By Christi Han

Wondering how IVF works for someone who is almost out of eggs too soon? That’s me at 38, being told my body’s hitting menopause early (My stats: AMH = < 0.01, FSH = 50+). Doctors back home in Canada said I should forget about using my own eggs. But, I wasn’t ready to give up.  

In search of options, I turned to Seoul.  I knew that South Korea is at the forefront of offering advanced and cost-effective IVF treatment.  I went through a grueling but incredibly progressive journey through 10 rounds of back-to-back mini IVF cycles.  Unlike traditional IVF, “mini IVF” uses lower doses of stimulating drugs, which was recommended for someone in my condition.  I also came here for Platelet-Rich Plasma  (PRP) therapy, a burgeoning treatment aimed at revitalizing my ovaries and enhancing egg quality, despite its clinical efficacy still being under investigation

The strides I made on this challenging journey are nothing short of a miracle—I now have three precious 5-day embryos! Reaching this milestone was far from easy, especially considering the emotional strain from cycles with no follicles, empty retrievals, or failed fertilizations. Yet, if you ask me if it was worth it? Absolutely, every single time. Those moments of disappointment were tough, but they’ve led to this incredible point..  It’s a reminder that sometimes, the hardest fought battles lead to the most cherished victories.  Crossing fingers that it stays this way…

To anyone facing the daunting prospect of early menopause or challenging fertility journeys, know that you’re not alone. The road may be unpredictable and at times seem insurmountable, but there is hope. My story is a testament to what determination, advanced medical interventions, and a heart full of hope can achieve—even when the odds appear stacked against you.  

As I stand on the cusp of embryo implantation, I’m filled with a complex mix of hope, anxiety, and excitement. Whatever the outcome, I’ve already journeyed further than I once thought possible. This experience has taught me about the depths of my resilience, the importance of hope, and the power of pursuing every available option to achieve a dream.

I send my heartfelt hope and love to all those on their path to creating a family. And for anyone embarking on a similar journey, I share a summary of my procedures, hoping it may serve as a helpful reference and inspiration.

Tries	Time period	Procedure	Result
#1	4/13 5/17-5/21 (5 days) 5/18-5/29 (12 days) 6/2-6 (5 days)6/3-7 (5 days) 6/6 (1 day) 6/8	PRP Round #1 Letrozole 2.5mg x 2/ day Menotropin HP 150 IU / day Menotropin HP 150 IU / day +Eutropin 8 IU/ day Orgalutran 0.25mg/ dayOvidrel 500 ug and Decapeptyl 0.1mg Egg retrieval day	1 follicle visible Retrieved, Empty follicle
#2	6/19-6/22 (5 days) 6/19-6/29 (11 days) 6/30-7/12 (12 days) 7/13	Clomiphene 50mg x 2 / day Menotropin HP 150 IU/day Rest & monitor PRP Round #2	No follicle visible Cancel cycle, PRP only
#3	8/1-5 (5 days) 8/5-8/8 (4 days) 8/9 (1 day) 8/10 (1 day) 8/12	Letrozole 2.5mg x 2/ dayMenotropin HP 150 IU/ day Orgalutran 0.25m + Eutropin 8 IU/ day  Ovidrel 500 ug and Decapeptyl 0.1mg Egg retrieval day / PRP Round #3	1 follicle visible 1 egg retrieved, didn’t fertilize
#4	8/26-8/30 (5 days) 8/28-31 (4 days) 9/1-7 (7 days) 9/8-9 (2 days) 9/9 (1day) 9/11	Letrozole 2.5mg x 2/ day Menotropin HP 150 IU/ day Rest & monitor Orgalutran 0.25m + Eutropin 8 IU/ day  Ovidrel 500 ug and Decapeptyl 0.1mg Egg retrieval day  / PRP Round #4	1 follicle visible 1 egg retrieved, 5 day blast
#5	9/22-9/25 (5 days) 9/23-9/26 (5 days) 9/27-10/12 (14 days)	Letrozole 2.5mg x 2/ day Menotropin HP 150 IU/ day Rest & monitor	No follicle visible Cancel cycle
#6	10/27-10/31 (5 days) 10/30-11/2 (4 days) 11/3-11/16 (12 days)	Letrozole 2.5mg x 2/ day Menotropin HP 150 IU/ day Rest & monitor	No follicle visible Cancel cycle
#7	11/28-12/2 (5 days) 12/2-12/5 (4 days) 12/6-12/18 (12 days)	Clomiphene 50mg x 3 / day Menotropin HP 150 IU/ day Rest & monitor	No follicle visible Prematurely ovulated
#8	12/24-28 (5 days) 12/25-1/1 (8 days) 12/29-1/1 (4 days) 12/31-1/1 (2 days) 1/2 (1 day) 1/4	Clomiphene 50mg x 3 / day Menotropin HP 150 IU/ day Eutropin 8 IU/ day Orgalutran 0.25 mg/ day Ovidrel 500 ug and Decapeptyl 0.1mg Egg retrieval day	1 follicle visible 1 egg retrieved, 5 day blast
#9	1/16-1/20 (5 days) 1/18-1/21 (4 days) 1/22-2/5 (14 days)	Letrozole 2.5mg x 2/ day Menotropin HP 150 IU/ day Rest & monitor	No follicle visible, Cancel cycle
#10	2/22-2/26 (5 days) 2/24-2/28 (5 days) 2/28-3/1 (3 days) 2/28-2/29 (2 days) 2/29 (1 day) 3/2	Clomiphene 50mg x 3 / day Menotropin HP 150 IU/ day Orgalutran 0.25 mg/ day Eutropin 8 IU/ day Ovidrel 500 ug and Decapeptyl 0.1mg Egg retrieval day / PRP Round #5	1 follicle visible 1 egg retrieved, 5 day blast
#11	3/14-3/18 (5 days) 3/19-3/29 (11 days)	Clomiphene 50mg x 3 / day Rest & monitor	No follicle visible Cancel cycle