IVF with very high FSH?

[rae]

Hi every one. I haven't posted here for a over a year, I've been off the fertility round-a-bout for a little while; and have been getting support from an ectopic pregnancy board in the meantime. I have had three ectopics and I only have one blocked, scarred tube now.

I am just about to make a decision about whether or not to go through with an egg donor cycle (we are so lucky to have this opportunity) ...but before we jump in, my DH and I are considering getting a second opinion about the possibility of using my eggs. Our FS refused to put me through an IVF cycle because my FSH levels were too high. Does any one know if any specialists ever give it a try, or is the general consensus that there is no point in taking follicle stimulating drugs if the follicles are already being naturally over stimulated and ovulation is not regular etc?

Any insight would be great! Thank you.

[dusty]

Hi Rae
I think it depends a lot on your history of EPUs and FSHs. There may be some FS around that are willing to give it a go, but it may be a lot of work and take time to find out if they are willing (with referrals, appointments, tests etc).

I know the overwhelming feeling of wanting to give it 'just one more go with my own eggs'. Does your FS know you have a donor in the wings and you want to go one more time yourself before resorting to donor? I am in a similar situation to you although my donor has already done two full stim cycles for me (no frosties).

[rae]

No. He doesn't. I haven't had any contact with him since he tested my sister's FSH as well and said her levels were too high to be a donor. He only tested her once, but we are twins so he assumed that she would be in the same boat as me. He has said that he won't put me through an IVF cycle with my FSH levels, so I would be approaching someone new.

The time factor is a pressure, I have been agonizing over this decision for nine months and I don't want to keep my donor waiting for my decision for too much longer. I know that I am very lucky that two people have been willing to donate to me, but I find the non-blood related donor to be a harder issue to work through.

[dusty]

There are lots of things to think about aren't there, but not enough time necessarily .

If you don't mind me asking, how old is your other donor? If they are young then there is less time pressure for you as it depends mainly on the donor egg age, not the IP (intended parent). Although I understand your donor may not be able to wait around and may have plans of their own to make.

I can understand there are things to work through in relation to a non-relative donor, however, it is amazing how far our thinking can come when faced with the realities and our desire to have a child. I was never going to do IVF and here I am many cycles later and now with an egg donor. Family can be defined in so many ways.

ETA: I know a woman who wasn't quite ready to give up on her own, but did a donor cycle and froze all embryos and then waited on the outcome of her own last cycle. She is now pg through the frozen donor assisted embryos on her first try, after many many tries on her own.

[rae]

I meant to say thanks for answering my post, dusty!

My donor is 37...so time will become an issue. I am 38, but my body seems to think it is more like 48!

It really is very confusing, I thought I had moved on from wanting my child to be biologically mine, but it seems I haven't. Do you, or anyone understand why they don't start an IVF cycle if the FSH levels are so high? Is it dangerous or just very unlikley to work? I thought I understood but I can't seem to get it completely clear in my head.

ETA: I am a bit worried that I may have offended mums, dads and parents to be because of what I wrote above...I was speaking about how I felt right then in relation to donor versus non-donor eggs, I was having a difficult day yesterday-- and I wasn't making judgements about any one else's family, every child is a blessing and a miracle for every mum; and one day I hope to be one! Sorry if my tone came across as flippant or selfish.

[Sara69]

Hi Rae,

I am sorry you're having a difficult time. I recently wasn't sure whether I should start an IVF cycle as my FSH was 9.7 - my FS does IVF cycles up to a FSH of 11 and recommended I start.

I have now heard from other women who had succesful cycles with an FSH of up to 14 and was also told by the IVF nurse that while the FSH is an indicator it's in no way foolproof, she also quoted a successful cycle from a women who had an FSh of 14 and said some women with really good FSH levels don't have many follicles/eggs etc.

In my understand a high FSH means that you may not have many eggs. Found some info here
Day 3 FSH Fertility Test

In any case if your not sure abotu the advice from you FS I would go to someone else to get a second opinion.

Good luck

Sara

[Tigga]

Hi All,

Just checking in to let you know that my BT today was

My FSH was 5.7 - which is good...I think (I don't know if it's valid b/c it's not CD2 yet??). They will check it again on CD2. I am now waiting for AF and if FSH behaves will commence (yet again) IVF antagonist. Fingers crossed I don't just again this time before I even get to start.

Hope everyone else is faring better!

[buliej]

Tigga - so sorry it wasn't your month. I have never had anything but a Day 2 FSH so don't know much about what it means - you may want to try googling to see how much it varies depending on where you are in your cycle

[Tigga]

Thanks buliej!

Good luck this month!! Hope it all goes well for you.

[Sara69]

Tigga very sorry to hear that. Think the 5.7 is a good sign in any case. for the new cycle - I'll hopefully also be able to start an antagonist cycle later this month.

Sara

[Cuddlepie]

Sorry to hear that Tigga...the FSH figure sounds pretty good to me....hope the next cycle you will start with a super low FSH...You, me and Sara will be antagonist cycle buddies good luck!

[Dutchie80]

You, me and Sara will be antagonist cycle buddies

Hiya
Me too pleassse. Im hoping to start an antagonist cycle approx late March (provided my FSH is low Im now taking organic wheat grass as well I figure its good for me anyway regardless of IVF). Im going to be on 600iu of FSH
Tigga- Big hugs to you sorry to hear that this month wasnt to be. A 5.7 FSH is quite good. Id be happy with that in fact, thats around what Im aiming for to cycle again late March.
Anyway good luck to everyone

[Cuddlepie]

Hey Dutchie, glad to have you! I am taking wheatgrass ATM too, only started yesterday, so I am hoping my FSH on day 1 (around mid March) will be low enough for me to start...

Keep checking in girls!