Diminished Ovarian Reserve

[Atia_Julii]

I recently did my first IVF Cycle where I only had 5 eggs retrieved (Long Lupron Protocol) and only 1 fertilized, and that 1 didn't grow.  I went and got a second opinion because I was disgusted after my first cycle, and the new doctor I saw said she thinks I have diminished ovarian reserve. (DOR)  My FSH and estradiol levels have always been perfect, I'm relatively young at 29.  I just don't get it!!!  But the second opinion DR said that my antral follicle count (The # of follicles I have at the beginning of each cycle) is low.

Has anyone else experienced this or something similar, and were you able to successfully conceive through IVF?

[Helen72]

I hope this different protocol works better for you!

[Atia_Julii]

I just had my WTF appointment (You can probably figure out what the WTF stands for) and it sounds like I'm going to go to a microdose lupron flare protocol which is a good protocol with low responders, which I appear to be.  Feel free to check out the details at:
www . infertilityishard . wordpress . com

[40smama]

Atia - i googled a lot of stuff yesterday about ovarian reserve and found out  a lot of the same stuff that you've discovered - that even when fsh & estradiol numbers are good, you can still have dor & they highly recommend doing a amh just like you've done.

I think further research would benefit you - like helen said, a change in protocol - especially one w/out the Lupron - might do the trick.  If I could think of the link that I read about change in protocol, I'll send it to you - good luck and I hope things work out for the better! - jen

[Atia_Julii]

Thanks ladies.  You are all great. :-D  I did have a blood test done to check FSH.  Is that the test you are referring to?

mlb1234 - I will PM you. :-D

[mlb1234]

I agree with Helen.  What did you think of the other clinic?  PM me!!  I see dr. D on the 24th!

[Helen72]

You know, a different protocol w/o Lupron may be better for you.  A change in protocol made a huge difference for several ladies on this forum.  Typically, your RE learns a lot from the first try, including how you respond to different drugs.  With normal fsh I would give it another try.

[shellbell75]

Atia, So sorry that your IVF didnt work, but when I had first started seeing my RE he did a test to check my Ovarian Reserve and it was a blood test, did your RE did a blood test to check your ovarian reserve? My RE thinks that was important my ins didnt cover it I thought it was a scam or something but I think I paid $175 to take that test...good luck! And he told me I have quite a good reserve when my results came back. This was one of the first test he did and it was the first day of seeing him.

[SueGre]

Wow I didn't know about that test. I'm so sorry you're going through this at such a young age. I'm going through it at 41 but it's got to be even more devastating at your age. Have you considered acupuncture? I've been going for 3 cycles. My acupuncturist has an excellent success rate with women over 35. He says his average success time is 4 months. He says compared to some of his patients, I'm young. I loved hearing that! Maybe give it a try.

[Atia_Julii]

I thought if FSH and E2 was normal, than all was good too.  Apparently, there is a test called the antral follicle count which is a transvaginal ultrasound that shows your resting ovaries at the beginning of a cycle.  I had 6 follicles on one ovary, and 5 on another.  Apparently, for a woman my age, I should have 10 on each. :-(

[SueGre]

I'm confused. I thought if you're FSH and E2 are good then everything is fine. There are always unwelcome hidden surprises, aren't there? I am 41 and have DOR but that's fairly common in my age. I wish you the very best of luck.

~Sue