Gonal F vs Follistim

[pixystix]

Dear Dr., my first IVF attempt just failed. I am 34, had one high FSH level of 10.9 (has been between 7 & 8 since), and a failed CCCT (day 3 FSH of 8 & day 10 FSH of 10.2). For the first attempt we used Lupron, 300iu Follstim and 150iu Menopur. We had 13 eggs, 11 fertilized and only 2 were suitable for transfer, the rest showing abnormalites. Of the two, one had 3 cells and one had 4 cells, both were grade 4s, grade 1 being highest. My RE wants to try Gonal F 375 and Lupron and Menopur as before, aslo ICSI and AH. Can the change to Gonal F help improve egg quality? Can ICSI help since there is no male factor issue? Should we even be trying since I failed the CCCT?
Any insight you could offer would help.

[John Kim, M.D.]

I do not think there are any differences between Gonal F and Follistim but your doctor does want to increase the dose which may be helpful. I think your doctor wants to do ICSI and AH to try to increase the chances of having better embryos. It is up to you whether to do more IVF but one thing that is going for you is your age. The increased FSH and CCT have less predictive value in younger patients. I have seen patients like you get pregnant with IVF. I wish you success.

[pixystix]

Thank you so much for a helpful and positive response. I feel so much better since reading this!