5 replies to this topic

[nicgro]

So this is going to sound stupid, but I am just starting my first IVF. I just finished up BCP and will be starting stims anytime between today and Monday (depending on my blood test from this morning). I am just a little confused because I went in for an ultrasound on Tuesday and the idiot who was on call told me that I have 10 follicles on my right ovary, and told me that he couldn't find my left. He actually went as far as telling me I didn't have one!

 

This morning I had to go in again and a different RE was on. She was super nice, and asked me if I have PCOS, I told her yes I do. At that point she called out to the nurse that I have 30+ follicles on my right side, and about the same on my left. She said she isn't going to count each and every one at this point cause I am only on day 3 and haven't even started stims. She said my biggest is 7.5x7.7.

 

None of this means anything to me, and I am extremely confused as to have I suddenly have 20 more. Does this sound right/normal? How many do the rest of you have starting out?

 

Thanks so much and best wish to you all

[Anaïs]

congratulations on embarking on this adventure!

Sometimes the clinic only counts certain sizes of follicles or at the very beginning of a cycle, they don't really pay that much attention on how many as long as you have some at the beginning of cycle. At my first clinic, they counted every single one from the beginning, which now I think of it (after 5 cycles), it was not the best use of time. My current clinic, just put two smily faces in the system for baseline ultrasound to indicate you have some. So maybe the person you had only counted the good size ones (follicles can vary in sizes from the beginning). Sometimes ovaries go in hiding and it can be hard to see on ultrasound. They do move and perhaps your left decided to go in hiding at the beginning. Best of luck.

[Watermelon]

Sounds possible if you have pcos. I had 13-15 per side before starting stims. I do not have pcos, but was told this was "borderline high" by one RE and "pcos like ovaries" by another as my ovaries are quite enlarged (I responded like a pcos patient on Stims with lots of follicles, sky high estrogen, and few mature eggs). Full pcos can certainly result in AFCs like yours. I'd be inclined to trust the count of the second RE who could actually find your ovaries!

[amp77]

I had about 36 the first round and 24 the next round for the reason others have stated - some technicians only count ones of a certain size where others count them all.  The first time, she counted them all, next time, just ones over 3mm or so.  I asked her, where the others went and she said they are likely there but just small and she isn't spending time looking for them.

 

Good luck to you!

[nicgro]

thanks for all your help. Totally makes sense.

 

Good luck to all of you and Amp, congrats on BFP

[huron1209]

I had 11 follicles on both ovaries on AFC. RE told me technically having 12 or more follicles on each side is considered PCO. But I do have very long/irregular cycles and so he still labels me PCO.

 

I don't remember how many on my first U/S, but I do remember the doc on duty that day said I had lots of follicles. I had 15 follicles before ER, 11 eggs retrieved, 9 mature, 7 fertilized by ICSI, ended with 1 day 5 blast and 2 day 6 blasts. 

 

My left ovary has been very shy, so it's hardly been seen on U/S vaginally. Docs at my clinic had to see it abdominally.