Big follicles!

[Staying_positive38]

Hi everyone, I just wanted to update and get your thoughts.

I had my 9 day stims scan today. I have 2 follicles measuring 24mm, 2 measuring 18mm and 1 at 15mm. I’ve been told to trigger tomorrow and am booked in for EC Friday morning.

I asked about the 24mm follicles as they seem big. Nurse said they’re at the max measurement they would like- she said they could be cysts or they could have eggs. The danger is that if they do contain eggs, the eggs could over-mature of the follicles get any bigger. That makes sense, but I’ve been told to keep taking stims for one more day to try to get the 15mm follicle a bit bigger. But won’t the stims make the 24mm ones bigger too?? I tried asking this in the appointment and was told it’s a balancing act. I’m a bit confused! Has anyone these had similar sized follicles at EC and had good eggs from them?

She said to be prepared for the 24mm ones to be cysts which means potentially having 2-3 good follicles at EC. Anyone had good results from this number?

Trying to remain positive but could do with your input so I am realistic too.

Xx

[Smileanddream]

My 22mm follicle was empty unfortunately and I ended up with 3 eggs. I was upset as this was the lowest I’d had (3rd round). All fertilised with 2 getting to blastocyst. I put one back and froze another. I took my scheduled test on Sunday and got a BFP. So there is hope with these numbers. I miscarried previously at 7 weeks so the rollercoaster is far from over yet. Stay positive is all I can say and keep everything crossed that even if the numbers are small they fertilise and do the right thing xx

[Staying_positive38 in reply to Smileanddream]

That’s such a positive story. Thank you for giving me hope.

Many congratulations on your BFP! The worry and anxiety doesn’t seem to ease at any stage does it! Wishing you all the best xx

[silverlini]

I had about 4 large ones at like 24/27 and then a few smaller ones. I got 9 eggs and 7 were mature, one immature and only one was over mature. So I’m sure you will be ok! I’m no doctors but I doubt they are cysts as I feel these would have been detected before! I have a cyst and they could tell the difference. Good luck!cx

[Staying_positive38 in reply to silverlini]

That’s really hopeful. Thanks for taking the time to respond. Xx

[TinklyWinky]

What size does your clinic say is ideal for the follicles at the day 9 scan? I had my day 9 of stims scan on Monday and have 1 follicle at 19mm; 1 at 15mm; 1 at 9mm and 1 at 8mm, plus a tiny one. They insisted I should trigger last night for collection on Wednesday (which will be day 13 of my cycle from my period). Long story short, we've had to complain to the clinic as we think Thurs or Fri would be better for EC. Last time I had a dreadful round and they only collected 1 immature egg out of a similar number follicles at similar sizes.

Yesterday, the nurse let slip that they only had a anaesthetist on Mondays, Weds and Fridays and "seem to be able to fit everyone around that"!!! I think this is the real reason they've not scheduled me for later in the week (I suspect they're fully booked for Friday).

My first cycle I got 5 eggs from 7 good sized follicles.

I'm 43 so realistic the chances of it working are exceptionally slim, but I just feel they're only going through the motions as they don't expect it to work. They seem to be working to their own schedule rather than the patients' biological clocks.

It's odd as they've prescribed me 3 days' extra Gonal F and Cetrocide so in theory they must have thought they was a chance I'd need extra stimming. They did offer a full refund if I decide to pull out...but it doesn't seem like a real choice to me. Does anyone have any advice?

[Staying_positive38 in reply to TinklyWinky]

Hmm it’s hard to know isn’t it. We hope they’re the experts and therefore do what’s best for us.

My clinic said the 18mm were ‘good’ and that they want to 15mm one to grow, and that the 24mm ones are at the max size. From that I assume their ideal size is between 18-24mm but that’s just my assumption.

I think what I’m learning from the replies is that the numbers of follicles don’t necessarily equate to numbers of eggs and even if we had more the eggs wouldn’t necessarily be mature. I think I’m going to try my best to look after myself (physically and mentally!) and take each piece of news as it comes. I’m worn out from second guessing.

I wish you the best of luck with your EC tomo if you go ahead xx

[TinklyWinky in reply to Staying_positive38]

I had my EC today and got 2 mature eggs from one ovary and 1 immature one from the other which had 3 smaller follicles. Really pleased as I was preparing for the worst after my failed cycle. Still in the race! Wishing you best of luck for Friday. You’re very wise to take it one step at a time. Keeping everything crossed for us all xx

[Staying_positive38 in reply to TinklyWinky]

Oh that’s fantastic news, congratulations. Keeping everything crossed for you xx

[Neechi]

I had 11 follicles at day 9, 3 of them were at 24mm, the rest 15 - 18mm. At EC I only got 8 eggs, and of those only 3 were mature. It's hard to say if the 3 large follicles were the empty ones or if they were my only mature. I'm in my 2ww currently so I'm not sure how it turned out yet! Good luck with your collection!

[Staying_positive38 in reply to Neechi]

It’s such a head spinner isn’t it!

Great news you’re at the 2ww stage. Best of luck xx