IVF with very high FSH?

Hi Dutchie,

Have send you a PM about days to EPU

I didn't know that you have also experienced empty follicle syndrom -- wondering if you could tell me a bit more about this.

My FS thinks it could be connected to high FSH - did you have high FSH in the cycle that it happened? How many follicles and how many eggs did you have and what was the size of the follicles?

Sara

Hi ladies,

I havent read all of the posts on this thread, but just wanted to add quickly (am at work) about my experieince.

I had IVF 2 years ago at 39yo after an FSH reading c ame up as 20. I had two IVF cycles. On each of these my FSH was under 10 (cant remember the exact levels).

On my first cycle, I had 4 follicles, 4 eggs, 4 fertilised and 4 developed to day three (cant remember their grades); two were transferred fresh, and two were frozen. I had a chemical pregnancy from that cycle.

I then had another fresh cycle, and had 7 follicles, 4 eggs, four fertilised and three made day 3. two were replaced and one frozen. My DS (14mths) is the result of that cycle.

Certainly at the time I had low egg count, but presuemeable had fair quality.

I have no idea what my FSH is now... presumeably much higher, but I am WAY grateful that my FS was willing to try IVF based on the 20.....

I am shortly on track to try again with my frosties. Am crossingmy fingers that we will have success, but if not I will probablybe back in this thread with my high FSH looking for inspiration!

drbee - thanks for posting your story! It sure gives me renewed hope. And good luck with the FET!! Did you do anything different on the second IVF?

Thanks Dusty - I think loads of people would read this thread, when like me, they first find out about High FSH. It's a valuable sticky. Thank you!!

Sara, Dutchie, buliej and others - I will continue to post FSH related updates here and for general stuff I will go to the thread Sara suggested - that way Dutchie can join in too.

AFM, AF arrived and my Day 2 Baseline BT today has my FSH at 8.5 (Est and Prog baseline too). I'm happy with that given I've come off a stimmed cycle (15 days x 450 gonal f) - would that affect my natural FSH in anyway?

Drbee, thanks for your story, that is really good to hear , was the FSH of 20 on a CD2?

Tigga I didn't measure my FSH after my BFN as my FS said coming off a stimulated cycle it would be lower than normal - she may have just wanted to discourage me wantng to start immediately if the FSH was low. In any case I think a FSH of 8.5 is a very good result especially as all your hormones must still be in dissarray from the cycle.

Sara

Hi everyone

drbeee- welcome to BB. Thanks for telling your story, it's certainly encouraging. Good luck for your FET.

Tigga- 8.5 fsh is great. TBH I'm not sure how a stim cycle affects one's FSH, but I can tell you that after my first down reg cycle was cancelled my fsh was at 16 (not a day 2 reading) but my next day 2 result was 5.7- the lowest it's been to my knowledge.

Hi ladies,

thanks for the welcome.

I cant work out how to go back and check the questions again...so will answer from memory. Sorry for inaccuracies if they occur :)

Tigga, no on my second collection I did nothing differently. Psychologically I remember being calmer...a bit more resigned if you will, but the protocol was minimally changed from memory. I am planning on speaking to my F/S (appt in 2 weeks) about perhaps trying acupuncture this time around though.

Yes (sorry cant remember who asked) the FSH was on CD2. For some reason it had not been measured at all on the first two 'timed intercourse' cycles, then on the third one they measured, and I got a very negative letter from my F/S). She was not hopeful about my chances with IVF, but was happy to try (unlike some I have heard of who seem to prefer not to)... as it happens she was right to back my horse!

If these embies are not meant to bless us with a baby, we are considereing fresh IVF again, ut I am now 2 years older (41 in 2 days aaaargh...) so I am not terribly hopeful :(

Hi,

I got a second opinion from an FS on Tuesday. I also asked him about my high FSH, his opinion was that nobody can really say what influence FSH has. He said as long as the FSH is under 20 for a specific cycle a pregnancy is possible, only with an FSH over 20 they would be rare.

Sara

Wow Sara that sounds like a positive approach to take. Great to hear.

My 2nd clinic (Monash) never checked my FSH before doing a cycle, they just started you on the drugs and saw how you were going at CD9. I figured it was one less thing to worry about when doing IVF and I had to give it a go as there was only one me that I had to rely on and had to make the best with what I could do. Of course this has now changed using an ED.

Hi Sara,
It's really good to hear that it is still possible for those of us with high fsh.
Just to clarify, your FS said as long as it's <20 for a specific cycle, pg is possible, does that mean if it has ever been >20 and subsequently come down is it still possible or did your FS mean that pg is possible only if it's never gone over 20. Hope that makes sense thanks.

AFM: AF arrived today bang on 28 days :clap: will post what my fsh is this month possibly on friday. :crossfingers: it's around what it has been for the last few months (consistently <10). Anyway one can only hope, you never really know with high fsh.

Hope everyone is traveling well.

drbeee - thanks for the extra info! You've really lifted my hopes. (BTW, to see the questions you can scroll down the page on where you type the replies).

Dutchie - Fingers crossed your FSH is under 10 again this time!!! :pray:

Sara - Though, I've had 5, 6, 8...my highest readings have been 44, 33 & 21...so I'll be talking to my sister tomorrow about donor, we've mentioned it briefly, but tomorrow we're going to talk it through properly. Personally, I still don't know if I can go though with it. (But that's a discussion for another thread).

Hope everyone else is well!

Dutchie: My question was if my FSH is high this cycle later this week should I wait another cylce hoping it's lower and until what number of FSH would he suggest I cylce - so his answer was about a specific cycle not ever. However, he made clear that a FSH of 20 is not a good thing, he just said you never know there can always be the one egg that takes.....Good luck with your FSH reading this month.

Tigga: Good luck talking through the donor option with your sister - I am also thinking about that option but don't have a relative who would be a possibility

Sara

Hi everyone,

Sara- thanks for that info, that's what I thought might be the case.

Tigga- Best of luck talking things over with your sister, take as long as you need to make your decision. I've also had the "D" bomb dropped on me as 'another option', I was floored but I would like to continue with my own eggs for a while longer yet.

Drb- Acupuncture is fantastic, particularly when cycling I find it very relaxing and I'm much more able to cope with the stress of ivf, hormones etc, highly recommend it.

AFM- fsh this month is 7.0 which is good, I'm happy with that. Will start a fresh stim (flare) around mid June when AF arrives. I'm confident now that my fsh will be low enough for me to be able to start.

Good news on the FSH Dutchie. We might be cycling together in mid June (that's if my natural BFP doesn't come this month - optimist or what!!??)

Donor discussion on ice while sister and her DH contemplate it all.

drbee - I love acupuncture too. I go 2-3 times/week when I cycle and am back to 1/week at the moment. Find a good practitioner and if you don't feel it's doing anything for you... change. I was with one for around 6 months and felt things were plateauing out - so went to a new one and feel heaps better...I should've changed months before in hindsight. It's great for the stress I find.

Hi to Sara and everyone else.

I'll be pretty quiet for a while (not much going on) but will check in to see how everyone's going.

I'd love it if we were cycle buddies Tigga, come and join us in the Long Term Assisted Conception thread that's where I'll be posting during my cycle (not sure how to post link) :redface:

Okay girls, AF has arrived so will go in to measure FSH tomorrow - please keep fingers crossed for me. Have Acupunture tonite so everything set so far.


Sara

Glad AF showed today and didn't spoil your Sunday walk...fingers cross for a low FSH so you can start this cycle hun....:hug:

Good luck Sara!!! :pray: for low a number!!! I'll have everything crossed for you!!

Dutchie...Thanks, I'll be sure to log onto the other thread at some point when I start to cycle. It'll be good to share the rollercoaster ride...though...TBH, I am confident that I'll get my miracle this month and get a natural BFP! (Hey! It's free to dream!!)

Hi to CP!

Tigga, i love the 'free to dream' part, put a bit smile on my face...best of luck hun...

Sara, everything is crossed for you!

Hi girls

Sara- have my fingers crossed for your fsh this month

Tigga- your so right- 'dreams are free', and I think being positive can be nothing but a good thing. Fingers crossed for your natural BFP

Girls, all your support has helped, FSH is 10.3 which is very good for me, so relieved I can start this month. Will post updates in PGD and LTAC threads and results here.

Sara

Excellent news Sara Ill have all fingers crossed for you this cycle and be watching you progress :D

Great news Sara! :leap:

:clap: Great News Sara - soooo glad for you and wishing you all the best for this cycle. I really do hope it's the one for you. I just want to see one of us high-FSH'ers succeed. :pray: I'll get onto the other post at some point. I've been meaning to ask for ages...what's PGD stand for?

Hi to everyone else!

:

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I've been meaning to ask for ages...what's PGD stand for?

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Hey Tigga,
I believe PGD stands for PreImplantation Genetic Diagnosis that's about all I know of it other than it's used to test embryos for a number of different genetic abnormalities and it's quite expensive.
Hope things with you are well otherwise.
(I hope you don't mind me butting in and answering Sara as I believe the question was addressed to you)

Stop the rollercoaster girls so that I can jump on! I get to cycle again this month. Yep, today is first day of injections - 450 Puregon (loving the fact that I didn't have to do the pill this time!) My Day 2 baselines were: FSH 10 (that's not so great, but it's excellent for me!), LH 11, Pg 4, E 187. I had a Low Antral Follicle count (1 on RH Ovary and 3-5 on left)...so I'm prepared for low follie numbers but am open to a miracle. First scan on Tuesday. EPU scheduled for 24/6 - but mine ALWAYS changes. I'll post the end outcome here - but will post updates in the other thread.

I saw this on someone else's signature and liked it (she got pregnant on her first cycle BTW, with twins! Lucky duck!)

"IF GOD BROUGHT YOU TO IT, HE'LL GET YOU THROUGH IT" :pray:

My darkest hour so far: the scientist called, one is fragmenting, the other one two days behind, he basically gave both of them no chnace to go to blast stage. I really hat the rollercoaster ride. :wall:

Really don't know what to do anymore. Even an egg donor might not be able to help us with DP's bad semen result. Looks like the end of the road. :hide:

Sara

Sara- Many :hug: to you. I have replied to you in the other thread.

Tigga- Best of luck with this new cycle ooh how exciting :bluecheer: FSH of 10 is very good. I was going to start a new cycle aswell on the 18th but I don't think I will be as I have had immunology testing done and am eagerly awaiting the results of these. Bit of a shame as I sooo wanted to start but this is very important as well. Hopefully next cycle will be a goer, AF due on the 16th july. Bring on the :bfp:
BTW- I noticed that quote in someone's siggy too and thought it was pretty good too.

Hi Sara - Aaaaargh!!! This ride can be soooooo :wall: :wall:!!!! I'm so sorry to hear your news, hopefully the one embie has hung in there...I'll log onto the other thread to catch up. I'm sure it's not the end of the road for you - don't lose hope! Sending you loads of hugs and well wishes.

Dutchie - Bummer we didn't cycle together - but I think that the immunology testing is important and might just be the thing that clears the path for a successful next cycle. I'll have my fingers crossed that you get the all clear for a start in July.

A quick update: Had first scan on Tuesday (CD7, Day 5 of FSH 450) there's 3 follies at 13mm each - some smaller ones that don't rank - so, so far it's been a better this cycle. Maybe as a result of starting without the pill?? Who knows? BT showed a rise in LH so they got me to take the Orgalutran ASAP on Tuesday - hopefully the horse hadn't bolted. I'm after quality - not quantity - so hope the quality is good.

I have another scan tomorrow and EPU tentatively booked for Monday.

:pray: IF GOD BROUGHT YOU TO IT, HE'LL GET YOU THROUGH IT.

hey Tigga-

well done on your scan hun, those results sound really pleasing. I was a bit bummed that we couldn't cycle together but I really did want these results before I started. I've been given the go ahead so I should be right for a july flare. Have an appt at GP office tomorrow to get the results of this months fsh :crossfingers: it's <10 again
Best of luck for your scan tomorrow and for EPU on Monday :goodluck::goodluck:

Dutchie - everything crossed for a single digit FSH level! Even though, my FS and FN are both saying that increasingly FSH levels are not being used as an indicator to the likelihood of achieving pregnancy, but rather just as an indicator of how you might respond to IVF drugs. Pregnancy is still possible - even with higher levels! Good luck!!

Dutchie - I just noticed from your signature you're doing another flare cycle? What's the protocol for a flare cycle? Is it like an antagonist? Have you discussed with your FS about trying something different?

Hey Tigga
Yeah just another flare, I did mention trying an antagonist but FS just said to stick with a flare- it will work :wall: anyway I'll mention it again if our next flare goes pear shaped. FS also mentioned one time at an appt about trying clomid although I haven't asked further about this. I'm going to suggest perhaps trying to stim for a few extra days ie 12 at a lower dose i would suggest 300iu and see if we can get different results from that. Good to hear that high fsh is indicative of how you will stim for a cycle rather than whether you will achieve a pg, I constantly worry about that one, but I'm :pray::pray::pray: that we will produce that one little sticky gem.

ETA- the protocol for the flare is start synarel day 2 fsh day 3, i've stimmed for 9 days in my past 2 flares, epu 30 something hrs later and we generally have a day 2 transfer, it pretty much follows my natural cycle no pill beforehand for me at all

Hi Dutchie - I was just checking in to see what your FSH level was. Hopefully it was a single digit :pray:

I've never heard about clomid in an IVF cycle - but anything's worth investigating.

If you don't mind me asking - why do you do ICSI? We need to decide if we do ICSI on this cycle...I'm still undecided.

Also a quick update...today's scan showed 5 follies all at around 20-21mm - so I'm quietly thrilled...there's gotta be 'one' good on amongst them. EPU on Monday. Please. Please. Please work this time. :pray: :pray:

IF GOD BROUGHT YOU TO IT, HE WILL GET YOU THROUGH IT! :pray:

Hi Tigga,
WOW 5 follies at 20-21mm is excellent, I'm thrilled for you sounds really really good. Wishing you the best of luck for EPU on monday I'll be thining of you. We do ICSI as DP is azoospermic (meaning no sperm in ejaculate, sperm has to be extracted via needle)

AFM- fsh is right on track at 9.0, GP said it was very reassuring and I was pleased with it, would have liked it a little lower but it's under 10 and that's what I wanted. Received an email from FS earlier today and we're right to go for a flare next cycle :crossfingers::bluecheer::cheer: can't wait to get these immunology results on wednesday

Hi Tigga,
How did EPU go, am thinking of you.

Hi Dutchie,

Thanks for thinking of me, but what about YOU. FSH of 9!!!! Yay :clap: :dance:

Me, I got 3 eggs (this time it was written on my hand when I came to). In my daze, and through my blurry, post EPU vision I thought it was 8 for a minute..:doh: hahahaha. 3's better than my last result of 2 - so I'm happy! I feel really good this time around. No pain after EPU whatsoever...kind of feels like I've had nothing done at all. I usually shiver like crazy when I come out of anesthesia and cramp like crazy, but came out well today. I'm not complaining that's for sure!!!

DH & I were so tortured with the ICSI vs IVF decision. Clinic did not give us any factually convincing reason to go with it this time - just that fert rates are better - I'm more interested in 'live birth' rates and they couldn't tell me that ICSI 'live birth' success rates were any different. We did ICSI last time and got fert...but a chem preg. We've had a natural BFP (M/C) in the past and figured that we should try without ICSI to determine if natural selection will work for us and for future know whether or not we actually need that extra bit of intervention (sperm results don't call for it, post-wash was 7mill with 99% motility). We know we've taken a BIG risk here, but we both committed to the decision and agreed we'd be ok with whatever outcome it brings tomorrow.

Praying for good quality eggs and fert now!! :pray: Will post an update tomorrow.

I hope Wed's test results are exactly what you want to hear!

Hey Tigga,
:dance: 3 eggs, very well done, a really good result glad to hear EPU went well and your recovery is going a lot easier than in the past. I'll be :pray::pray::pray: for great fert rates for you and DH. I'll look forward to hearing updates from you. I wish my clinic would write my result on my hand too so I could see it as soon as I wake up from EPU, both times I've asked and I was barely awake from the anaesthesia (sp?)lol
Yes, fsh is still right on track, I only hope that it continues to be <10 for atleast 1 more month as next month is DEFINITELY a goer to do a flare :clap: AF due 13th of july

3 out 3 have fertilised! I am quietly excited! It's a long way yet to a BFP & baby I know, but at least it's headed in the right direction. :pray: that quality is good!! Transfer on Thursday if all tracks to plan. :dance:

IF GOD BROUGHT YOU TO IT, HE WILL GET YOU THOUGH IT! :pray:

Hey Tigga,
That's absolutely fantastic news,:dance: such a great result. I :pray: that we can get 100% fert rate when we next cycle. I'm so thrilled for you Tigga you must be feeling pretty good, I certainly would be if they were my results. Best of luck for TF on thurs you're definitely on your way to a sticky BFP, I really hope this is your time. I'll be eagerly awaiting updates from you, can't wait to hear that you are PUPO and then just plain old pregnant ;)

AFM- Heading to Melb tomorrow to get these results :clap:I'll probably post my results in the LTAC thread as it's not specifically fsh related.

Dutchie - Good luck today. I hope the results put a smile on your face!