GP referred us to the hospital for further testing. First a semen analysis was done on my partner, which turned out fine, and then I was tested for every factor you could think of. After all sorts of tests, no cause could be found in me either - we were happy but at the same time didn't understand why it wasn't working then.
In consultation with the gynecologist we started IUI treatments. The guidance at the hospital was very slow and difficult. In the meantime 6 IUI treatments were carried out without result. One IVF treatment was also carried out, which also didn't lead to success.
Through the internet we came across Human First, and it made us curious. The step-by-step plan was clear, well laid out and professional. Evren listened to our story, gave me explanations and answered my questions. Shortly after we decided to try it and go ahead with the process in Istanbul. We booked a 14-day trip and I started with the ultrasounds and the Menopur in the Netherlands. All of this in consultation with Evren - this went great, she listens, is there for you and answers all your questions.
The day had come to begin our adventure to have a child in Istanbul. The very next day we already had an appointment at the hospital. Our appointments went well - in a word, Dr. Cem Demirel is a doctor who knows what he's talking about. The guidance was better than expected, with skilled nurses, and a lab that calls to keep you updated on developments. In total we went to the hospital 4 times: 2 ultrasounds, the egg retrieval and the transfer. The egg retrieval went fine, but the transfer was painful and went less well. We had a good feeling, but dr. Cem Demirel wasn't really enthusiastic, which worried us. He said we did have a chance, but that the quality of the embryos was mediocre. After 10 days I could take the pregnancy blood test, and unfortunately I wasn't pregnant. This was an enormous disappointment for me and my partner. We were very disappointed.
Neither of us believed in it anymore. After a year and a half, our family encouraged us again to go through with treatment in Istanbul once more. We then got back in touch with Evren from Humanfirst and the procedure was started again. This time dr. Cem Demirel made a change to the medication. Instead of Menopur, Gonal F was prescribed after the blood test results. Just like the previous time we booked a 14-day trip and again started with the ultrasounds and the Gonal F in the Netherlands. Our first appointment in Istanbul was with dr. Cem Demirel. According to dr. Cem Demirel the condition and development of the eggs looked good. And at the next ultrasound appointment the eggs were fortunately growing well too. Then came the egg retrieval, and this time it was with dr. Firat Tulek. We were told that dr. Cem Demirel had gone to Dubai for a meeting. We were told that dr. Firat Tulek is also a good doctor. He gave us such hopeful news and said that 7 good quality eggs had been retrieved.
After fertilization and the blastocyst method, 2 quality embryos remained for the transfer. After consultation with dr. Firat Tulek it was decided to transfer 2 embryos back. The transfer went well and was less painful. Dr. Firat came over to me and asked how I was doing. A really kind doctor who motivated us tremendously and told us we didn't need to worry about anything. My partner was curious and asked about the chances of pregnancy. He was so convincing and said I would certainly become 100% pregnant. Our joy and belief shone through after his positive statement. He said that with these quality embryos I would definitely get pregnant.
I was told I had to have blood drawn for the pregnancy test 10 days after the transfer. We stayed in Istanbul for 4 more days after the transfer. The nerve-wracking days were so intense for me that I couldn't wait, and on day 8 I took a urine pregnancy test. I couldn't believe what I saw. There were two thick lines, indicating a positive pregnancy. I shared this news with my partner, family and of course also with Evren from Humanfirst. We were so happy, and of course also had the pregnancy confirmed through a blood test to be sure. The result was 100% pregnant. We warmly thanked Evren from Humanfirst and of course dr. Firat Tulek and the hospital colleagues for their dedication. For us, dr. Firat's words were decisive and convincing, and we wish everyone in this world a healthy pregnancy.
Note from Human First: this lovely couple got pregnant through Human First back in 2018, and this story had been sitting on the shelf with them all this time. In the meantime they've also been through IVF treatment for a second child, and this time it even worked on the first try. They're going to try to put that experience into words too. But we wanted to share this story in the meantime regardless. Oct 2024
This story was translated from Dutch by our team. Read the original Dutch version →
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