Not responding to Hormones. Losing hope and heart.

[Anthnjess]

On day 4 of hormones - Gonal-F @450iu and Lupron 1ml). Went into stimulate 9 follicles, first sack today (day 4) and somehow two follicles are developed (1.4cm & 1.9cm) and I guess only two of the 9 responded to the hormones. Nurse says I may “lose” those two and they will concentrate on stimulating the remaining 7. I am heartbroken, was t I suppose to get MORE follicles On the FSH hormone? I’m not sure what this means I’m not sure how to proceed the nurse wasn’t exactly positive she said it’s not good news but it’s not bad news and they want me on hormones for six more days I’ve also been given a new injection to take today to stop ovulation it’s called or can you on the FSH hormone? I’m not sure what this means I’m not sure how to proceed the nurse wasn’t exactly positive she said it’s not good news but it’s not bad news and they won’t be on hormones for six more days I’ve also been given a new injection to take today to stop ovulation it’s called Orgalutran.

Has anyone else experienced this before that they’re just not responding well to the hormones and if so if I may ask what were your outcomes?

I am 33 years old with no known infertility issues we are undergoing IVF because of male factor in fertility and like no PCOS clear ovaries everything just not sure why my ovaries are not responding well really just looking for any advice right now I’m trying to remain strong stress-free and not break down thank you!

[Hidden]

Everything changes daily so do not loose hope - we had low response too but managed to get 2 good quality embryos one for a fresh and one little guy in the freezer - as they keep saying it only takes one.

I wanted tons for the freezer!

Fingers crossed the next few days things develop nicely for you.

xxx

[Anthnjess in reply to Hidden]

Thank you!! God, thank you. I’m so heartbroken at the moment. My husband doesn’t have any sperm, what they got was immature and now this with me. It’s so much to take. I know, I need one good one and maybe one in the freezer! Praying for awesome outcomes, for us all!! Thank you!

[Hidden in reply to Anthnjess]

yes - just don't panic....It is a bit of a lottery and the clinic themselves can't predict what will happen.

Sending you positive vibes.

xxx

[andylins]

Oh my, I'm sad this happens this often..I'm sorry to hear your body not responding..I read recently the post where a lady was saying her right ovary never responded to treatments. And this draw my attention as thought why only one?? But she managed to produce a healthy egg with her left, which was then placed back so she successfuly conceived after years of struggling..Don't give up, honey, though I know this is a different case. Hoping for your better!! Hugs

[abcgirl]

Based on what you said, Here are my thoughts. You’ve only been on gonal-f for 4 days... I believe people are on it usually for 10-12 before egg collection. So there is still time.

It sounds like the follicles are just growing at different rates... some reacting quicker than others.

I’m curious why they started you on a dose that high. I could be wrong but unless they saw you didn’t have many follicles to begin with or your AMH levels were low, seem high dosage. Sometimes too high of a dose can have a reverse effect. Unfortunate IVF is trial and error. I hate to say it but if you have to do a second round then they’ll know better for next time.

Also the Lupron should prevent you from ovulating... wonder why they are giving you a second drug to prevent ovulation. But I’m it totally familiar with Lupron.

Bottom line though is ask all the questions. Try to Understand everything and if the nurse can’t explain it, see a doctor. I truly believe you have a right to understand what they are giving you. Good luck

[Anthnjess]

Thank you all! This support has been amazing! I have spoken to my doctor and we will see the follicle count on Friday if I’m not happy with those numbers we’re canceling this cycle and we’re going to try another protocol for my next full cycle! My egg reserve in November 2016 was 20, so I am not understanding the dramatic decline. In May I had 7 and now 9?! I am. It only blinding trusting my doctor anymore, I should listen to my gut - as it told me - this cycle your not ready!! That birth control (BC) messed things up, they (docs) said I had a left oyarybcyst after the BC and that’s the reading where I had 6 follicles but they are also saying that wasn’t a full period?! So, if I add that non-cycle-cycle (6) to this now “real” cycle I would have had 15 follicles to stimulate?! Maybe I’m making the math to and to my advantage but I only had a 19 days cycle this time...I’m not sure. I need to trust my body and my gut more!! I knew, I KNEW, this wasn’t a good cycle!! Fingers crossed, maybe the 7 left will be nice and juicy and if not, I’m okay taking a two month break to fully re-set my cycle & take it from there.

I guess it’s true what they say if at first you don’t succeed pick yourself up and try again!! I wish everyone going through this process all the luck in the world and

sprinkling baby dust to everyone!

[abcgirl in reply to Anthnjess]

Follicle counts change from month to month. And I don’t think you can add up follicles like that from previous months. Maybe you have other factors involved but not sure why you would cancel a cycle if you don’t have ‘enough’ follicles - I believe you have to have like under 3 follicles and even then sometimes they’ll still do an egg collection depending on the circumstances.

Just to give you an idea - at my last scan before egg collection, the nurse counted like 35 potential follicles for egg collection but after the trigger injection, i had only 15 eggs aspirated from about 19 follicles. So as Diane mentioned even if you have 7 follicles doesn’t mean you’ll get 7 eggs. Which also means if next time you have 15 follicles, you never know how many eggs you’ll come out with. Really depend on the simulation and trigger conditions/timing.

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi Anthnjess. So sorry to hear of you being so upset. I think the injection you had was probably Cetrotide to prevent you from ovulating and hopefully allowing the other follicles to grow over the next few days. I don’t think you will have many eggs when collected, but fingers crossed there will be two or three to fertilise. Keeping everything crossed for you, and I shall be thinking of you. Diane