Medication Question on Injectables

[10_07]

I am curious how Follistim works. I used clomid day 3-7 and took folllistim on day 7, 6, 9 and again today- day 10. But I only have 2 follies that are ready to go, 22 & 20.5- 1 almost ready at 17 and a bunch of smaller ones. The RE opted to put IUI off until Friday to give the 17mm follie time to mature. My OPK was negative yesterday and today so the timing should be ok, but I am wondering; Does follistim just help produce more eggs or will the follistim make the follicles grow faster? I know the average growth is 1-2mm a day so I will at least have 3 follies for Friday but I am hoping some of the others that were only at 12 and 15 will mature as well. I am so bummed I don't have more follicles. Last time I had 5 on this protocol.

[Kricket212]

I am not sure what will happen yet.  I am hoping that I have a few more prior to retrieval.  You can get an idea of how many you have because they always do a baseline for IUI/IVF so you know how many you have to work with.  
I understand about the fiances being covered because I would not want to pay either.  If I knew that folliciles were going to drop/go away so quickly I would never have wasted my time doing IUI last month.  I am glad I am back to iVF.

[10_07]

Oh ok... sorry! That is amazing how there can be such a difference and that was on the same protocol? I am surprised they go ahead with retrieval, though I don't know much about IVF. My hubby and I were considering IVF if this cycle doesn't work but since about half of the cost will come out of our pocket we are a little unsure. If I continue with IUI then everything is covered for another 4 or 5 trys.

[Kricket212]

You are not understanding what I wrote.
When I did IVF I had 13 follicles (that is where the egg grows) at retrieval I had 7 eggs.
For this IVF  I only have 3/4 folliciles at this point.........didnt have retrieval yet.  Probably a few more days.  I am guessing maybe 2 eggs.
I know you are the same age as me so if you can IVF I would go for it.    

[10_07]

Yes, very frustrating! The whole point of me adding the follistim was because I said I wanted to be more aggressive. I can get 3 follicles on the clomid alone. I feel like I wasted $400 for the injections! Oh well it only takes one right? (which I know is true but doesnt make me better any better) Maybe the follie that was at 15 will catch up by Friday? Are yo going to transfer all 6?

[Kricket212]

Follistim will help grow all folliciles another 1-2 cm.  You will probably have 3 for this cycle.
Do you see where I am going with my complaints of follies for the IVF though.  I started out with 13 & now only have 6.  How in the world does that happen in 5 months.  The Dr just says it's the age & really not other explanation.  It's crazy!!!!!!!!!!  
Good Luck to you!!