Low egg reserve worries

[LiLi19]

So following our consultation after our failed cycle in December, the consultant said they would have expected more follicles (and more than 2 eggs collected) even with the large cyst on my left ovary which resulted on no follicles that side.

My amh result last jan was 27 so looked good and ill be 34 next week...anyone had fewer follicles one cycle then gone on to have lots the next time?

Im now worrying this will mean early menopause etc...clearly my imagination is a bit over active...i hope... 😮 x

[Dunla]

Hi, during my first round of IVF when I was 34 my AMH was about 4 as far as I remember. Pretty low. I had one miserable egg. However next time round I managed to get 5 which for me was amazing. I think you can definitely have a cycle that’s a total disaster and then go on to have more successful rounds after that.

Your AMH levels seem quite good, I’m not an expert though. Try not to let your anxiety take over worrying about menopause. I doubt very much you have anything to worry about in that regard.

Has your consultant offered you any explanation as to what may have gone wrong or offered any suggestions as to what they may do differently next time round? x

[LiLi19 in reply to Dunla]

Thank you for your reply its very good to hear!

They just said they were suprised (not very helpful) and have changed me to short protocol this time round...

They did say the removal of tubes can have an affect and i had both removed in june, but apart from that they couldnt really offer an explanation 😔 x

[Dunla in reply to LiLi19]

I know how frustrating review appointments can be. I was changed from long to short protocol too and they also switched me from gonal f to menopur and added in a daily luveris injection. I responded better to this.

[LiLi19 in reply to Dunla]

Oh im glad im not the only one who found it frustrating!

Thank you, thats great to hear you responded better! Were you given any other advice? X

[Dunla in reply to LiLi19]

No not really from the consultant. We have always taken steps ourselves to do all the usual things to be as fit and healthy for ivf as possible. Conception multivitamins, we don’t smoke, occasional alcohol, good diet, exercise, lots of water etc. We try to keep this up all the time. I did try acupuncture at one time. After cycle three consultant did suggest taking dhea in an effort to improve egg quality. As much as I hate to say it, it doesn’t seem to be an exact science 🙄

[LiLi19 in reply to Dunla]

We're definitely doing the healthier eating etc

I did acupuncture this cycle but no such luck 🙄

You're right...no exact science here!! x

[Cinderella5]

Hey, from your AMH levels it doesnt sound like the menopause....I could be wrong but usually your AMH lessens with the menopause. Did the consultant give you any plan of a new treatment plan, for example trying a different drug regime next time as clearly something isnt quite right and they were obviously expecting you to do much better?! Hoepfully the clinic have something up their sleeve for you.xx

[LiLi19 in reply to Cinderella5]

Thank you for your reply...i thought that so probably just me panicking 😂

Im changing to short protocol this time to see if that works better!

X

[Cinderella5 in reply to LiLi19]

They do always say your first cycle is almost like a practice run as not everyone respond to the drugs in the same way as other people! Glad to hear that they have a good plan forward. Fingers crossed this one is much better.xx

[LiLi19 in reply to Cinderella5]

Id heard that too which is really comforting!

Thank you! x

[NDE1987]

Hey hun I was in the same situation as you for my first cycle. If you read my previous post you will see how scared I was. My first cycle i only had 3 eggs. Second cycle they changed my medication and I got 13 eggs!! With low amh! I was so proud of myself lol x

[LiLi19 in reply to NDE1987]

Oh wow that's amazing - you should be proud! Thank you ill take a look...that gives me lots of hope ☺ x

[Beebeestar]

Hi Lili, Short protocol might work better for you. It’s a much shorter process and goes by quicker. You are very likely to respond differently and usually this protocol is used for those with a lower AMH as they respond better. Although I don’t think your AMH is low, your response on the long protocol was not what they expected so you very likely to respond differently and most likely more positively with the new protocol.

The first cycle they can learn a lot from it to make the second one more successful.

I hope you find the strength soon to pick yourself up and try again and be positive as your response is likely to be much more positive on the second try.

[LiLi19 in reply to Beebeestar]

Thank you...this is great to hear!

It was tough to hear that something else had 'gone wrong/wasnt right' but all these positive comments are definitely helping 😊 x