I am 35 yo with stage 3,4 endometriosis. We knew I had low ovary reserve and possibly compromised quality due to my age and endo, but we were optimistic.
We only had 7 eggs retrieved, only 3 were mature. Through ICSI, all 3 were fertilized but none made it to blastocyst. By day 7, one was early blastocyst and another was morula.
After speaking with the doctor and the nurse, they said 3 fertilized embryos were too small of a sample to conclusively say we won't be able to have our own baby, so they're recommending round 2. But they were also very frank in letting us know that the chances are low and the results of round 2 may simply be to confirm round 1. They suggested increasing the dosage of the meds for round 2.
The science is not on our side and we are so heartbroken.
Anyone go through something similar? Any advice on second round?
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Chuvstva
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Wishing you the best! I’m 37 AMH~1. It took me 3 ER to get 3 PGS Normal (0 - I was devastated- then 1 then 2). I changed protocols for my 2nd and 3rd. What worked for me: cycle 1- after ovulation confirmed, took oral estrace “estrogen priming” this allows follicles do accumulate in resting state without suppressing your hormones like birth control does. I had 10 antral follicles both times with EP and 6 with birth control. I did the Microdose Lupron flare protocol. 10units 2xday. Then 2 nights later stared 300 gonal and 150 menopur every night until ovidrel trigger day.
I have endometriosis and did 8 rounds of IVF - goal was to bank eggs for the future in addition to getting pregnant now. My first three rounds were a bust but then I changed doctors and everything started working. MAKE SURE YOURE SEEING THE BEST DOCTOR POSSIBLE, it makes all the difference.
I’m now pregnant with identical twins! We transferred one embryo and it split into two!
We were referred to this doctor from a really good friend who did excellent research, but will definitely be seeking other opinions if this second round doesn't work out.
Have you considered going abroad? I had 3 ivfs before going to Ukraine and the first ivf there was success. I wish I had changed my clinic after the first ivf… so much wasted time
No, due to my premature ovarian failure we had to use donor eggs (starting from the second cycle). I think my protocol at btc was more suitable for my body and that’s the reason for success.
I think key is to remember that IVF is not an exact science, so the first cycle is always a bit experimental to see how you will react to the medications. It also takes 3 months for eggs to mature so if you can put your body and mind in the best space possible (hard I know), it can help. I did 3 cycles for egg freezing and was diagnosed after my 2nd cycle response was significantly different. I haven't tried to create embryos yet but hoping the 10 eggs I currently have will create some embryos that are ok and will implant. Other thing to consider is if you have adenomyosis and how they plan to prepare your uterus for transfer if so. Good luck!
My scenario is exactly the same as yours. Stage 4 endo, AMH .4, one Fallopian tube, I was 36 years old, same # of eggs retrieved. The only difference was that my doctor did not choose to wait until day 5, we had two embryos transferred on day 3. The first cycle was a max stim, high dose round & it failed. They decided to use a completely different protocol for the second round, one called “min-stim”, which according to them concentrated on letting your body do the work while supplementing it with lower dose meds. I had pretty much the same results, two embryos. They transferred both & one took. I am currently 31 weeks pregnant. Please don’t give up hope, ask lots of questions & try to get the best out of your doctor that you can. Best of luck to you ❤️
I'm so sorry to hear that, honey. God love you poor thing, I know what you're going through..BFNs leave long lasting scars..you'll need time to heal emotionally. Did you investigate with your dr for the reasons? What did he suspect? You know, this is important to get the possible problem nailed after failed cycle. This can help in the long run and with terms on getting the best prepared for the next cycle. I've experienced 2 failures with own egg IVF. Yet one more failure with donor egg IVF, #2 brought us the long awaited success though. But frankly speaking, I'm feeling a kind jealousy now. The clinic we were with has recently introduced their new method - the mitochondrion replacement therapy. It allows the ladies 40+ with low AMH to use OWN EGGS with IVF. I feel like we havne't exhausted all the options before moving onto donor egg..I know they didn't offer it then, but they do now..I'm sorry if I sound silly, I didn't mean to make you upset. Do heal well soon, and keep on moving. Hugs.
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