FSH Level

I am 40  and have had 3 failed iui's.  I am now wanting to try IVF.  I went for my day 3 fsh test today, and was told that the level was 18.  Was told that IVF would probably not work and I may only get 3-4 eggs and if I even get 1 that fertilizes my chances of carrying full term will only be about 20%.  Right away I was asked to concider egg donor.  Can you please tell me if you agree with my Dr?  

[alikat1205]

have you been taking fertility meds? they can falsely elevate fsh levels.  if so, ask him about re-testing.  

[sasparilla]

Ya know.. FSH goes up and down all the time ( and from month to month)  Mine just went to a 12 from a 10.  You should try reading "Inconceivable" by Julia Indichova.  Her book is all about her TTC journey.  She conceived naturally after years of trying, and that month her FSH was 30.
My Dr. freaked when my FSH went up.. I was on 50 mg. clomid this past month, and I produced 3 nice big follies on just that little amount of drugs.  From what I understand, try shopping around Dr's, some specialize in high FSH levels.  As far as Im concerned, its not over till its over.  (I personally and drinking wheat grass juice every day and pretending that the number they gave me isn't a big deal.  Too much stress already)

[sasparilla]

It may just mean that your RE will have to be more aggressive with the meds or treatment.

[dp40]

Thanks for the advise.  I did not know there are dr's that specialize in high fsh levels nor did I know that these levels change.  When I asked about that Iwas told once they are evelevated that is it.

[alikat1205]

20 is high and your dr. may be thinking that they may change slightly but not enough for his protocol.  But he could be wrong!  But fertility drugs can make it very high, meaning that once you are off them for whatever necessary period of time, your true number may be much lower.  

[Amaterasu]

I know a lot of times doctors want to push for egg donors immediately with women that are trying later in their reproductive years because it is more likely to be successful, but even with the possible FSH elevation due to other treatments your level is still borderline.  Have you had an estradiol test yet?  Were they done on cd 2 or 3?  If you had an estradiol test and it was normal, I think that's a decision you have to make based on your evaluation of the addl risk vs having a child that is genetically yours, your financial situation (can you afford several failures) and what your insurance will cover, if anything (some states only mandate coverage if it is the egg and sperm of a married couple).  If you plan to try your own eggs you should try as soon as possible though.

[sasparilla]

I really might think about getting a second opinion.  RE's don't like a high FSH, but I agree with Alikat, they really can (and do) go much lower.  There are some really good articles about it if you do a search.  Also, it just may mean you have use higher doses of stims to get your eggs going.