WWYD? (especially for the vets)

Quick hx: I'm 38. DH had a failed vasectomy reversal. Last year we were cancelled during our 1st cycle due to poor response (only 2 large follies and a bunch of tiny ones). 2nd cycle: changed protocol to MCDL and high doses of stims. Going in, I had 11 follicles but...6R, 5M, 2 fert w/ ICSI, transferred both and our DD is a result of that cycle.

Now: after stimming for 11 days, I only have 3 follies (21, 20, 17) and a few little ones. The question is: should we cancel? RE left it up to us. GHI will pay for 2 more cycles, but no more meds. Do we risk going in w/ only 3 follicles? Since we had such poor fert last time and only got 5 out of 11 follies, we're not sure what to do here.

Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

ETA: This is IVF. We cannot do IUI.

Message edited 9/3/2013 8:33:39 PM.

Re: WWYD? (especially for the vets)

I just went through something very similar! First ivf 25 eggs retrieved, 18 fertilized, developed ohss and had to freeze all. Did 2fets which resulted in chemicals. Switched docs, and due to my history was monitored very closely and was almost on the lowest amount of meds possible. 12 eggs retrieved, 6 fertilized, 3 transfered on day 3 ( day 3 was my choice due to possible fertilization problem getting to blast) which resulted in DD ( developed ohss again and was hosputalized one night). When my DD turned 18 months we deidd it was time try again. At the beginning of the summer we attempted another round. All my blood levels looked the same - yes I am 2 years older- but my RE felt the same protocol would again result in 10-14 eggs. Well, didnt work that way. I had many follicles at the beginning but after about 11 days of stimmimg I had 4. I know that 4 is not a bad number at all but for me to go from 25 to 4 was very difficult, especially since we pay for everything oop. After many tears and heartache, I chose to cancel the ivf cycle and we converted to iui. Apparently w someone who as a history of ohss, you can either get a ton or not many. Didn realize how very lucky we got with my DD. It was a very tough decision but my doc and several other re's in the office felt that given my history we could do much better. Given we are unexplained but my doctor is leaning toward some type of fertilization problem, the more eggs the better our chances. It was a very hard decision and quite honestly I am not sure if it was the right one, but it eas the right one given the circumstances. Wishing yu lots of luck!!!

Message edited 9/3/2013 8:26:32 PM.

Re: WWYD? (especially for the vets)

I meant to say we did iui only b/c of the $ and time I already invested. We had done several prior to our first ivf so I was pretty sure it woudnt work but was still hopefull. This past month was so emotional for me I am not sure I can go through this again. I wish you the best of luck with whatever you decide!

Re: WWYD? (especially for the vets)

This is tough call. Has your doctor switched your protocol around throughout these last 3 cycles? If he hasn't, I would cancel it then and make him switch if up. He should be looking into trying different protocols for poor responders. If he has switched them around then it seems like this is what your body can produce and I would just go for it. You have 2 more chances if you need it. Good luck

Re: WWYD? (especially for the vets)

I just went through my first IVF (OOP no IVF coverage) and only had 3 mature follicles. They retrieved 8, 3 fertilized, and only 2 made it to 5dt. Bfn unfortunately. We are going to try iit again, just weighing our options. second opinion next week.

It's a tough and personal decision. For me, I wouldn't cancel bc I would always think...what if one of them was the one, and everyone keeps reminding me...it onlyntakes one :). I've read a lot of success stories from ladies with poor response.

Best of luck to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: WWYD? (especially for the vets)

Sorry I just reread your post after I already replied. I saw he changed your protocol after the first one. I guess I would see if he thinks he can try something else to get a greater response if not then I would go for it since your oop for meds.

WWYD? (especially for the vets)

Its a tough call. Did they say what they would do differently next cycle if you canceled? I prob would cancel since with 3 follicles you may have 1 or 2 that are mature enough for fert. the expensive part about IVF is the retrieval and transfer and I would want to save that for a cycle that has more follicles. Is there anyway you can convert to an IUI?