1st IVF - Only 4 eggs retrieved

[Chicory]

I'm currently going through my 1st IVF cycle. Yester was the "retrieval" day. The embryologist...and I...was very suprised that there were only 4 eggs. I have to wait until tomorrow to know how many fertilized. I'm hoping 3....does this possible? B/c I produced so few eggs, does this mean that the protocol was not strong enough?

[kerribell]

I only had four eggs retrieved, but that was expected since there were only 4 follicles. They were fertilized with ICSI, and only two fertilized. They performed assisted hatching on the two and did a 3 day transfer. I'm still on my 2ww, so I don't know if it worked or not. This is also my first IVF cycle.
Did you have more than 4 follicles present on ultrasound prior to ER?
I did ask why they thought I only had 4, they think that since I have endo, that my dose of lupron may have suppressed me too much not allowing me to produce many eggs. I don't know if you have any issues such as this, but I would like to know what your doctor says regarding the number of eggs. If you don't mind me asking, how old are you? I'll be 34 on Sunday.
Sorry if this does not help much. Good luck!

Kerri

[Quinny]

Hi Both

I had my collection on Tuesday 3rd July, 5 eggs were collected of which 3 fertilised and 2 4 cell were transfered yesterday so I am now on my 2ww, I am 35, 36 in August and thi is my second try at ICSI 1st attempt failed.

Good Luck and let us know how you get on.

Quinny

[Quinny]

Hi

Forgot to mention, I asked my doctor reason for only 5 eggs when I produced 6 last time (November 06) and he says there is nothing to say why it happens? I was even given higher doasge of medication this time but that did not appear to increase the number of eggs, what cell grade were your embryos?

Quinny

[Malinka]

different people react different to infertility drugs.
I wasn't producing to many eggs as well, 1st time 8, 2nd time 12, and 3rd time only 7.

But you know our favorite saying here: it is only takes one lucky embryo to creat a miracle:)

[kerribell]

Quinny - One was 9-cell the other 8-cell. They were both grade A (best in clinic).

Kerri

[Chicory]

Hi Kerribell + Quinny...and everyone who took the time to answer

I got a call yesterday from the embyologist. All 4 of my eggs have fertilized. I'm thinking that this is a really good thing. I have my transfer today. They will only transfer 2 at this clinic.

Now to answer some of the questions that were posted.

I'm 32 and have unexplained infertility. The doctors at the clinic did not offer any explanation as to why I produced only 4 eggs. I had 8 follicles. I do not have endo.

Well I'm off soon to the clinic. Keep your fingers crossed. Now I will begin the 2 week wait.

[Quinny]

Hi Chicory,

That's good news, do you know what cell grade they are? Please lets us know how you get on Good Luck!!

Hi Kerribell,

Wow they are both good grades, what day did you have them transferred? When is your test date? Mine is 17th July, I am so anxious as I have been through this before and had failed attempt.

Have a good day both, fingers crossed for us all

Quinny x

[hopetobeamommysoon]

Kerribell,

I too have endometriosis and my RE told me that is why they were only able to retrieve 5 eggs from me on ER day. Out of those 5 only 3 were mature and then only 2 fertlized with ICSI. Praise the Lord though that the two that fertilized turned out to be a 10 cell (grade 4) and 8 cell (grade 4)-grade 4 is the best at my clinic and we did a 3 day transfer. When the doctor told me about my few number of eggs she said that if they increased my dose of meds that I may have gotten 1 or 2 more mature eggs but it wouldn't make a substantial difference. She is so confident that this 1st round is going to work for us, I only wish I had that same level of confidence. I feel so torn between good and bad because I have no idea if my sweet little embryos have hung on! What a roller coaster ride IVF is proving to be! My beta test is Wednesday 7/11 so I may test the day before or I may just hold out and pray for the best:)

Good luck everyone!

[summerbaby]

Hi Quinny -
I know exactly how you feel on this 2ww - we, too, had a failed ICSI treatment in Dec 06 and the not knowing (yet) if it worked this time or not is really so hard and makes the wait sooo terribly long. But, hang in there.

I'm 42 and I had 2 Blastocysts transferred on June 30 and my bloodtest is this Thursday - Trying to resist the hpt temptation - because seeing those negatives last time really got me down - and I think I'd just rather hear what the bloodtest has to say....
My treatment was also completely different - new clinic, new doctor, different meds - so I can't compare anything - almost like starting from square one.

Best of luck to you and everyone else reading this thread!
Amy

[kerribell]

Quinny - I transferred on June 30 and my test date is July 11. I will probably have to do a hpt before then, most likely tomorrow.

Hopetobe - I also wondered if they had increased the meds, if it would have cause more eggs to grow. I am feeling like you. Sometimes I just feel like I know it worked, and other I feel like there is no way that it could have. I'm just ready for an answer one way or the other.

Chicory - I'm glad that all your eggs fertilized. I hope your ER went well today and that you got some good little embies!

Good luck to you all!

Kerri

[kerribell]

I took a hpt today and it was a BFP! Just wanted to let you know that there is hope!

Good luck!
Kerri

[Quinny]

Hi Kerrie

BIG FAT CONGRATULATIONS to you and DH:D

Glad you got that BFP

Have a good day and take it easy, goodluck for B/W tomorrow

Quinny x

[kerribell]

Thanks Quinny! Hey, you're halfway through your 2ww. Try to stay occupied!

Kerri