Slow responders during IVF

[Atia_Julii]

Has anyone been a slow responder during your IVF cycle?

I went in today, after being on stims for 6 days, and only had 2 follicles, both barely big enough to measure.  I've never had issues ovulating, so I'm really confused.  I'm on 400 IU's of follistim a day.  The nurse told me that she has seen cases like mine where it just takes longer to have follicles grow.  I'm sad and confused.  Does anyone have info about this?

[Hopefulfor2010]

I was also a slow responder, but in the end, they were able to extract 7 healthy eggs from my 9 follicles - which I am told is a very good number. Make sure you ask questions though. After talking to a second IVF doctor, he said that if he had seen how slowly I was responding, he would have changed my protocol early on to increase my stimulation. Tell your doctor that if you don't start responding that you want him/her to rethink your protocol.

My BFF only produced 4 eggs, and she got preg on her first IVF round. Most doctors only want to implant 2 embryos at the most so you are well on your way!!!

I found out yesterday that I am not pregnant, but everyone's situation is different. Your first goal is just to get the most high quality eggs possible. And that is completely possible even if you are responding slow. My doctor aims for 8-10 good eggs. You already have two and by the time you go back I bet that number will be much much higher.

Best of luck to you!.

[40smama]

I don't have too much info about this - only that I too slowly responded to the meds and ended up having to cancel the cycle.  But I remember my donor (we conceived via donor eggs) slowly responding to the drugs too and she did just fine & produced 31 eggs (or something like that).  Try not to stress! - jen