Question for Ghost or IVF Nurse or anyone over 35

[mgpasco]

I just had a failed IVF/ICSI cycle. This is my 2nd attempt, our 1st attempt back in 2005 produced a live birth and we did the old protocol of Gonal-F and Cetrotide and no Lupron or Luveris.

This most recent cycle we did Lupron and Luveris and I only had 3 eggs and only two made it to 5 day transfer and they were only 6 and 10 cell.
My RE said they should have been 100 cell.

The first cycle back in 2005 we had 9 eggs, 5 fertilized and only 3 made it to 3 day transfer.

My RE is suggesting a test called "Plan Ahead", do you know anything about it?

I am 35 and I am worried that they are never going to be able to get enough eggs. My husband has 5 vials of TESA retrieved sperm and he went through tons of hormone therapy to even get that. My insurance will only pay for 1 more retrieval.

Should we just give up and look at adoption since we already have one child?

[lynniecat]

Not sure what that test is...

I am 42 and I can tell you that three years can make a lot of difference. Whether you go with adoption is a personal choice. You could also look at donor eggs if you would like to carry the child and be in control of its care from day one in the womb. Personally I think adoption makes a lot of sense as there are so many children who need good homes as long as matching color/race is not an issue for you.

Now, I would not give up yet. Each round can be different and many women get pregnant after a failed round. I am also starting my last insurance paid for round so I know how you feel!

Good luck!

[Ghost]

My RE is suggesting a test called "Plan Ahead", do you know anything about it?

Should we just give up and look at adoption since we already have one child?

Plan Ahead is a new ovarian reserve test marketed by Repromedix. It includes tests for FSH, Inhibin, and AMH. You've probably already had your FSH measured.

Another good indicator is the antral follicle count seen on ultrasound.

These are used to predict how well you will respond to stimulation. However, since you have had ovarian stimulation recently, we can just skip to the answer. You produced three eggs, and for some reason (eggs or sperm) they did not develop to blastocysts. No, that's not very good.

Your doctor is running these tests to decide if your eggs are the cause.

You can always try again. A low response makes success less likely but not impossible. If you decide it's not worth it for whatever your chance will be, then yes, adoption is an option. Don't forget oocyte donation cycles. These work pretty well, with 80% live birth per transfer in some clinics. Generally not covered on insurance, though.

But we get ahead of ourselves. You have not had your test yet.