5 Dominant Follicles

[LaurenSC]

Hi everyone,

I am on my third round of Letrozole for ovulation induction and have been for a day 10 scan today and there were 5 follicles measuring between 11 - 13mm. I have to go back on Thursday and have been told the cycle may have to be abandoned.

Just wondering if anyone has had the same thing happen? And what process you went through.

Trying to keep positive!

Thanks,

Sophie

[Nat246]

Hi Sophie, I’m not sure what you mean. There’s usually always follicles which are growing bigger than the others. As far as I am aware they are never all the same size at once. I only had 6 follicles growing recently and egg collection went ahead without any concerns. Best of luck for your scan Thursday x

[LaurenSC in reply to Nat246]

Hi Nat - sorry I’m even confusing myself. So I’m on Letrozole for ovulation induction, so they would expect one maybe two to grow to 18mm+ and ovulate. However it looks like 5 of they are now over 10mm which they would class as a dominant follicle and may all release eggs as part of this cycle. Thursdays scan will tell if this is the case and if they need to what she referred to as ‘abandon’ the cycle!

I’m not entirely sure what usually happens in this case.

Thanks x

[Nat246 in reply to LaurenSC]

Oh I see, I didn’t read your post right, you did say ovulation induction but I’ve only done IVF so didn’t click! Risk of 5 is too high then, that does sound sensible if there’s that much risk but so crushing. Hopefully things have changed for your next scan xx

[Chel91]

Hi, sorry to hear they are trying to abandon your cycle. It's due to the risk of multiples, 5 is more than they aim for. My clinic the limit was 2. I had 3 follicles twice, they told me to abandon the cycle and not to try intercourse. I didn't listen and did the trigger shot anyway (I had spares), but unfortunately it didn't end in any pregnancy for me. I was just so fed up after so many cycles, but I obviously don't recommend you doing that. Are you doing IUI also? They will probably not let you do that if so. If they cancel, they will most likely just wait for you to bleed and then let you try again depending on your circumstances, perhaps with a lower dose? Best of luck whatever you decide 💕 xx

[LaurenSC in reply to Chel91]

No just Letrozole at the moment! Was so happy to be back at the clinic, and the other cycles I had only ever had one dominant follicle so wasn’t expecting that yesterday. What a rollercoaster these journeys are. Thank you xxx

[strawberriesandcream]

Hi Lauren,

I had a similar scenario in January this year. I had 4 large follicles and had to abandon due to the risk of multiples. I found it very hard to accept and very confusing as if I’m struggling with infertility then how the hell and I gonna end up with 4 pregnancies?!

But I would say you need to try to trust them and realise that it’s for your own safety. Other than abstaining from intercourse there are no complications xx

[LaurenSC in reply to strawberriesandcream]

Thank you! I know it’s just so hard how can it go from one extreme to the other. I was the same like should we just try but my husband won’t come anywhere near me 🤣

I’ve managed to process it a bit more today, just preparing myself for it to be abandoned tomorrow, but there always that bit of hope which isn’t helpful for your emotions xxx

[strawberriesandcream]

Do you know the reasons for your infertility yet?

Yes I think prepare yourself for that, the abandonment came as a real shock to me and I had a melt down. What I did find though as that the month gave me a break from worrying about infertility and what I should/shouldn’t do etc. So if it does get abandoned see it as you gaining a month of your life back as there is nothing you can do or not do that will effect your pregnancy outcomes. Eg. enjoy having a few drinks completely guilt free and live life a bit as infertility steals so much from us!

[LaurenSC in reply to strawberriesandcream]

I have PCOS so very rarely have periods or ovulate.

Yes that’s what I am trying to think an extended lock down break, I am not drinking atm so a large glass of wine will be getting drank tomorrow 🤦🏽‍♀️. It really does take up some much of your thoughts and trying to make life adjustments x