low iron count affecting my chances?

Discussion forum for those particularly interested in IVF and embryo transfer including frozen embryo transfer.
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leorira11
Valued Contributor
Posts: 1275
Joined: Fri Mar 19, 2010 12:09 pm
Location: Jerusalem, Israel

low iron count affecting my chances?

Post by leorira11 »

My RE keeps telling me that I'm doing everything right and there is nothing I can do to increase my chances of success....
Yesterday, my regular doctor ran routine blood tests and found that I have a low iron count (and my hemoglobin is borderline). Could this be affecting my IVF chances?

I delivered twins at 22 weeks in December and had a post-partum hemmorhage. I took iron supplements for a few months and then stopped (mostly because the constipation was awful!). I know I should start taking them again.

I'm scheduled to start a new IVF cycle this week (AF due on Sun/Mon). Should I push it off until my iron levels are higher?

I'm a bit desperate at this point. My loss six months ago and subsequent 2 failed FETs is really getting me down...
I *NEED* a baby in my arms....
8 IVF+6 FET=6 BFN+8 BFP =

-b/g twins 22w (12.09)
-mc 10w (9.10)
-Micha (7.19-24.11) & Asaf (7.19-28.11) born at 24w
-mc 5wk (2.12)
-no HB at 18w (10.12)
-BO (4.13)-
-mc 6wk (9.13)

last attempt - donor sperm - baby girl born healthy July 2014
Olivia2501
Newbie
Posts: 6
Joined: Fri Jan 02, 2009 6:30 pm

Re: low iron count affecting my chances?

Post by Olivia2501 »

First let me say I am so sorry for your loss! I just had a miscarriage at 8 weeks after our first IVF was succesful, but compared to what you have gone through, mine does not even compare!

I am not sure about the low iron, my doctor never mentioned this to me as being a possible issue that I was not conceiving. I can say in March 2008 while TTC my hemoglobin was down to a 6. I had no idea! I felt bad, tired all the time, I was pale as a ghost, had heart palpitations, but I just chalked it up to stress, only when I had a fainting spell in the store, did they find my problem.
Mine was due to heavy periods caused by endometriosis. I tried the iron pills but they were not working quick enough so I had a transfusion, then surgery for endo 2 months later.
My RE nor my OBGYN never said that the low iron might have been an issue TTC, however they do monitor my hemoglobin often. During this whole IVF process they made sure it was ok before we even started...I may ask next time I go see my RE. Good question!
38, TTC #1
Severe endometriosis
3 IUIs failed
IVF #1 March 2010 with lupron & follistim
BFP 3/29 & 2 more betas confirmed BFP
4/23 US revealed no heartbeat
5/3 miscarriage after taking misopristol
June 2010 BFN
Start IVF #2 in August 2010
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