IVF at 41

I have done 2 IVF cycles and produce 21 eggs 17 fertilized then 22 eggs 12 fertitlized. The quality was a grade 2 with 1 being the best. There was some fragmentation on day 3 tranfer and 2 of the eggs divide to 10 cells which I believe is to fast. I know my age is a factor and success rate your low but the doctor says I produce above average. I have done acupuncture, yoga, and medication but I'm still stressed. What advise can you give me.

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
Wow!  Your ovaries are in GREAT shape! You produce lots of eggs, the problem for you is going to be that a large percentage of them will be abnormal. Has your doctor discussed PGD with you?  (pre-implantation genetic diagnosis?) This is somewhat controversial, but would allow you to transfer only the chromosomally normal embryos which have the best chance for implantation, etc.  It would also reduce your risk of a major birth defect in any liveborn children.  At the very least you should discuss it with your doctor.
Another way to help "up the ante" is to transfer blastocysts.  If the embryos make it to day 5, there is a much higher chance that they will survive. Also, at age 41, you should probably transfer the maximum number of embryos that your RE will allow.  
My final thought is, what about counseling?  Many centers offer counseling to reduce stress for couples going through IVF.  The lower your stress level, the better!
It seems to me though, that you have an excellent prognosis,
Good luck!
Dr B
The only other advice I can give you is to keep trying.  Surely one of those eggs is a good one!