fertilization failure

Hi all -
My husband and I have been trying to conceive for about a year.  After 9 clomid/gonal-f IUI cycles we opted for IVF.  After they retreived 18 of my eggs, it turns out that only 1 fertilized properly.  My dr. said that that is the reason that we have not been getting pregnant, but didn't really elaborate on way this happened.  Has anyone heard of this before, when sperm/eggs don't fertilize when male factor infertility is not a problem?

[prayin4child]

I've gone thru IVF twice now.  The first time I had 9 eggs but only three fertilized and even then it's because they used ICSI. My husband's sperm analysis has always been fine.  So I don't think that it's uncommon for this to happen.  The second IVF my RE used ICSI for all 6 eggs I had.  I think sometimes egg quality can hinder fertilization as well.  

[lpg78]

Did they tell you anything that could improve your egg quality?  good luck w/ this cycle!

[prayin4child]

Thanks!  We won't try again until January.  We are taking a break right now.  I've had two BFN!! So January will be our third IVF cycle.  The only thing my doctor is doing differently this next time is using Antagon instead of Lupron shots.  He has also increase my follistim and menopur dosages.  Good luck to you and keep in mind that it only takes one little good embryo for it to work!  

[SLMS]

I have just been through my 1st IVF cycle after 2 IUIs. They retrieved 16 eggs and only one fertilized (not very well I might add). I'm in the middle of my tww right now. My dr. said if this round isn't successfull they will tweak my protocol. In order to avoid hyperstimulation they kept me on the minimum meds to stimulate eggs. They said b/c of my size (kind of thin) and age (29) that the risk of hyperstimulation was likely. It may be the same case with you. If  round 2 of IVF is next for me, they will be more aggresive (aggressive) with my meds that stimulate the eggs. Hope this helps.

[lpg78]

I know...I keep trying to tell myself that too!  I'll know more next week!

[prayin4child]

Best of luck to both of you!  I hope you both get your bfp!!!

[lpg78]

Hi SLMS - I'm 29 too and also in my 2ww...I had one that fertilized normally and 1 that did not...they said that they were shocked that only 1 fertlized and said they would do icsi next time...but didn't really give me any good reasons for failure (I think b/c of age assumed it would be a slam dunk)...also 16 eggs is already a lot...they are thinking that they want more (if you need to go through another round...hopefully not!)? good luck!

[prayin4child]

the tww for me was the hardest part!  It about drove me insane being that close to being pregnant and just not knowing!

[SLMS]

The dr.s big concern for me was that the eggs weren't as mature as he had hoped. I got the same "disapointed/thought it would be a slam dunk" speech as well, which does give me hope for round 2 (if needed). I'm trying to stay positive but it's been 10 days post transfer and negative hpts. I go Friday for blood work/pt. In my case they said ICSI wouldn't have helped. Not exactly sure of details, I was on valium for my embryo transfer when I asked these questions. Should know more next week when I meet with him minus the valium. I have heard amazing stories with ICSI though. Good luck to you, please keep us all posted!!

[lpg78]

OK - Good luck to you...will keep you all posted as well.  My pregnancy test is Tuesday!  so long to wait!

[llenda]

I am getting ready to start my third IVF in about a week.  Both times before I had 9 eggs retrieved and three that fertilized.  Two were of the best grade in the first IVF and still BFN.  My RE says that they are trying to get the embies to all mature at the same time.  If they get them too early, they will not fertilize b/c they are too immature, but if they wait too long then the embies are overcooked (so to speak).  It is hard to tell when exactly is the perfect time (mine seem to always have one dominate follicle, so they are not growing at the same time).  They would like to see estrogen level for a mature egg to be 150-200/mature follicle and would like to see the mature embies at 20-22mm at the retrieval time.  This is just what my RE says helps him determine when he should do the retrieval.  I hope you get your BFP because I feel like prayin4child, it only takes one embie to take.  Good Luck! : )
  

[crossing_our_fingers]

Just wanted to let you know...on my first round of IVF we used Lupron and only got 4 eggs. Two fertilized. On my second round we switched to Antagon and we got 25 eggs. 23 fertilized. We are now 7 weeks and 2 days pregnant. Best of luck to you all.

[lpg78]

thank you all for all the good wishes!  Makes sense about the timing of the follicles...maybe mine were not mature enough (or overcooked)...also, going to ask about antagon (if I need a next time)...crossing_our_fingers, congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!

[prayin4child]

Thanks so much for that encouraging news!  It certainly helps to know that the Antagon seemed to help you guys!  How many embryos did you transfer?  Did you have left over embryos?  We are so discouraged right now with 2 failed cycles.  It's been so emotionally draining!  I love to hear success stories!

[prayin4child]

When do you start your 3rd IVF cycle.  We start ours in January.  Good luck to you on your upcoming cycle!

[crossing_our_fingers]

We transferred 2 embryos. Of course some didn't go through the cell cycles that they wanted them to so they don't freeze them. We actually had 13 left to freeze! The doctor said that the first time my eggs were immature. So for the antagon cycle they really pushed me and it turned out for the best.