10 follicles, only 1 egg, unfertilized

[mppilot]

I have been scanning the web looking for some advice and support. I'm 41 and single. After several unsuccessful rounds of artificial insemination (using clomid for follicle stimulation), I went right to IVF. Though I was happy that I had 10 follicles, only one egg was retrieved.

I found out this morning that it did not get fertilized - I'm devastated. My doctor never returned my call and I'm now left wondering for the entire weekend - why did my follicles not produce eggs, is it a sign future IVF treatments will be so unproductive (and that I shouldn't bother) and what are my options?

I'm heartbroken, angry and doing a lot of regretful thinking (why didn't I start this 10 years ago) and looking for any answers to help me move on...Looking forward to any words of advice or support.

MPP

[to_have_fun08]

mppilot - I know it has to be devastating to go through a cycle and not end up with any eggs. I have heard of it before. I would follow up with your RE and find out what he/she might think what went wrong. The Re's can mix up your protocol that if you do IVF again, hopefully you won't have the same ending. Wishing you the best of luck.

Chris

[Liam'sMommy]

I am sorry things went so poorly. I will tell you in our age group egg quality is our biggest issue. But that doesn't explain why your doc was unable to retrieve your eggs from the follicles. I do know that the skill of the doctor doing the retrieval is very important. If i were you i would go to the haveababy.com website and post your questions/concerns to the doctors in each region. They are very knowledgeable and will answer questions even if you are not one of their patients.

Also try the website ivf connections. It is free to join. I am sure you will gain some insight from the ladies over there as well as here. I myself am just heading into ivf so i am not much help.

I am trying to get a buddy group going for ivfers over 40. I hope you will consider joining in. You will see my membership drive post on the board.

Please keep us posted.

Kelly

[Liam'sMommy]

sorry double post

[Liam'sMommy]

sorry triple post

[mppilot]

Liam's mom and 2havefun08 -
Thanks for your very helpful suggestions. I'm not ready to give up - so have these resources feels like I still have a little control over this...Good luck to you both.

And I will join the message board for IVFers over 40 - it couldn't come at a better time for me.
Thanks again.
Michele

[karenvancouverisland]

hi mp, so sorry to hear of your results, you must be devastated. i know that feeling too. different story- same ending, and it is very sad and difficult.

i'd suggest looking into DHEA (search NY center for human reproduction), it's a hormonal supplement hypothesized to improve egg quantity and quality. and also look into what your E2 numbers were through this cycle- was there indication from your bloodwork that things weren't progressing?

and most importantly, get emotional support for yourself and be gentle with yourself...

karen