Has anyone else only developed 1 - 2 eggs for an IVF cycle?

[seg107]

Hi -
I haven't been on this site for awhile...but I don't know where else to go.  I need hope or a reality check!

Hi -
I'm 37 and have been TTC for 2 years.  In the summer of 2010 I got pregnant naturally, but then had a miscarrage at 7 weeks.  We contintued to try naturally until the following April when i went to see an RE.  He did the typical series of tests and everything came back normal - except he suspected i had endometriosis.  I underwent the procedure to remove the endo - all was fine.  The following month we did an IUI cycle with just chlomid.  Success!  I couldn't believe it worked the first time!  Well, unfortunatly I was carring mono/mono twins and i lost them at 18 weeks.  Of course we were devistated, but committed to try again.  We quickly started back up wtih the RE - starting with just IUI w/chlomid (since it worked the first time) - there were some issue with cysts and a couple failed attempts.  We did that for maybe 4 cycles, then we went to injectables.  Tried that for a few cycles..nothing.  I will mention though, that each time i did develop multiple folliciles - probably between 2-4.  Starting in June, we progressesed to IVF.  So, i've been through 2 IVF cycles - the first one i only developed one follie and it was cancelled.  That last one I only developed 2 follies but my dr wanted to go ahead with it.  We did the extraction on Sunday, and i just heard that the 2 eggs that were extracted weren't mature so they couldn't be fertalized.

I'm not sure what my question is exactly...but 1.  I'm wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience & how it turned out?  and 2.  any thoughts on why i would develop follies on chlomid but not respond to the more aggressive (and expensive) meds?  3.  I'm healthy - got pregnant naturally 2 years ago and on my first IUI 1 year ago - what would have changed....?

I should also mention that my insurance doesn't cover any fertility at all - so i'm paying for everything out of pocket.  At least $50M so far...i'm not sure how many more tries we can afford....

[seg107]

Hi -
Thanks for the info!  I'm going to look into the Royal Jelly, Wheatgrass and DHEA.  I've been doing accupuncture for a couple years now (on and off) and i'm going to keep that up.

Good luck!

[babyhope40527]

Doctor has not prescribed but suggested to take male hormone DHEA, which i started last week, and having sleepless nights as it keeps you up in some cases.

Taking royal jelly twice a day along with half cup cold water.

Taking wheatgross juice, which i got in frozen cubes.

Will start accupuncture 3 weeks before next attempt, already met accupuncturist for the same.

Overall, weight reduction may help so started gym.

I know it sounds like a huge military operation.

good luck.

[seg107]

Thanks for the comment.  I'm sorry for your miscarriage!

I've been told my FSH levels are OK, i need to check in for the exact levels.  What meds are you on now for improved egg quality/quanity?

thanks & good luck!

[babyhope40527]

Hey seg,  I am 33. In may 2011, on my first IVF, i produced 2 eggs. My RE wont go ahead without 3 minimum. So cycle cancelled. August 2011, i made 4 follicles, 3 mature eggs retrieved, 2 fertilized with ICSI, and i had an early miscarriage.

So yes. I am a poor responder, even to very high dosages as 600 units a day. So this is not uncommon, not every woman will respond great to stims. However, in my case, my FSH is high AMH is low indicating poor ovarian reserve. You need to know the reasons in your case. What are your hormone levels?

In order to improve egg quantity and quality i am on certain meds right now. I will try again in November 2011.

Good luck to you. Paying out of pocket is way too hard.