Infertility with high FSH level

Can anyone out there HELP ?   I went to a Infertility doc last week . MY FSH was 16.6  . What do I do ? Do we have a chance to have a baby ? I was in shock when the doc. told me. Now whats my next step?
thank you !!!

[Juliasmommi]

Well, I am sorry to hear you heard this stressful news.I know a few gals in this situation and one is pregnant now with a baby. She went thru IVF with donor eggs...perhaps that might be an option if you were open to it. Perhaps some other members know of the chances with your own eggs.

[adgal]

Well, I learned not that long ago that your FSH can change on a month to month basis.  Is your OB going to repeat the test next month?  I know we have had a few members conceive with high FSH levels.  Did your Dr. have any advice for you?  I wish you luck!!

[belana]

The most important advice is -- don't freak!  Yes, you can get pregnant. I did. and so have other women I have met on this forum.  

Here's my story:  At the age of 39, after trying to conceive for 11 months and having 3 biochemical pregnancies (I did a pg test every month a few days before my period and 3 times got positive but got period a few days later anyway), I went to a reproductive specialist (RE) .  In our first meeting, he told me that my chances of having a healthy pregnancy were low bc of my age (in other words, most of my eggs were defective)  and did a FSH test which came out at 14.7 (which he said meant I was also running out of eggs).  I completely freaked and researched it as much as possible --and then switched doctors bc I wanted someone more positive.  The next month, my FSH was 3.5!  It stayed low for 2 more months and then went high again (13.8).  During that time, my DH and I tried gonal f to increase fertility but I was never able to produce more than 3 eggs and no more pregnancies. After trying for 4 months, we decided to try in vitro last November. I was on  a double dose of drugs and so hopeful. But after about 14 days of drugs, I only produced 2 eggs and the invitro was cancelled and converted to IUI. I can't tell you how absolutely devastated I was.  I cried for days. But we decided to try our best with the eggs I had and did the IUI and had lots of sex.  Amazingly, I got pregnant -- and kept it!  I'm now 17 weeks pregnant, at the age of 40 with a very healthy baby. All tests have come back great!!   FSH does jump up and down on a monthly basis and your test results do NOT mean that you can't have a baby or that your baby won't be healthy.  Stay positive and keep trying. I would also suggest you reading the book "A Few Good Eggs".  It really helped me learn alot about my body and the whole fertility issue, and is such a warm, positive book.   Please keep us posted.

[prevatt77]

My FSH was 16.4 when I concieved my son.  He is now 10 weeks old.  I was 41 at delivery.  However, your numbers can go up and down each month, I wouldn't worry too much.

[anati]

Incredible and reassuring story ! even I need to do FSH3 test next week, and I had dreaded it, not because of a fertility issue, I am very fertile so to speak., and have gotten pregnant twice in 6 mths, but unfortunatly miscarried, and am currenlty undergoing extensive testing.

I know that FHS3 tests only show Docs, which fertiltiy treatment to go with, rather than predict fertility, but what ever the result, is I was told that at the age of 40 (I just turned 40), the FSH is higher anwyay by default if compared to a 25 yr old woman ! thats pretty obvious. The POINT is to persue the right fertility treatment, and of course hope for the best.

BTW, I just read a scientific article that raw wheatgrass juice may have beneficial attributes to improving egg quality, and perhaps even lowering FSH levels ! It's attributes to general health have always been amazing, but now they are attributing it to fertiltiy  too.


Best Regards,
Anette