New to this, ttc, 38, with low egg reserve. So many questions!!! Need advice

Fredifer1115

I'm 38, DH 38, ttc for a short period of time but immediately sought out fertility doctor because of my age and I only have 1 whole ovary. Most of the other was removed due to cyst when I was 24. First 3 3-day bloods came back with elevated estrogen, two of which related to active follicles. Haven't been able to start clomid because of this. Saw RE on Wednesday for sonogram, and another active follicle. He also told me I had low egg reserve, but did not have the time to go into all of what that meant because he was in between cases. We have a meeting scheduled with him this upcoming Wednesday, but I'm likely to drive myself crazy with my own deduction of what this means. I understand this is a common issue for women my age, although RE said I'm young for this. Anyone going through, or been through this? What are typical next steps? What questions should we be asking RE at the meeting? I want to be prepared, and moreso want to educate DH because he's more confused than I.

thirtyninetoforty

Hello and welcome!  I don't have any advice (sorry) but I just wanted to welcome you to this board.

ksgsmu

I was diagnosed with DOR ( Diminished Ovarian Reserve)... I was 36 when formally diagnosed.  My RE said although they usually see it with women a bit closer to 40 that he has patients in their 20's with this diagnosis. Mostly due to genetics.   DOR can be diagnosed several ways but usually it is due to a low AMH number, high FSH number or low AFC ( antral follicle count).  My FSH was borderline but my AMH was low and my AFC was VERY low.  I also didn't respond well to follicle stimulation drugs. 

 I am sure your RE will discuss it with you but I would ask how he/she came to this diagnosis.  Ask about any additional testing you might need etc.  Lot's of women with DOR do have succes so try not to freak out yet

good luck!

lcwed

I don't have any advice, but I just wanted to say Welcome!  The ladies here are wonderful and very helpful.  Good luck with the upcoming RE meeting.

tlc35

I also don't have any advice.  PP covered it, but welcome to the board and good luck at the RE appt.

PrivateOne

Welcome to the board!  I have DOR because of my age, however it is slightly better than the average for women of my age so I guess yay for me, but it is still diminished.  What @ksgsmu has said is spot on.  DOR isn't a diagnosis that can't be overcome and many women who have it go on to have children. So, try not to panic or drive yourself nuts.  Do you happen to recall from your AMH, FSH ,etc testing what the numbers were?  Also, have you asked if your numbers could be skewed because you only have the one ovary?  I'd think that may have an influence on your hormone levels and thus causing the lower numbers.  With DOR diagnosis, don't be surprised if your RE recommends going straight to IVF.  I'm not sure if you are open to that or able to do it, but you may find yourself thinking about going that route.

We have a great group of women on this board with all kinds of experiences TTC and I'm sure you'll be able to connect here and find lots of information from all our shared experiences. All the best to you!

C_Girlie

Hi welcome to this group,sorry I don't have any advice for you. But good luck

Davie813

Welcome, and best wishes for a productive meeting with your RE! Agree with pps, no need to be discouraged!

CML11

I don't have advice, but I just wanted to say welcome!

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Radiantly

Welcome and I hope your eggs are lining up for implantation soon! My friend was told her eggs were old and she is now due in sept. I don't have answers for you ... I am still tryin naturally and haven't been to an RE. From what I can tell after seeing so many variations, it's all a big mystery even to the doctors.

CaraH

Welcome! I don't have much information to offer, but I too wonder what impact your partial ovary has on the DOR results. They took most of my right ovary two years ago due to a dermal cyst. No one has mentioned it making a difference (and ironically I still ovulate on that side most months, even though at the time they thought it might not be functional), but it was still new and everybody was factoring it in to the equation already. Here's hoping your RE sheds some light.

Fredifer1115

Thank you, everyone. It's so good to have support. I'll ask what my numbers are and if/ how/having one full ovary might affect that. I feel a bit more comfortable.

bumpuser10258960

Hi and welcome! 

Fredifer1115

Hello. DH and I met with our RE today after DOR diagnosis last week. It seems we are skipping IUI and going straight to IVF after our convo today. IUI will be done if less than 3 eggs mature, but it's month by month decision. We are giving it one shot at IVF with my own eggs, and if it doesn't work we will go to donor eggs. So expensive!!! And of course not covered under either of our insurance plans Felt extremely confident leaving the RE today, which is completely different than after my last appointment with him. Signing up for our IVF class so could be doing IVF as early as next month!!! (Depending on blood work). Very exciting. And nerve wracking, but I'm trying to push all of that away and let the Universe take control.