Low AMH High FSH - TTC !

[arch5675]

Hi All

I have recently been through the basic tests and have discovered my AMH levels to be 0.9 and FSH to be 9.6

I visited an infertility specialist 2 days back and he looked at the tests and told me he was disappointed ( I had a natural conception in 2007 , but had a miscarriage at 4 months). He mentioned that these values indicated poor ovarian reserve and a higher ovary age compared to my calendar age of 34. Me and my husband want a child and we are committed to go through an IVF. However the doctors analysis and comments left me with very little hope. He mentioned that I should take 2-3 days to cope with "the bad news" and come back to him. We need to make a decision whether to go for 3 cycles of IUI and then IVF or straightaway in for IVF. Both my husband and I travel on work a lot.

I am upset and low and I don't know what to do. Reaching out to see if anyone has had similar results and if yes, what's the best course of action.

Arch

[naturschld]

Hi, I was just reading a book on "How to Get Pregnant" by Dr.Sherman Silber. Here's a quote that I thought might provide some info and help you.  "But in truth, pregnancy rates with this procedure (IUI) are not great unless accompanied by ovarian stimulation with FSH hormones.  Even then the rate is only about 12 percent per cycle.  We have found that when combined with ovarian stimulation, sexual intercourse works just as well as IUI, and is much easier emotionally on the couple.  However, this is not the usual advice.  Many  couples go through six to twelve cycles of IUI and ovarian stimulation, and become exhausted emotionally and financially.  They would have been better off doing no IUI and, if three cycles of ovarian stimulation with regular sexual intercourse failed, going straight to IVF.  It is only the combination of IUI with ovulatory stimulation that seems to result in a respectable 12 percent pregnancy rate per cycle.  IUI itself gives no major improvement over intercourse, and it's less fun."  He was also saying that FSH isn't quite as important as your antral follicle count.  Have you had that checked?  Like Marietta said, you are younger and I think that will help you out.  I bet everything will work out for you in the end.  Good luck with whatever you decide!  SSBD!

[Marietta2000]

Hi Arch!!!

I'm a bit similar to you, but I'm 37.  My FSH is 10, and my AMH 0.71.  I was horrified, as my FSH was only 8 a few months beforehand.  My RE told me that the results meant my follicles were behaving more like those of a 41 year old, that one of 37.  It was upsetting, and I can't understand it.  I have a son, conceived first pop using natural IUI, he was born Dec '05.  My daughter was conceived using IUI, but I needed drugs, as I was ovulating at around day 9.  She was born July '08.  I was lulled into a false sense of security with my easy conceptions, and didn't start trying for baby #3 until April last year.  I had a cancelled IUI, as I over-stimulated, having around 12 large follicles.  But my next two IUIs failed, even though I had good sized follicles.  I didn't want to risk another failed IUI, and I got new tests done, that's when I found out my deteriorated FSH.  My RE said the only way to go was IVF.  But my first IVF failed in January.  I'm now waiting a couple of months, and will do another cycle in April.  I don't understand why your doctor says things are hopeless, as there are women who have had worse results and got pregnant.  Most people doing IVF have challenges, and one of them is diminished ovarian reserve.  Also, you are still relatively young, and they reckon that the biggest factor still to determine your success of a healthy pregnancy is your AGE!!  Even if you are 43 or so, with good FSH, it doesn't mean a lot.  I think you have age still on your side, so I would definitely go for it.  I don't think I would do three IUI cycles though, but it is up to you.  I feel I wasted time and money last year, doing IUI, and I should have just gone straight to IVF.  Definitely don't give up though, because your figures are not that bad, really!!!  They're not optimum, but I still think you have a good change:0)

Take care, and try and think positive!!!  I'm sure you will be fine and get your baby!!!

Marietta