clomid challenge test

[macey99]

I had my fsh level tested on day 3 and my levels were at 20. I did ccct and on day 10 retested and my level was found to be at 9.5. What does this mean? My husband and I have been trying to conceive for 2 years. My doctor suggested ivf as my only option. Does this sound correct?

[Forum-M.D.-SP]

If either the day 3 or the day 10 level exceed 10, then your clomid challenge test is positive. FSH comes from the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the skull, and drives the ovary to make estrogen and mature an egg. If your ovaries are not working as well as they should, then your pituitary reacts by increasing the FSH level to 'push' the ovary. Thus the level of 20 means your ovaries have fewer eggs. How to interpret this FSH level depends on your age. If you are in your upper 30s or 40s, I am afraid that your chances are not good. If you are younger, you may not respond to fertility drugs, but if you do respond then your chances of getting pregnant are not that much lower than if your FSH were normal. It is impossible to predict with certainty how you will respond, but with an FSH of 20 I am concerned. The only way to know might be to try. As for IVF being the preferred treatment, I cannot comment since I do not know your entire history.

[Lucia07]

Hi,
I'm 33 years old I have a blocked left tube and problems ovulating on my own.  My husband's sperm is great.  I have been doing fertility treatments for 3 months now, 3 cyles of Clomid and 2 cycles of IUI (currently on 2ww).  I'm not sure this IUI cycle worked because I can feel period cramps and I don't have any pg symptoms.  My question is: What process should we do next?  Injections or IVF.  My insurance covers some but not everything.  I read and heard that the chances of a successful IVF for a women under 35 are very good.  I'm confused and concerned.  Please advise.

[NCsmom]

It sounds reasonable, but I would get a second opinion. I spoke to two doctors two years ago who both told me my chances of conceiving---even with IVF---were less than 5%. I'm so glad I didn't let them discourage me. I had a perfect little boy at age 40---with my own egg---in January. I actually had previously had a terrible IVF cycle and had to go back to IUI for insurance purposes. After 18 months of trying I finally added acupuncture to the mix and was pregnant within about ten weeks.

Your FSH seems high, but I've heard of it bouncing around and even then being OK. You don't mention your age, so I assume it's an age-appropriate number. Again, I would talk to another doctor and maybe an acupuncturist too.

My point to you is---don't live and die by what one doctor tells you, especially when he stands to make about 12K off the decision. Talk to someone else. I was appalled that my doctors thought it was all about them...didn't expect me to do anything but show up for the blood draws and ultrasounds. They completely discounted some other health issues I had and my one cup a day Starbucks addiction. (I think my acupuncturist's suggestion to quit coffee was a huge factor.) I know acupuncture can't cure every problem, but I believe it put my body back in synch and let it do what it should have been doing all along.

If your second opinion backs up the first doctor, still consider getting some nutritional or other counseling to help make the most of your IVF cycle. I've NEVER been a health-food-yoga type person, but I'm a believer now.

Good luck!