3rd IVF Cycle

[teamhanson]

We just did our 3rd embryo transfer in a year, The first cycle, we had 3 follicles...1 had no egg, 1 was not mature and 1 fertilized and was transferred but wasnt the greatest quality. We did not get pregnant. 2nd cycle we had 2 retrieved and they both fertilized and developed into 2 really good 8-cell embryos. We got pregnant for all of about 3 days. Devastating.. This last cycle everything was going great. 3 good size follicles (all 19-20) one didnt last the procedure, one did not fertilize and one did. We just transferred that one 8 cell embryo on Monday (9/14/09). Im cramping. Is this normal? Can someone please tell me that im not the only one that can not stimulate numerous follicles? I need some guidance from those that have gone thru this. Also, i was told i have fibroids on the uterine wall. Can this prohibit me in any way?

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
First of all, yes, it is normal to have cramping.  Many Many women write in with that question after transfer.
Secondly, if I were you, I would seriously consider an egg donor.  An optimal number of follicles is AT LEAST 7, and many women produce 20!
You can continue going on as you are, but your RE would be remiss not to tell you that your chances of success are small.  (I hope you write back and call me a dummy when you get pregnant this time around!).
Fibriods CA be a problem depending upon how big they are and where they are.  I had a woman miscarry a beautiful 16 week fetus because the placenta implanted on top of the fibroid.  ( We removed the fibroid and she had a healthy baby later on). If you have large fibroids, Lots of fibriods, or submucousal fibroids, you should give some consideration to myomectomy (removal of fibroids). There are many ways to have this procedure--the newest way is an MRI-guided ultrasonic ablation of the fibroids.  This doesn't require major surgery if it is available in your area.
Good luck!
Dr B

[mature momma]

Hi,
I also did 3 IVF cycles and have a fibroid on the R outer area of my uterus. I was 46 when I first started with my RE. My first cycle we used my eggs and  retrieved 7 eggs, 5 fertilized and 3 made it to transfer. The 3 we transfered were all high grade. It was a day 3 ET. But did not work.  Cycles 2 and 3 were with a donor. On the 3rd try we got 28 eggs. We had 6 make it to blastocyst, transfered 2 on day 5 and froze the rest. About a week after ET I had some mild cramping and nausea. I was pregnant! On October 31, 2008 I had a beautiful little boy. Worth everything I went through and thinking about doing it again. I wish you well and hope for a BFP!!!!!!!!! I would love for you to stay in touch.
D:-)