A few IVF questions

Canuck13

So we had our consult today to discuss our failed iui's and moving on to IVF and one of the things the Re said was that he didn't think I would produce a lot of eggs based on my ------ number, which was 8...I don't remember what it was since there was a lot of info given. Any idea what this could be referencing? Also, I see a lot of girls mention they are taking birth control pills before IVF and my Re didn't mention that at all so I'm just wondering if this is regular protocol and he just didn't mention it (I obviously have to attend an IVF info session prior to cycling) or if not everyone takes bcp? Thanks for any help....just feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the info received today!

Milagros315

8 is probably your AFC - antral follicle count. It's the number of follicles you have at the beginning of a cycle. In a non medicated cycle, typically only one follicle will reach maturity. In a medicated cycle, the goal is to get as many of those antral follicles to grow to maturity so that a good quality egg can be retrieved. Your AFC is the maximum number of eggs that can be retrieved in that cycle (though sometimes there are some follicles hiding that show up during stims).

BCPs are usually prescribed to give your ovaries a rest and make sure you don't have any cysts. My nurse also described it as freezing your ovaries and keeping all of those antral follies on deck. Maybe since your AFC is on the low side, the doctor doesn't want to suppress you too much. That's just a guess though. It is possible that they just didn't mention it to you.

Canuck13

Thank you for the information, I think you're right about the AFC!

katib77

I agree it was probably AFC he was referencing.  

As for BCP, there are several types of protocol.  Antagonist is common (with BCPs prior) but there are those that do lupron prior to suppress.  Sorry since I've always done antagonist, I don't remember what the other kind is called.  If he didn't mention BCP, did he mention lupron or some other form of suppression?  

ksgsmu

I was not prescribed BCPS with my IVF cycle... I had what they call "a natural start" because I had a very low AFC and don't stim well.  MY RE didn't want to supress me anymore because I was already naturally supressed. 

Canuck13

Hi ksgsmu...just out of curiosity, what would be considered "very low AFC"? My Re didn't seem extremely concerned about my number but he did say it was somewhat of a concern and he hoped we could get 8 eggs...

Milagros315

I found the info on this site very helpful:

https://www.advancedfertility.com/antralfollicles.htm

Some of it is data from their clinic only (not a general average) but the information is good and easy to understand.

RunCC37

Sounds like the ladies above answered your questions very well I'll just add that I only used BCPs for two of my three IVF cycles.

Aeml1985

Canuck are you in canada? I'm in Alberta, we are being followed in Calgary.

Canuck13

Yep, I'm in Ontario