Hi there,
it's been a while since I've posted, so consider me a newbie again I guess. Sorry i'm not as up to speed on the terms and details as others.
I previously got DS after 3 conventional IVF cycles. My diagnosis is simply unexplained infertility. I have a low ovarian reserve, and previously had low follicle counts (4-7) and few eggs retrieved (max we got from a single retrieval was 3 that made it to blast). We just ended our first IVF cycle for #2 and tried to repeat our previously successful protocol. My body is just not responding. RE says that I'm pretty much at the max dosage for IVF stim and there isn't really anything else, but just keep trying. He wants to switch to mini IVF (no BC suppression, using Clomid, no shots until trigger) for the next one which I think will be our last shot.
He says its cheaper, and for someone like me with low numbers I'll probably get about the same amount that i would with conventional IVF. My last cycle we had 5 retrieved, 3 mature, 2 embryos, 1 able to fresh transfer. He thinks we could get a better quality egg if I'm on less meds, and hopefully we can FET with a month break in between. I'm also doing accupuncture, like I did with our successfully IVF for DS.
If any part of this sounds similar to your story (low ovarian reserve and low response to IVF stims), i would love to hear from you! Are you thinking of mini IVF, or have you done it already?
Re: mini IVF/low ovarian reserve. any similar stories? (DS mentioned)
Jnissa, I'm feeling that this will also be our Hail Mary before donor egg or straight to adoption.
Are you taking your supplements? Prenatal, fish oil, vitamin c, CoQ10? Studies show these supplements improve egg quality.
I also have low ovarian reserve, 5 follicles on the left, 2 on the right.
TTC: April 2013
DOR: AMH .3 - 1.31 (it varies); FSH: 5.1
Clinic NMCSD
IUI #1 July/Aug 2016
IVF #1 Sep/Oct Microdose Lupron Protocol - IVF cancelled only 1 follicle
IVF #2 Feb/Mar Antagonist protocol w/estrogen priming - 0 eggs retrieved (empty follicle syndrome)
Donor Egg Cycle as soon as we find a match