Only 3 follicles. Is there hope?

[Jane8412]

Having a bit of a crappy day. Had my first progress scan for my first round of IVF today and only 3 follicles have responded to the medication. I wasn't expecting a lot due to my low AMH/AFC but was quietly hopeful for at least 5 after all the stimulation (375 Gonal F from day 2 and 75 Meopur from day 6). I feel so disappointed as I know fertilisation/development rates of eggs are generally quite low, so to start with only 3 seems like my chances of getting something to transfer are quite slim. I've had a little cry and now I am trying to get my head back into a more positive space to get me through the next few days until my next scan on Friday.

Does anyone have any positive stories of success with such a small number of follicles? x

[leo1980]

What day is it? 5

[Jane8412 in reply to leo1980]

Sorry- day 7!

[leo1980 in reply to Jane8412]

You still have time... another 5 right? (10-12 days of stims) Fingers crossed 🤞 don’t lose hope yet..

[Jane8412 in reply to leo1980]

From what they said the others are too far behind to be able to catch-up so it will only be those 3. thanks x

[Hidden]

Hey, go through my old posts. My last round I think I had 4 follicles on my day 7 scan and 3 were 8mm and 'too small' and one was 21mm.. they said they wanted to abandon the round but I should keep going for a few more days to be sure. I went back on day 9 (two days later) for another scan and had 9 follicles from 10mm to 23mm.. I ended up collecting 8 follicles and getting 6 mature eggs.

I dont blame you for crying, we invest so much into this. When the nurse said we might abandon I just sobbed and sobbed shouting 'I AM JUST SO TIRED OF THIS' and felt a right buffoon 2 days later when I left smiling!

heaps of luck xx

[Jane8412 in reply to Hidden]

Hey- thanks for responding. I had a read of your story. Sounds like you have been through a lot! How are you getting on now? Have you made any decisions on future options for you?

I really would love a miracle and more follicles growing but I just don't see it happening. They weren't negative about my 3 follicles, just very matter of fact, and there was no talk of cancelling the cycle, which makes me think they weren't expecting much more based on my AMH/AFC at my original tests. I felt I was realistic about outcomes but to only get 3 follicles after pumping myself full of drugs seems so disappointing.

Thanks x

[Hidden in reply to Jane8412]

Sorry I didnt mean to brag about follicle numbers! I was just trying to be encouraging! Remember its quality not quantity so I really hope you will be in great shape xx

[Jane8412 in reply to Hidden]

Oh no- you did not come across as if you were bragging at all. Sorry if my response made it seem like i thought you had. Thanks. I appreciate the encouragement xx

[AliceSnow]

Hi I also have low amh/afc. Only 5 follicles but all 5 made to to day 5 blastocyst. Its not all about quantity. Good luck

[Jane8412 in reply to AliceSnow]

Wonderful! Thank you for your kind words xx

[Sunny39]

I know it’s so hard, I only had 4 to start with, and lost them as time went on. I had 2 at egg collection they thought. By some miracle I ended up with 5 eggs?! 3 fertilised. The drs warned me off going ahead, I think they were more amazed then me!

So dispute what they see/find on the scan, it’s never 100%.

Wish you all the very best and keep going x x x

[Jane8412 in reply to Sunny39]

That's good to hear! Sounds like you did pretty well with your number. You must be so glad you went ahead. They didn't suggest cancelling and seemed OK to focus on those 3 so perhaps this is as good as it is going to get for me. Just hoping I can get something to transfer!Thanks for your support xx

[butterfliez]

Hi when I had my first round I only had 3 follicles , they collected 3 eggs & 2 were mature enough for icsi , one went on to fertilise it does only take one . Going into in the first time you never know what to expect x

[Jane8412 in reply to butterfliez]

Thank you for sharing. That is very encouraging. How are you getting on now with your journey? x

[butterfliez in reply to Jane8412]

Well they had to freeze that one embryo back in March because of lockdown , went in September for a transfer but our embryo didn’t survive the thaw , This is a relatively low occurrence so they say. So back to the start for us , currently awaiting second attempt , will probably be in January.

I hope all goes well for your cycle x

[Jane8412 in reply to butterfliez]

I am so sorry. That is awful. Bloody Covid. I can only imagine how hard that must have been! I hope your second round will be successful. All the best xx

[Hells18]

Hello I had a scan yesterday and they only picked up on 2 and a few small ones they said they would need 3 but loads of positive story’s on here and with looking through the net it’s surprising how some can just sprout up, I have another scan tomorrow to see the progress just think positive I was crying my eyes out I only had to but I’ve been drinking loads of water and got my hot water bottle everything is worth a try fingers crossed for you 💕

[Jane8412 in reply to Hells18]

Hey- I'm so sorry you had disappointing news too. What cycle day was your first scan on? I really hope your smaller ones catch up. There didn't appear to be any others on my scan that might grow but I guess I should just focus on my 3 and stop being so negative. Good luck with your second scan today! xx

[Hells18 in reply to Jane8412]

I have 3 now all at 12mm they wanted to stop but I asked them for a few more days so final scan tomorrow xx