Question re: drug dosage

[Dolly]

Hi there,

When I went for my follow up last week I mentioned that I was always disappointed with the amount of eggs I produce (8 the first time and 6 the second) and although last time we had 2 top grade embryos the others havn’t been good enough to freeze. Although I was pleased that 2 of them were good grade – I feel that we only just make it and maybe it would be better if we had more embryos to choose from and then if there were more than 2 we could put them on ice.

The Consultant said that it was fine to up the dosage of Puregon – but she also said that it wouldn’t necessarily increase the amount of eggs but would obviously increase the cost.

So I am left wondering what to do – do we go for it and hope that it does help produce more eggs, or carry on as before and hope that we get at least 2 good grade embryos?

I would appreciate your views.

Hope you're all well

Dolly

[Nikola]

hi Dolly

I used Puregon too for my ivf. My first cycle I got 14 eggs - I put two back but tmt failed and none of the others were suitable for freezing. On my second cycle I only got 6 eggs and panicked that we wouldn't have any to use let alone freeze, we managed to get 4 fertilised but again they were not suitable for freezing - they were barely suitable for using! (This said, the two they put back decided to stick around I'm now 24wks pg with twins!)

You could increase your dosage and produce more eggs but they still might not be good enough to freeze and then you'll be in the same situation as before except its cost you more money!

I think its harsh that the hospital expect you to make this decision - surely this is what they are being paid for - their expertise. Why can't they advise you on what they think it the best course of action!

Whatever you decide I wish you luck with your next tmt.

love nikola.xx

[Dagny]

Hi Dolly

I used Puregon too for all 3 of my treatments. I got 12 eggs the first time and only 4 fertilised embryos through IVF. Two were put back grade 3-4 not good and only 4 cells, the other 2 embies were not good enough for freezing. Then I got OHSS and a -ve outcome. So the next treatment they decided to reduce my Puregon from 200 to 150.

My next treatment I got 12 eggs again even on a reduced dosage. They did half and half fertilisation of 6 IVF and 6 ICSI. Out of that we got 5 ICSI fertilised embryos and 3 IVF. They put one of each back grade 2-3 and 4 cells again. The other 6 embies were again not good enough to freeze. I did get OHSS again but mildly and another -ve result.

Third treatment was on the 150 Puregon and this time I got 15 eggs which they fertilised all by ICSI. We got 12 embryos and they put back 1, 4 cell and 1, 5 cell at grade 2-3. Once again the other 10 embies never got frozen. Mild OHSS as well!

I am now 22 weeks PG with one and have never had a top grade embryo put back and got more eggs from a reduced dosage of Puregon. We have to consider that each person responds very differently to the drugs and your hospital should have more information to give to you rather than sending you home none the wiser. It may cost you more and for nothing but if I were you I would go for it if you can afford it. There is always hope. Nikola is right about the hospital being experts and leaving the decision to you with no real advice. She is proof of the pudding that even ropey (sorry Nik) embryos make it!

Good luck Dolly I hope my whittering helped you. It is always good to have other peoples experiences at hand when having to make a decision. Take care.

Love Dagny xx

[alisonn]

hi dolly
it is very hard when the consultant responds like that, for my
first 2 treatments i was on puregon and then i was changed
to menapour i was told it worth trying a different drug and it
was good to give the body a change. I must admit i was
on a very high dosage due to my age (42) 450 a day, very
expensive.
Might it be worth trying a different drug ?, i know its very hard
to make decisions and realy the consultant should be suggesting
to u different ideas, just remember it just takes 1 little embie
to make your dream come to , which it did for me in jan
after turning 43 !!!!!.
let us know how u get on
alison

[Traci]

Dolly
You poor thing having to make that decition , But it seems aparent that it dosent necesseraly mean better embies , I would save your money and put it towards another go or pamper yourself whilst on tmt, you may benefit by being less stressed! What ever you decide
GOOD LUCK

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Trace x