How many follicles is good?

[Emska77]

So I am almost at the end of my second IVF cycle with egg collection possibly next Wednesday. First was October 2017, long protocol with 23 follicles and 16 eggs eggs. I was so please as then I was 40, all fertilised but only 3 survived to day 3 and ultimately it ended in a chemical pregnancy.

This time I started on a lower dose as almost overstimulated, also with an aim to get quality eggs over quantity perhaps? I have been started on 200 gonal f instead of 225 which I was on last time, for first 6 days, but now I have been switched up a gear to 300.

I now have 13 follicles but some apparently are small and won’t meat the criteria for a mature egg. I’m a little worried I will end up with hardly any mature. I know I’m older but my AMH is still good apparently.

Anyone had a successful outcome with a similar amount?

Any thoughts welcome.

Xx

[Apples2665]

others might have different opinions but I don’t think there is a good number. The main thing is that the ones that you have some large enough to contain a mature egg. At my second scan I only had 1 follicle large enough and they thought my egg collection was going to be delayed. A few days later I had 4...by EC I had 8! And all had a mature egg. Lots can change in a few days and what matters is getting good quality embryos at the end. Try not to get too caught up in the numbers. Wishing you the best of luck. X

[Emska77 in reply to Apples2665]

Thanks for sharing, it’s really helpful. I don’t why I’m letting the numbers bother me. I’m comparing it to the numbers from last time which I know is silly, especially as the eggs all deteriorated so quickly with nothing to freeze. The nurse thinks 13 is the maximum so will just hope as many of those as possible meet the criteria. Thank you again xx

[Apples2665 in reply to Emska77]

I’ve only done one cycle but I can imagine be being the same if I have to do another. It’s so out of our control I think it’s natural to think about every detail. Good luck to you x

[emmab178]

There's no good number. Just got to try for quality over quantity. I had 8 follicles, 5 mature eggs, 3 fertilised and all went to blast.

Try not to focus on the numbers x

[Emska77 in reply to emmab178]

That’s so good to hear! You must have been so chuffed. I am staying positive but I think I’ve just hit a wobbly patch. I felt so poorly last cycle as my response was so strong, and this time I actually feel good bar some bloating. Surely if I’m feeling better then that’s a good sign and will help as well. X

[Ohheck]

I was told that 12-30 was a "good number", but they also said not to put too much weight on the numbers unless they are 5 or under.