4618 replies to this topic

[Trish]

We are waiting to get a referral for our 2nd IVF. I just turned 41 2 days ago. We have a 6 year old dd from our 1st IVF!
Hope it doesn't take too long to get in to speak to Drs & get on wait list.
Is any one else here waiting for referral?

[alma2]

Hi ladies,

 

I am 42, new here and so glad to have found this forum.  I've been very late to start my fertility treatments and initially wasted quite a bit of time on IUI, unfortunately.

My first two cycles of IVF/ICSI were unsuccessful.

I am about to start my third cycle.  The plan is to proceed just as in cycle 2: BCP, then 300iu Menopur for about 10 days.

I am worried that this protocol is not sufficiently aggressive given that I am a low responder (only 2 follicles in IVF #1, and 3 follicles during IVF #2) with DOR and low AMH.

 

I would really appreciate to learn what kind of protocols have been used in women over 40 with DOR who got pregnant. Or is there a more suitable place to post this question?

 

Thank you all so much,

 

Alma

[mouse]

FWIW, I never had BCP included in my protocols. My REs tended to think it would over suppress my ovaries and lead to fewer eggs.

 

Fingers crossed for you!

[alma2]

thank you, mouse, that's definitely helpful to know.  May I also ask about the approximate dosage of your stimulation meds?  

It seems like the 300iu I am receiving are rather low compared to what I have found here so far.

 

Thanks again!

 

Alma

[NYCdaenerys]

Alma - I am on my third cycle of the co-flare protocol. Before that I did a cycle that was cancelled due to lack of development.  My doctor has been happy with the results.  I just transferred on Sunday - there were 9 eggs, 8 were mature and 4 fertilized. The meds I start with are no suppression (which surprises my RE), then .2 lupron, decrease to .1 and add in 450 Follistim and 150 Menopur and the Follistim gets dialed down according to how strong my response is. Good luck!  He thinks it's just finding a good egg - hopefully there is one.

 

Hi mouse!

[SunshineTTC]

Similar to Mouse, no BCP for me, over-suppression.  But I've used much lower meds also, i.e. "mini-IVF". Higher doses did nothing more for me vs. lower doses, therefore waste of money.  As in, if you normally ovulate on your own, and then got only 1 egg with 300 IU meds... you pretty much wasted $300/day.  If you do start with BCP suppression, then you do have to go with higher doses of meds to counter that suppression.  If I'm to try 1 last cycle, my RE did say he would up the doses in a "give it our all, nothing to lose, no regrets" last ditch effort just in case it suddenly makes a difference. 

[alma2]

Thanks, NYCdaernerys and SunshineTTC, so much your replies and the helpful information.  And yes, totally agreed-- one just needs to find this *one* good egg!

 

I believe that my doctor started the bcp because in the first IVF cycle my ovulation wasn't sufficiently suppressed and the follicles were already luteinized when trying to retrieve the eggs.  But I should definitely ask him about this.

 

@NYCdaernerys: it sounds like your protocol is working really well.  That's great!  Wishing you best of luck that it will be positive.

I will definitely ask about this protocol.

 

@SunshineTTC: thanks a lot, that's really good to know.  Yes, my doctor also says that higher doses would only make me spend more $$$ but we haven't tried higher doses, so I don't know how I would respond.  If it helps I'd definitely be willing to spend more.  Right now, I feel like I am pretty close to this 1 last cycle mindset...

Also, you mention that you took DHEA at some point.  May I ask why you stopped this?  I've been hearing about DHEA or testosterone patches that apparently improve the quality of the eggs and increase live birth rates such that I was thinking of asking whether this could be added as well.

 

Thanks again so much for your help,

 

Alma

[mouse]

I looked through a bunch of old posts yesterday to see if I could find my doses but so far no luck. I was 43 (nearly 44) at the time we first tried IVF and 48 for my last. 

 

For the first attempt, I took Menopur, Gonal F and Bravelle with Ganerelix added after a couple of days.  I also had 3 days of dexamethasone between retrieval and transfer. I had 7 mature eggs, 4 fertilized but one lost it's polar body so we transferred 3 on day 3 and got a BFN

 

For my second attempt, I had a timed single shot of Cetrotide then started on Bravelle, Gonal, and Menopur again, with Ganerelix again after a couple of days and the dex in between ER and ET.  My doses were higher for the second attempt than for the first but not outrageous.  We again had 7 mature eggs, all 7 fertilized so we transferred the best 4 on day3 and watched the remaining 3 to see if they'd be good enough to freeze.  Unfortunately my clinic has stringent freezing criteria and even though the 3 would have been good enough for transfer, my clinic said they had too much fragmentation to freeze.  We initially had  3 sacs, then 2 babes, one with a slow heart beat, resulting in one perfect take home baby.

 

My most recent attempt was largely similar although doses may have been higher again. I had 4 eggs (expected only 2), all fertilized and developed to day 3normally and were transferred but we ended up with another ectopic.

 

I was on DHEA for about 5 months leading up to my first attempt and had worsening FSH and AFC while on it. I actually had to stop taking it due to chest pain and heart arrhythmia.  Turns out many REs that work with older gals don't think it's useful for the over 35-40s (or for those with diminished ovarian reserve or PCOS) and that even for younger women it only helps if natural levels are less than optimal. Otherwise it may actually hinder egg development. Also, since some of the side effects can be serious and permanent,  it's wise to be sure your levels are monitored throughout.

 

http://haveababy.com/fertility-information/ivf-authority/dhea-and-ivf-harmful-in-certain-cases 

 

Hi NYC!

[alma2]

mouse, thank you so much for the detailed information, and particularly the warning about DHEA.  I had looked at a few studies that either reported improvement or no difference but I didn't come across anything saying it could actually hurt success of treatment.  So, that's really good to be aware of.

 

I am so happy for you that it worked out for you-- though you make the point that it's 'only' an anecdote it still makes people like me hopeful.

 

Anyhow, thanks again,

 

Alma

[Corine]

Hi ladies,

 

I am 42, new here and so glad to have found this forum.  I've been very late to start my fertility treatments and initially wasted quite a bit of time on IUI, unfortunately.

My first two cycles of IVF/ICSI were unsuccessful.

I am about to start my third cycle.  The plan is to proceed just as in cycle 2: BCP, then 300iu Menopur for about 10 days.

I am worried that this protocol is not sufficiently aggressive given that I am a low responder (only 2 follicles in IVF #1, and 3 follicles during IVF #2) with DOR and low AMH.

 

I would really appreciate to learn what kind of protocols have been used in women over 40 with DOR who got pregnant. Or is there a more suitable place to post this question?

 

Thank you all so much,

 

Alma

Hi Alma,

 

I'm 39 and starting my second cycle of IVF/ICSI.  My Dr. is trying a couple of new meds with me this cycle to try and improve egg number and quality: 7 days of Saizen for priming before AF and then for the stimming I'll be using Puregon instead of Bravelle but the same dosage (225).  I'll be using Menopur (225-same as before) and Orgalutron again, also. I also started taking DHEA (75 mg) daily more than a month ago as this is supposed to help as well. My first cycle I ended up with 5 embryos but only two made it for transfer.  So, we'll see if this works any better than the first time with the new meds.  I hope this info helps.  Feel free to connect with me to chat or just support each other.  It's not easy going through all this!

 

Corine

[hopeforever]

Good morning everyone. Thanks to all who have shared their stories. I am 41 and my DH had a PESA last spring due to a vasectomy years ago. Successfully froze several straws. Since then we completed 3 IVF cycles with an ICSI and "freeze all" protocol. First cycle 4 eggs retrieved and 4 good quality frozen embies. Second cycle 2 retrieved and 2 good quality frozen. Third cycle last month we retrieved 3 and 3 good quality frozen. We now have 9 (day 3) embies ready for FET. Currently waiting one month to clear my body of the stims before first attempt at a FET next month. Taking prenatals with 5mg folic acid, vitamin D, CoQ10, and Omega 3. FET protocol is 2mg estrace 3xday until transfer, then prometrium (not sure dose yet). Like lots of you I have done so much reading, worrying and analyzing that my head is swimming. We have decided to stop all of the researching and relax as best as possible. Trying to create a calm environment and let our RE and team manage all of the science. I've been doing acupuncture and meditation as much as possible and getting outside when the weather is nice. Focusing on deep breathing when I feel the worry creeping in. RE wants to transfer 3 embies on our first FET attempt next month. It's starting to feel so real. Quite excited! 

[sherrylynnne]

Hi Everyone 

I am new to blogging but will give this shot. Me and my husband found each other later in life. First marriage no children. Married July 12, 2014 and we have been trying since May of 2014 to conceive. We just had our follow up meeting at the Ottawa Fertility Clinic. The results were hopeful, however have more questions now than ever. 

We are both overweight and the Dr. said it will be more challenging getting pregnant. He wanted me to look into Bariatric surgery. I'm 41 now and according to the info I have seen even if I did attempt the surgery, you can not get pregnant in the first 2 years.  Anyone else feel like they are on a time crunch ?

 

I am wondering if anyone finds it hard to keep positive and not stressed about ovulation time and making sure you hit all those days.  Seems like a job sometimes lol  

 

Look forward to getting to know people with the same struggles as me 

 

Sherry 

[elbedford]

Hello Ladies,

 

Looking for our one golden egg too and a bit of support through this process - as i am feeling a bit wobbly today  

After 3 failed IVF attempts I conceived naturally and gave birth to my DS 09/01/13 at age 44 yrs 6 months.  I also have a 16 year old DD.

Have done 2 rounds after birth of my baby with no success - only one or two eggs retrieved, none fertilised well. We would so love one more babe.

I am now on Day 7 of stims (Pergoveris), after about 2 weeks of downreg with Suprecur - at 2nd appointment yesterday had only 3 follies (saw possible 6 at first appt).

Going back in 2 days for another inspection.

After a break I am trying DHEA, CoQ10, fish oils, etc for this round - seems to have made no difference to quantity - will have to see about quality.

Thanks ladies,

 

 

 

Me 46

DH 47

DD 03/14/98

DS 09/01/13

[MeAgain101]

Hi ladies,
 
I am 42, new here and so glad to have found this forum.  I've been very late to start my fertility treatments and initially wasted quite a bit of time on IUI, unfortunately.
My first two cycles of IVF/ICSI were unsuccessful.
I am about to start my third cycle.  The plan is to proceed just as in cycle 2: BCP, then 300iu Menopur for about 10 days.
I am worried that this protocol is not sufficiently aggressive given that I am a low responder (only 2 follicles in IVF #1, and 3 follicles during IVF #2) with DOR and low AMH.
 
I would really appreciate to learn what kind of protocols have been used in women over 40 with DOR who got pregnant. Or is there a more suitable place to post this question?
 
Thank you all so much,
 
Alma

We did estrogen priming protocol ... I have DOR.. Very aggressive meds Gonal F 450iu per day with 75 menopur - I had one follicle, one egg, fertilized naturally (no ICSI) and he is now 7mo old
It also used Medrol 16mg for 5 days starting 2 days prior to ER - a steriod I totally believe in .. For me.. The cycle that failed I didn't get it.. Two cycles I took, they worked

[#3@44]

I had a successful round at age 43 (gave birth at 44).  Used 450 total units for each round and always used BCP.  For last (successful) cycle, I also did an endo biopsy.  Good luck to all.

[t-bird]

Hello all,

I see that this forum is well established, but I hope you will allow me to join as I just turned 43 a few weeks ago and am starting my IVF journey in the next few weeks to conceive our first child. 

 

We have just been accepted into the IVF program and I have no idea what the future holds for us, but I am optimistic (despite the somewhat gloomy odds!).

 

Thanks in advance for allowing me to post in your group.

[mouse]

Fingers crossed! 

[Muminwaiting]

Welcome t-bird

[Sweets70]

Wishing you all the best t-bird...!!

[Highest hopes]

Hi all, & welcome to the new people!

 

I am 46 and in perimenopause, and since my laparoscopy which I had 5 months ago for endometriosis that included excision of an endometrioma (ovarian cyst), it doesn't look like  I've ovulated. Before the surgery, my cycles were irregular for about a year and I was ovulating about 50% of the time. I've read that it can take 3-6 months for the hormones to "bounce back" after removal of ovarian cysts, but it's too soon to tell if that will happen for me or if the surgery (the missing piece of my ovary) has permanently changed things so that I won't ovulate again. 

 

Anyways... starting the first steps towards a FET and we've received requisitions for testing, including hormone testing.

Wondering if any of you have thoughts about Progesterone:

• For the Progesterone test which is supposed to be 7 days before the start of my next cycle, do you know how I'm supposed to figure out when to take the test since I have no idea how long my cycle is going to be? This cycle, just like my last couple, it seems like my body is trying to ovulate but then it doesn't, and then it tries 1-2 more times over a couple of weeks and then gives up. 
• Also do you think it's best to do the estrogen and progesterone tests all within the same cycle?  i.e. right now I could do the Prog. test and then do the remaining tests at the start of my next cycle, but assume it's best to be able to compare the estrogen and progesterone within the same cycle.
• Really, I wonder if these tests even matter for a FET ... but, maybe they matter as far as what levels of estrogen/progesterone they will prescribe for the FET cycle, if it's not a standard amount for everyone. I've never done a FET so I feel like it's kind of a mystery - I am on the learning curve about how it works.
• Also just wondering if anyone supplements with Progesterone for the purposes of preventing uterine problems? I just visited a menopause clinic and they advised me to do so, on cycles where I don't seem to ovulate. If a woman goes on too long not ovulating and not supplementing, they said there is a risk of uterine growths and then potentially (rare) cancer.  Has anyone been told this and do you supplement?

I will of course be following up with my practitioners on these issues as well, but would appreciate any opinions here.

 

Thx

[Highest hopes]

Hi, here's a post that pertains to this group re: induction for 40+ (Or even 39)
https://ivf.ca/forums...t-39-years-old/

Would be interested to hear people's comments or experiences.

[t-bird]

I had my IVF orientation on Friday and learned that they are going to be doing a "short protocol" with me. That means that I will be starting my stims on Day 3 of my next cycle.

 

The good news is that they did an ultrasound of my ovaries and found that I have one nice big follicle that is ready to burst any day now. 

 

Fingers and toes are crossed that I will get a BFP before we start IVF. But realistically, nice to know that we are scheduled to start IVF in two weeks time!!

[GabyP]

Just giving you hope. I am 51 and in week 36, with a donor egg. Did gardening all day and still working, and doing what I usually do. Healthy, happy and this pregnancy is easier and more fun than my first, 25 years ago. I feel fantastic and am just so excited.

[t-bird]

Congratulations GabyP! That is very exciting news. Best of luck to you!!!

[Pam4845]

Hello ladies. Just to give you an update

Our little man arrived last night at 7:12 pm. 8 lbs 9oz and 21 1/2" long. John Williams Robert we call him Jack. My GS's labour was great and in 3 pushes he was out. Everyone is doing great. We are over the moon excited to finally meet him.