:( Hi this is my first time on this message board.
I am feeling really low today(been crying all day) as I have recently gone through IVF (1st attempt) and failed to produced any viable eggs. I am really worried as I am 38 going on 39 and have been trying (naturally) for a baby for over 4 years. I feel so disheartened as I really tought I had a chance. I was on suprefact and gonal f but only managed to produce 3 follicles in my left ovary but none in my right. Only one egg was retrieved, however it was not mature enough. I was on gonal f for 14 days and had 2 shots of ovarielle to mature the eggs. So I guess my ovaries are poor responser which is distressing. I have been reading lots of articles on poor responding ovaries and feel I have no hope of producing a good number of quality eggs because of my age. My doctor mentioned that cycles can vary and I may repsond better on my second attempt, however it is hard to be optomistic considering my age and stats. I am quite healthy and eat well, excercise and in fairly good shape for my age, so this has come a shock and I can't help but feel a a tinge of bitterness, especially when I see women in poor shape getting pregnant at a drop of a hat.

Has any had a similar experience with P.R.O

Hi Katdan, I am so sorry for what you are going through. My heart breaks for you and I honestly feel your pain. I have struggled with quality as well but at the opposite end of the spectrum as I produce way too many eggs. (I know that may seem like the lesser of two evils, but it is still very challenging and emotionally tormenting for us). It's heartbreaking, and I heard yesterday for the first time that my 31 yr old eggs simply may not have what it takes. After 3 IVF stim attempts and 4 transfers, I've resolved to go the donor route next time if this most recent transfer doesn't take. But it is true that every IVF cycle is different and I don't think it is a good idea to stop after just one try. Odds are it WILL take more than one try even if nothing appears wrong! There are various protocols that can be prescribed, and sometimes even just seeing a different RE can produce different results. Hang in ther hun... I hope things start looking up for you very soon. (((HUGS))) for now.

Hi Kari15

Thanks for your reply. It is nice to talk to someone who understands. My Partner and I have have not told our families and friends about the IVF treatment for various reasons. Although my partner is very understanding and has been a great source of support, at times it can be difficult just having him to talk to. Last night I was in tears and told him that I did not want to go through another cycle and face the same disappointment. Although he is more relaxed about having kids than I am and if it never happened he would not be too bothered, he was still able to reassure me and advise me not to make any rash decisions. My emotions are all over the place, an hour ago I was down, now I feel more positive and am contemplating another attempt. I am seeing my doctor on Monday to discuss my options, Just hope I can hold it toghether and not breakdown in front of him.
I hope all goes well with you.
Big Hug and good luck!

Oh I am so glad to hear that you have such a supportive husband! It seems as though our DH's are never quite on the same level as us women with wanting a baby, certainly not emotionally..... but if they can at least empathize when we are down, well it makes a WORLD of difference! Good luck to you on Monday... I hope you get some answers or ideas and can be comfortable making a decision about your next step. Drop a line with an update if you get a chance. :angel:

Hi Katdan and welcome. Im so sorry that your 1st IVF didnt bring you the results you wanted but dont give up, my OB/GYN told me that the 1st cycle really is quite experimental as they really have no idea how our bodies are going to respond to the meds. I have recently gone through my 1st cycle and hyperstimulated so the cycle was cancelled after the retrieval and they froze 9 embies, so next time they will know not to put me on such high amounts if I need to do a fresh cycle again. So it may just be they need to adjust or change your meds. I would definately give it another try, and believe me I know its hard and emotionally draining but it will be so worth it in the end. Wishing you all the best.

Cashahn xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hi KATDAN,

I agree with Cashahn....the first IVF attempt is really unfortunately just a practice run/shot in the dark and anyone who has success the first time around is truly blessed. Don't give up just yet. Now your doctors know that a new protocol is needed and they may just need to change dosages next time around.

I am living proof that all cycles are different! My first IVF we had 6 fertilized embryos total but none made it to blast stage and i did not get pregnant. I too was devastated like you.

Our 2nd IVF we had 18 fertilize!!! What a difference that time! (and the meds weren't really changed). I did get pregnant but had a miscarriage at 11 weeks.

This last IVF #3....i only had 9 follicles. We only got 5 eggs, and 4 were mature enough to perform ICSI. 3 fertilized embies resulted and were transferred last week.

My point is....we had a HUGE difference between Cycle 2 and Cycle 3 and these were only 6 months apart.

So, who knows...next time maybe you'll get 10 or even 20!!! Just don't give up after the fisrt try!:)

Thank you Beeswife and Cashan

Just got back from my Doc appt and he pretty much described what you both have outlined. I am going to leave it for a couple of cycles, do some Yoga and acupunture for balance and stress as I tend to get stessed over the slightless thing, and try again. I was worried that I might be peri-menapausal, but he assured me that was not the case as my hormone levels are normal.


Thanks for you support