Weight and Success Rates - Ghost or anyone

[LuckyCharm]

I have attempted 3 IVF cycles at this point, 2 fresh and 1 frozen all of which resulted in BFN. At that time, it was determined that my body did not react to the Ovidrel and that most of my eggs never matured enough to allow great fertlization rates. However, the ones that were mature enough grew nicely and 90% made it to blast stage with good quality. None of them took. I took some time off because I wanted my body to regulate from all the hormones and to get a chance to save up again. My husband has just started a new job which I found out has great coverage and I am ready to start again.

My doctor said that he thought it was a weight issue and that I needed to lose 40 lbs to truly have a chance. That number seemed quite high to me since I am not that overweight - at this weight I would be mostly bones with my frame. I understand that a lower weight does help with success rates, but what is ideal? I am active and exercise frequently. I don't eat salads all the time, but nor do I eat fast food all the time either. I am never going to be a thin woman and I see plenty of morbidly obese women have children all the time. I am slowly losing, but I am no where near the 40 lbs lost that he suggested.

I really feel that this doctor is putting the onus on me and is not looking at other reasons why this isn't working and suggesting other options. How much effect does weight really have on success rates? I am getting older every day that I am holding out by trying to lose weight before I start again. What is the bigger effect - age or weight?

Any help is greatly appreciated!!

[leorira11]

LuckyCharm - can I be really rude and ask what your weight/height is? I weigh about 190lbs and I'm 5'4" --- no one has ever said anything about my weight. We do IVF because of severe male factor. When I was first diagnosed with PCOS, my doctor recommended losing weight - although he doubted that I would ovulate even if I lost weight (since my hormone levels were soooo off). We were referred to IVF after DH's semen analysis came back with an extremely low sperm count. I respond great to the meds (antagonist protocol).

I know that losing weight is always a good thing to do - but I'm also curious if it's a vital step in the IVF. I always have great responses to the meds, but would losing weight make my odds of getting pregnant better? Ghost, do you know anything about this?

[Ghost]

I have attempted 3 IVF cycles at this point, 2 fresh and 1 frozen all of which resulted in BFN. At that time, it was determined that my body did not react to the Ovidrel and that most of my eggs never matured enough to allow great fertlization rates. However, the ones that were mature enough grew nicely and 90% made it to blast stage with good quality. None of them took.

Ovidrel has only 2/3 as much hCG as the usual 10,000 IU hCG dose. Ovidrel is also given in a subcutaneous injection, resulting in a slower release. The result of these two factors can be fewer mature eggs in some women, especially relatively heavy women. Such was observed at a large IVF center. One solution is to lose the weight, which is also generally good for overall health, but can take a lot of time. Another is to switch to the 10,000 IU hCG dose. It's also about $100 cheaper than Ovidrel.

[LuckyCharm]

Thanks for the replies! I will definitely ask my RE about the other form of hcg - it may just do the trick!

Leorira - Not a rude question at all and it helps find me the answer I need. I am about 175 lbs with a height of 5'4. My build is ultra curvy so I tend to hold weight everywhere. I really would benefit from losing the 40 lbs that the doctor is recommending, but in my experience its really hard to come off. I exercise a lot and have good muscle tone. I dont look as heavy as I actually weigh so I guess I never considered it a big concern. It was a shock to me when the doctor made such a big deal about it to me. I think that I may go ahead and try a cycle without losing all the weight and hope for the best. I do react well to all the other medications and get a decent number of follicles. In the meantime, I am removing all sugar from my diet, exercising even a little bit more and hoping that will ease me down enough to make a difference. With Ghost's recommendation I am also going to see about using the different type of hcg. Thanks again!

[tuffy4u]

Hello, just putting in my two cents. I used to be about 25 lbs over weight and had two kids (one via IUI and one natural). Now that I am an ideal weight I can't get pregnant. From what I've heard as long as you are not obese, BMI 35 and over then it doesn't really matter. I have actually considered putting the weight back on however my doctor has assured me that my weight is not a factor in my fertility. FYI I lost weight on slimgenics, it's kind of expensive (nothing compared to IVF) but they helped me lose most of my weight in 6 weeks. IF it's not available in your area I've heard that medifast has a similar program. I also was a frequent exerciser but just couldn't lose the weight, good luck!

[leorira11]

I'm about 190lbs (it fluctuates a hell of a lot - stress from IVF makes me gain weight since I stop working out and start eating chocolate and being pregnant makes me lose weight, since I suffer from terrible sickness and vomiting) and also 5'4". No one has said anything about my weight. I also trigger with Ovitrelle with no problems ( getting about 15 mature eggs each time).

Has anyone mentioned PCO to you? I've tried to lose weight for YEARS including periods of time where I was being carefully monitored by my doctor (strict food diaries and workout logs - I didn't cheat and still couldn't lose weight). PCO can really affect how you lose weight. If you are insulin resistant, losing weight can be really hard.

[jacks-will]

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