Is IVF an option for me?

[megaloo]

Hi, I'm 31 with unexplained infertility. I have had an HSG (all clear) and had three failed IUI's (2 with Clomid and one with Gonal F). I got mild OHSS on 75 iu of Gonal F in April and my cysts did not resolve when I got my period. I had a full pelvic ultrasound in May which showed multiple cysts on both ovaries. The radiologist could not rule out an endometrioma.  I am on the birth control pill this month to supress my ovaries to get rid of the cysts. This injectible cycle in April has caused me three months of grief.

I am concerned that I hyperstimulated on such a low dose of Gonal F. I am set to have a lap in September and my RE wants to try me again on injectibles after that (assuming everything is okay).  I would rather go straight to IVF in case I hyperstimulate again so I would have a greater chance of conception.

In reading about IVF, I know the drug levels will be much higher than what I was on in April in which I got mild OHSS.  My question is, what are my chances of being able to do IVF? Is that fact that I hyperstimulated on such a low dose of Gonal F an issue?  I am concerned of getting a very serious case of OHSS if I do IVF and I am concerned my options on having a baby are running out.

Your advice in this situation is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[USF-M.D.-JM]

OHSS is always a real concern. The risk is reduced when doing IVF, but it can still happen. I would not use the April cycle as a guarantee either way, just that it happened and close monitoring. The cause or the suspected cause of OHSS is very medical and difficult to explain, nothing that we can really control.
If the cyst does not resolve ( simple follicular cyst go away on their own, the birth control pill keep new ones from forming, if they don't go away then I  would think endometrioma, but endometriomas can often be diagnosed by good sonographers ) if it is an endometrioma than surgery. If the cyst resolves than why do surgery if you are going to do IVF. What is your FSH? If your FSH is below 10, by most lab standards, time is on your side.
HOPE THIS HELPS..........

[megaloo]

I should add that I got OHSS after my Ovidrel trigger, but my E2 levels on 75 iu of Gonal F at time of OHSS was only 395 and I had only one confirmed mature follicle and 2 small cysts.