Low Antral Follicle Count? - SAIFW

2becomes3

Hi ladies, happy Saturday!

I had my baseline appointment yesterday for my IUI (converted from IVF).  It was CD2, and they counted 9 antral follicles (4 on left, 5 on right).  I googled, and this number sounds like it might be low. 

I know the typical baseline u/s is done on CD3, is it possible that the AFC could get higher from one day to the next?  Is this because I'm an "old-head", lol...I'm 31? 

Any knowledge, experience, or advice welcome 

Edit:  Please note this is for an IUI, not IVF.

krissyh21

Generally speaking, the older you get the less antacle follicles you have. Although there are other factors that can affect count such as PCOS (higher count) or high FSH levels (lower count).

As far as how many follicles are actually in there, keep in mind a u/s is just a 2d picture and they really can not see all that is going on in the ovaries. For all 3 IVFs I always got more follicles growing then what they saw from the begining. 

armywife76

krissyh21:

Generally speaking, the older you get the less antacle follicles you have. Although there are other factors that can affect count such as PCOS (higher count) or high FSH levels (lower count).

As far as how many follicles are actually in there, keep in mind a u/s is just a 2d picture and they really can not see all that is going on in the ovaries. For all 3 IVFs I always got more follicles then what they saw from the begining. 

That's good to hear.  I only had 9 AF's or so on my last stimulated cycle so I was really hoping for more when I start IVF next month.  I do have borderline FSH, so that's probably the reason for my low AFC.  Good luck!

m&m2006

from what i understand, your AF count is pretty indicative of what you'll get at retrieval.  however, 9 is not a bad number at all.  i only had 7 large follicles, and we were able to get 5 great embryos out of it.  remember, it's all about quality, and not quantity.

oct11bride03

I was 28 when I had my first AFC u/s. It was CD3 for an IUI cycle. Now granted, I was diagnosed with high FSH so I knew I wouldn't be producing tons of follies. On CD3 I had 8. I went home after the appt. and cried my eyes out.

I did Follistim injections and ended up with two dominant follies by the time we got to trigger. And, shockingly, the IUI worked and I'm pregnant. My RE always reminded me that, with high FSH, it was about quality over quantity. If we ever got to IVF he warned me that I wouldn't be one of those women with 30+ eggs at retrieval. Nine is a good starting point and hopefully you'll develop a few more while stimming. With IUI you don't really want more then 3 or 4 dominant follies because that increases the chance of HOM, so it looks like you're in a good place.

As for why you might have only 9...were you tested for high FSH? Every cycle is different and you might have more or less next time. They say as you get older you produce less AFC, but the truth is it can vary based on hormones. I was only 28 and had the AFC of someone much closer to 35+.

GL!!

LCB34

My AFC has fluctuated between 6-8 since I started working with an RE. I have low AMA and borderline high FSH. Also my endo is effecting my eggs. I never had any more than 1 follicle during my 3 IUI cycles and we only retrieved 4 eggs for IVF#1. You number isn't super low but I wouldn't expect you to get any more than 9 mature egg at your retrieval.

2becomes3

oct11bride03:

I was 28 when I had my first AFC u/s. It was CD3 for an IUI cycle. Now granted, I was diagnosed with high FSH so I knew I wouldn't be producing tons of follies. On CD3 I had 8. I went home after the appt. and cried my eyes out.

I did Follistim injections and ended up with two dominant follies by the time we got to trigger. And, shockingly, the IUI worked and I'm pregnant. My RE always reminded me that, with high FSH, it was about quality over quantity. If we ever got to IVF he warned me that I wouldn't be one of those women with 30+ eggs at retrieval. Nine is a good starting point and hopefully you'll develop a few more while stimming. With IUI you don't really want more then 3 or 4 dominant follies because that increases the chance of HOM, so it looks like you're in a good place.

As for why you might have only 9...were you tested for high FSH? Every cycle is different and you might have more or less next time. They say as you get older you produce less AFC, but the truth is it can vary based on hormones. I was only 28 and had the AFC of someone much closer to 35+.

GL!!

Wow, thank you for this story.  It certainly gives me all of the hope that I need!  Congratulations on your little girl!!!